DC/DC Converter Duty Cycle Control for Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC/DC power supplies face challenges in efficiently regulating output voltage during transient conditions and varying input voltage magnitudes, often requiring complex feedback loops that increase costs and reduce response times.
Innovation Solution
A feed-forward DC/DC power converter system that uses a PWM controller to set the duty-cycle of a switching signal based on predefined threshold voltages, allowing the system to operate in open-loop mode and maintain constant output voltage across different input voltage ranges, thereby eliminating the need for costly feedback components and enhancing response speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a feedback loop is used to regulate output voltage, then output voltage regulation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple duty cycle values corresponding to different input voltage ranges before operation. The controller determines which predefined duty cycle to use based on the current input voltage range, eliminating the need for continuous feedback adjustment during operation. This resolves the contradiction by achieving voltage regulation through advance preparation rather than real-time feedback complexity.
2Reliability
If a feedback loop is used to regulate output voltage, then output voltage regulation is achieved, but response time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-determines appropriate duty cycle values for various input voltage ranges before actual operation. When the input voltage changes, the controller simply selects from the pre-calculated duty cycles based on the current voltage range, rather than waiting for feedback to indicate the need for adjustment. This eliminates feedback delay and achieves immediate response to input voltage changes while maintaining regulation.
3Reliability
If feedback components are used, then output voltage regulation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the feedback components from the traditional DC/DC converter system. Instead of using feedback to regulate output voltage, the system uses open-loop control with pre-defined duty cycles selected based on input voltage range detection. This removal of feedback components directly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining voltage regulation functionality through the alternative control mechanism.
4Device complexity
If open-loop mode is used, then device complexity is reduced, but output voltage regulation capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing preliminary calculation and storage of appropriate duty cycle values for different input voltage ranges. The open-loop controller selects from these pre-determined duty cycles based on detected input voltage ranges, achieving effective output voltage regulation without requiring complex feedback control circuits. The regulation capability is maintained through advance preparation of control parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter (14) can include a switching system (18) to convert a direct current (DC) input voltage to an output voltage based on a switching signal having a duty-cycle. A controller (16) can set the duty-cycle of the switching signal, depending on the DC input voltage, to one of a substantially constant value, such that the output voltage follows the DC input voltage in a normal mode, and a value that varies inversely with respect to the DC input voltage, such that the output voltage is substantially constant in another mode.