DC-DC Converter Phase Shift Synchronization for EMI Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DC-DC converter systems face challenges in efficiently synchronizing multiple converters with different duty cycles, leading to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and inefficiencies due to lack of phase shift adjustment between converters.

Innovation Solution

A DC-DC converter system with configurable phase shift synchronization, where each converter receives a frequency signal, generates a synchronizing signal with adjustable phase shift based on the amplitude of the frequency signal, and uses a phase locked loop to operate on a PWM signal with adjustable frequency and phase, allowing for cascaded operation with adjustable phase shifts between converters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple DC-DC converters are operated with individual PWM signals without phase shift synchronization, then each converter can operate independently with its own duty cycle, but electromagnetic interference increases and system efficiency decreases due to overlapping duty periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter operation independenceVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic phase shift adjustment by detecting the amplitude of the frequency signal and automatically adjusting the phase shift amount. The synchronizing unit generates a phase-shifted synchronizing signal based on the detected amplitude, enabling the converters to dynamically adjust their timing relationships and avoid overlapping duty periods, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining independent operation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the amplitude of the frequency signal is detected and used to control the phase shift amount. The synchronizing unit continuously monitors the frequency signal amplitude and adjusts the phase shift accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically optimizes the timing between converters to prevent EMI while maintaining operational independence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If multiple DC-DC converters are operated with individual PWM signals without phase shift synchronization, then converter configuration is simple, but system efficiency decreases due to overlapping duty periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter configuration simplicityVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service operation where each converter autonomously detects the frequency signal amplitude and automatically adjusts its own phase shift without requiring external control or complex configuration. The synchronizing unit within each converter performs self-adjustment based on the detected signal characteristics, maintaining configuration simplicity while achieving efficient non-overlapping operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the phase shift parameter dynamically based on the detected frequency signal amplitude. By adjusting the phase shift amount according to the amplitude detection results, the system optimizes the timing parameters of each converter to eliminate overlapping duty periods and improve overall system efficiency while keeping the configuration approach simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If phase shift synchronization is implemented in multiple DC-DC converters, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the system requires amplitude detection and phase adjustment mechanisms increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference reductionVSAvoidsynchronization mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal synchronizing unit that performs multiple functions: frequency signal detection, amplitude detection, and phase shift generation within a single integrated component. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby implementing EMI reduction through phase synchronization while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of energy

If configurable phase shift synchronization is implemented, then duty period overlap is prevented improving efficiency, but the system requires adjustable phase shift based on frequency signal amplitude

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidphase shift adjustability requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the phase shift amount based on the detected frequency signal amplitude. The synchronizing unit modifies the phase shift parameter in response to amplitude variations, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions and prevent duty period overlap across varying load and input voltage conditions, thereby maintaining high efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables efficient operation of multiple DC-DC converters with reduced EMI by ensuring no overlap between duty periods, improving the overall efficiency and stability of the converter system.

Implementation Method 1

a synchronizing unit configured to generate a synchronizing signal with a phase shift with respect to the frequency signal, wherein the phase shift is generated based on amplitude of the frequency signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shift:

Implementation Method 2

a regulator configured to convert a first given signal to a first converted signal, wherein the regulator is phase locked with the synchronizing signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase locked loop:

Data Source

PatentUS10992232B2DC-DC converter system with configurable phase shift synchronization
Publication Date: 2021.04.27 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US10992232B2 patent drawing
  • US10992232B2 patent drawing
  • US10992232B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A converter system includes a first converter that includes a synchronizing terminal configured to receive a frequency signal, a synchronizing unit configured to generate a synchronizing signal having a phase shift with respect to the frequency signal, wherein the phase shift is generated based on amplitude of the frequency signal, and a regulator configured to convert a first given signal to a first converted signal, wherein the regulator is phase locked with the synchronizing signal.