DC-DC Converter Digital PWM Generators Varying Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

DC-DC switching converters face challenges in properly controlling power regulation due to varying power requirements of semiconductor chips, especially when powered by batteries with small capacities, as they need to manage sudden changes in output power effectively.

Innovation Solution

A digitally controlled DC-DC converter is implemented, utilizing a high side switch and a low side switch in series with an output inductor and capacitor, along with multiple PWM signal generators and logic circuitry to select PWM signals based on output voltage levels, allowing for dynamic adjustment of duty cycles to maintain regulated power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single PWM signal generator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying power requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying power requirementsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PWM signal generator is divided into multiple independent generators (first PWM signal generator, second PWM signal generator, etc.), each capable of generating PWM signals with different duty cycles. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to varying power requirements by selecting appropriate generators, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects which PWM signal generator to use based on real-time power requirements and output voltage levels. The logic circuitry enables dynamic switching between different PWM signals with varying duty cycles, allowing the converter to adapt its behavior to changing conditions while maintaining a fixed physical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PWM signal generators are used, then the adaptability to varying power requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying power requirementsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple PWM signal generators are designed with similar internal structures and functions, each capable of generating PWM signals but with different duty cycle characteristics. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to handle various power requirements using standardized building blocks, improving adaptability while controlling complexity through design consistency.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The logic circuitry monitors the output voltage level and provides feedback to select the appropriate PWM signal generator. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system automatically adjusts its complexity by activating only the necessary PWM generators based on current operating conditions, balancing adaptability with device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If the duty cycle is increased to meet sudden power demands, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the output voltage stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidoutput voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the duty cycle parameter of the PWM signal based on detected output voltage levels. When output voltage drops below a threshold, the system selects a PWM signal with a higher duty cycle to increase power delivery. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to respond to power demands while maintaining voltage stability through controlled changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The logic circuitry continuously monitors the output voltage level and uses this feedback to determine which PWM signal generator to activate. This closed-loop feedback ensures that duty cycle adjustments are made only when necessary to maintain voltage stability, preventing unnecessary fluctuations while meeting power demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Stability of the object's composition

If the duty cycle is decreased to maintain voltage regulation, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the power delivery capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidpower delivery capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts the duty cycle parameter based on real-time power requirements. When higher power delivery is needed, the system selects PWM signals with appropriately increased duty cycles. This parameter change strategy allows the system to optimize between voltage stability and power delivery capability depending on operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its duty cycle settings based on changing power demands and load conditions. Rather than maintaining a fixed duty cycle for voltage stability, the system transitions between different duty cycle configurations as needed, enabling it to meet power delivery requirements while maintaining adequate voltage regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10148180B2DC-DC converter having digital control and reference PWM generators
Publication Date: 2018.12.04 ENDURA IP HLDG LTD
  • US10148180B2 patent drawing
  • US10148180B2 patent drawing
  • US10148180B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A DC-DC converter operating in pulse frequency modulation (PFM) and pulse width modulation (PWM) modes includes a plurality of PWM signal generators. The PWM signal generators generate PWM signals with different duty cycles. PWM signals with larger duty cycles may be selected for use in undervoltage situations.