Switching Mode DC/DC Converter for Radar Pulse Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems face energy losses and interference due to pulsating loads from RF transmitters, which cause current modulation and mechanical wear in AC generators, requiring complex filtering and regulation to manage voltage and current effectively.
Innovation Solution
A switching mode DC/DC power converter with a high switching frequency and control parameters that introduce high impedance, allowing capacitors to provide a low impedance path for pulse currents, ensuring a constant current draw close to the transmitters, thus simplifying regulation and reducing the need for additional filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If passive LC-filters are used to filter pulsating loads at higher PRF (>5 kHz), then filtering effectiveness is improved, but the filters become bulky and require too much space at lower PRF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the DC/DC converter (switching frequency, duty cycle) to match the radar pulse repetition frequency, enabling the converter itself to act as an active filter that adapts to different PRF conditions without requiring bulky passive filters
2Reliability
If a current regulation loop is included in the DC/DC converter to charge capacitors with limited current, then voltage regulation performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage regulation function and current filtering function into a single DC/DC converter circuit by coordinating the switching frequency and duty cycle with the radar pulse repetition frequency, eliminating the need for separate current regulation loops and capacitive filtering circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The DC/DC converter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: voltage regulation, current filtering, and pulse train generation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable voltage regulation
3Reliability
If advanced regulation techniques are implemented to improve voltage regulation and filter pulse currents, then voltage regulation performance is improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC/DC converter is controlled to automatically synchronize its switching frequency and duty cycle with the radar pulse repetition frequency, enabling the system to self-regulate and filter pulse currents without requiring complex external control systems or additional input signals about radar operation
4Productivity
If capacitors are placed on the voltage supply close to the transmitter and on the output of the DC/DC-converter, then pulse current supply capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pulse current supply function from the traditional capacitor-based filtering approach and implements it directly within the DC/DC converter circuitry, eliminating the need for separate capacitor banks while maintaining the ability to supply pulse currents
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 reduces complexity, minimizes pulsating currents in distribution cables, and enhances spectral purity by maintaining proper voltage regulation with fewer components and smaller inductance, minimizing the need for central power supply filtering.
Implementation Method 1
A switching mode DC/DC power converter with a high switching frequency and control parameters that introduce high impedance, allowing capacitors to provide a low impedance path for pulse currents
Implementation Method 2
allowing capacitors to provide a low impedance path for pulse currents, ensuring a constant current draw close to the transmitters
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a switching mode DC/DC (Direct Current/Direct Current) power converter for delivering a direct current to a pulse radar unit configured to transmit RF pulses with pulse duration. The switching mode power converter comprising: a first switching element configured to connect and disconnect the switching mode power converter from a power source in each cycle of the power converter. An inductor configured to charges and discharges in each cycle of the power conversion.A capacitor configured to maintain a DC output voltage as the inductor charges and discharges in each cycle.A second switching element configured to transfer energy from the inductor to the capacitor when the first switch disconnects the switching mode power converter from the power source. A control loop regulating the voltage with a time constant, to a predetermined value by means of controlling the first switching element. An on time for the first switching element in each cycle is chosen to allow the current through the inductor to fall to zero in each cycle. The cycle is shorter than RF the pulse duration and that the time constant of the control loop is longer than the RF pulses.