DC-DC Converter Segmentation for Display Drive Current Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large DC-DC converters face efficiency losses and increased heat generation due to high drive current ranges in display devices, as they are designed for smaller currents, leading to conduction loss and reduced conversion efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A DC-DC converter system with a first and second converting module, where the second module includes inverting converters that adjust power voltage output based on detected drive current, using a drive controller and PWM controller to optimize power distribution and reduce conduction loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a DC-DC converter is designed for large drive current to support large display panels, then the display panel can be driven, but conversion efficiency decreases and conduction loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive current capabilityVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single DC-DC converter into multiple DC-DC converters (first DC-DC converter and second DC-DC converter). Each converter handles a portion of the total drive current, allowing the system to support large display panels while maintaining efficient operation at lower individual current levels, thus reducing conduction loss and improving conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If a DC-DC converter is designed for large drive current, then large display panels can be driven, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive current capabilityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the DC-DC conversion function into multiple converters, the heat generation is distributed across multiple devices rather than concentrated in a single high-current converter. This reduces the thermal load on each individual converter and improves overall thermal management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If a DC-DC converter is designed for small drive current, then conversion efficiency is maintained, but it cannot support large display panels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoiddrive current capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple DC-DC converters in parallel to achieve the required total drive current capability for large display panels. Each converter operates at an efficient current level, and their combined output provides the necessary power while maintaining high conversion efficiency across the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system effectively manages power consumption and efficiency by distributing drive current across multiple inverting converters, reducing conduction loss and heat generation, especially in medium to large-sized display panels with wide current ranges.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to detect a drive current of the display panel when the first power voltage is output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current detection: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a first inverting converter configured to generate the second power voltage corresponding to the input power voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3026806B1DC-DC converter and display device having the same
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3026806B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3026806B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3026806B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A DC-DC converter for supplying a display panel with first and second power voltages, the DC-DC converter includes: a first converting module to convert an input power voltage into the first power voltage in response to a control signal; a sensor to detect a drive current of the display panel when the first power voltage is output; and a second converting module to convert the input power voltage into the second power voltage lower than the first power voltage in response to the control signal, the second converting module including: a first inverting converter to generate the second power voltage corresponding to the input power voltage regardless of an amount of the detected drive current; and a second inverting converter to selectively generate the second power voltage corresponding to the input power voltage and according to the amount of the detected drive current.