Non-Transformer DC-DC Converter Over-Voltage Protection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC-DC converter power supplies with transformer isolation are complex and costly, and non-transformer isolated DC-DC power supplies lack effective over-voltage protection mechanisms to prevent damage from short circuits and over-voltage events.
Innovation Solution
A non-transformer isolated DC-DC power supply comprising a voltage converter module, an over-voltage detection module, a shutdown module, and an over-voltage protection module, which includes a protection unit controller and a protection unit (such as a MOSFET) to inhibit input voltage delivery during over-voltage conditions, preventing damage to digital circuits by disconnecting the input voltage and implementing a time-delayed shutdown procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transformer isolation is used to protect against short circuits and over-voltage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protection function from the transformer isolation architecture and implements it as a separate over-voltage detection module and shutdown module. This allows the system to achieve over-voltage protection without requiring transformer isolation, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary protection circuit between the input voltage source and the voltage converter module. This intermediary module detects over-voltage conditions and activates a shutdown mechanism, serving as a mediator that protects the system without requiring complex transformer isolation architecture.
2Reliability
If transformer isolation is used to protect against short circuits, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the short circuit protection function from the transformer isolation architecture and implements it through a separate protection module with detection and shutdown circuits. This approach reduces manufacturing cost by eliminating the need for expensive transformer components while maintaining protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive protection circuitry (comparators, transistors, and resistors) instead of expensive transformer components to achieve short circuit protection. The protection module uses low-cost electronic components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed.
3Device complexity
If non-transformer isolated topology is used, then device complexity is reduced, but over-voltage protection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary over-voltage detection using a detection module that continuously monitors the output voltage of the converter module. When over-voltage is detected before it can cause damage, the shutdown module is activated to prevent harmful effects, thus maintaining reliability without requiring complex transformer isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the over-voltage detection module continuously monitors the output voltage and provides feedback to the shutdown module. This feedback loop enables the system to detect and respond to over-voltage conditions in real-time, maintaining protection capability while using a simple non-transformer isolated topology.
Data Source
AI summary
A direct current-to-direct current (DC-DC) power supply includes a voltage converter module that converts an input voltage having a first voltage level into an output voltage having a second voltage level that is less than the first voltage level. An over-voltage detection module receives the second voltage and generates an over-voltage signal indicating an over-voltage condition of the DC-DC power supply. A shutdown module receives the over-voltage signal and generates a shutdown signal in response to the over-voltage condition. An over-voltage protection module interposed between the shutdown module and the input of the voltage converter module. The over-voltage protection module is configured to selectively inhibit delivery of the input voltage to the voltage converter module in response to the shutdown signal.