DC-DC Converter Overcurrent Detection Masking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional DC-DC converters face issues with erroneous overcurrent detection due to operation noise and switching noise, leading to inefficient control of the switch element and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

The DC-DC converter incorporates a mask controlling circuit and a mask adjusting circuit that dynamically adjust the mask period based on the power supply voltage, allowing for optimal overcurrent detection by masking the overcurrent detection signal during specific periods to reduce noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If overcurrent detection is continuously monitored without masking, then overcurrent protection is improved, but erroneous detection due to operation noise and switching noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveovercurrent protectionVSAvoidovercurrent detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing a mask period that temporarily disables overcurrent detection during specific time intervals. The mask controlling circuit generates a mask signal that periodically invalidates overcurrent detection during switching operations, preventing erroneous detection while maintaining protection during normal operation periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the mask period based on the power supply voltage before switching operations occur. The mask adjusting circuit pre-configures the duration of the mask period according to the detected power supply voltage level, ensuring that erroneous detection is prevented in advance while maintaining appropriate detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If mask period is fixed, then circuit complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy under varying power supply conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemask control circuitVSAvoidovercurrent detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the mask period adjustable based on power supply voltage conditions. The mask adjusting circuit dynamically modifies the mask period duration according to the detected power supply voltage, allowing the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and maintain detection accuracy without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the mask period parameter according to the power supply voltage level. The mask adjusting circuit detects the power supply voltage and adjusts the mask period duration accordingly, changing this critical parameter to optimize detection accuracy under different operating conditions while keeping the overall circuit relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9209686B2DC-DC converter and semiconductor integrated circuit
Publication Date: 2015.12.08 KK TOSHIBA
  • US9209686B2 patent drawing
  • US9209686B2 patent drawing
  • US9209686B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The DC-DC converter includes a mask controlling circuit that outputs an overcurrent detection mask signal that prescribes a mask period in which the overcurrent detection result signal is masked. The DC-DC converter includes a mask adjusting circuit that adjusts a length of the mask period according to the power supply voltage. The DC-DC converter includes an operation circuit that performs an operation of the overcurrent detection result signal and the overcurrent detection mask signal and outputs an overcurrent controlling signal with the overcurrent detection result signal being masked in the mask period.