Multi-Channel DC-DC Converter Phase Shift EMI Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters in electronic devices face challenges in supplying high power efficiently, leading to excessive current and high decibel noise due to increasing operating frequencies of central processing units and circuit components, resulting in electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel power system utilizing DC-DC converters that output pulse width modulated signals with calibrated frequencies and phase-shifted clock signals to prevent simultaneous high current or voltage supply, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference by ensuring pulse width modulated signals do not overlap in time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power converter increases operating frequency to supply higher power, then power supply capability is improved, but electromagnetic interference and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using phase-shifted clock signals to control multiple DC-DC converters. Each converter operates in alternating time periods with phase shifts (e.g., 180 degrees) applied to their switching signals. This periodic alternation allows the system to maintain high power supply capability through multiple parallel converters while reducing electromagnetic interference by ensuring that not all converters switch simultaneously, thereby distributing the noise generation over time rather than concentrating it.
2Power
If multiple DC-DC converters operate simultaneously at high frequency, then power supply capability is improved, but noise and electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing phase-shifted clock signals that control the switching timing of multiple DC-DC converters. The converters operate in a periodic manner with time-staggered switching cycles, where each converter is activated during specific time windows determined by the phase-shifted clock signals. This ensures that high power supply capability is maintained through parallel operation while noise is reduced by preventing simultaneous switching events across all converters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the frequency of clock signals and phase-shifted clock signals before the DC-DC converters begin operation. The calibration process adjusts the frequency parameters of the clock signals to optimal values that enable effective noise reduction while maintaining required power supply capability. This preliminary frequency calibration ensures that when the converters operate in parallel, their switching frequencies are coordinated to minimize electromagnetic interference and noise generation.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel power system and a method of controlling a phase shift of the same are provided. The multi-channel power system includes one or more first DC to DC converters and one or more second DC to DC converters. The first DC-DC converter outputs a first pulse width modulated signal having a first default frequency. When the first DC-DC converter receives a reference clock signal, it outputs the first pulse width modulated signal having a frequency that is the same as that of the reference clock signal. The first DC-DC converter outputs a phase-shifted clock signal having a preset phase shift relative to the first pulse width modulated signal. The second DC-DC converter outputs a second pulse width modulated signal having a second default frequency. The second DC-DC converter outputs the second pulse width modulated signal having the preset phase shift according to the phase shift clock signal.