DC to DC Converter Delay Compensation via Predicted State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC to DC buck converters face inefficiencies and inaccuracies in reducing output voltage, particularly due to delays in responding to changes in load, which affect the timely adjustment of the output voltage to a desired level.
Innovation Solution
A control system for DC to DC converters that includes a predicted state generator module, a voltage estimation module, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) module, which generates predicted capacitor voltage and current, estimates output voltage based on these values and a duty cycle, and adjusts the duty cycle based on voltage error to minimize delays and improve response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional voltage divider circuit is used to reduce output voltage, then the circuit is simple to implement, but the voltage reduction is inefficient and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical voltage divider circuit with an active electronic control system using a buck converter. This substitution enables precise voltage regulation through electronic control of switching elements (MOSFETs/IGBTs) and real-time adjustment of duty cycle based on feedback from voltage sensors, achieving high accuracy voltage reduction while maintaining reasonable circuit complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a buck converter is used to provide lower voltage, then efficiency and accuracy are improved, but response time to load changes is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a prediction mechanism that anticipates future voltage values based on current state and historical data. The controller predicts the output voltage at the next sampling instant and proactively adjusts the duty cycle before the actual voltage deviation occurs. This preliminary action compensates for the inherent delays in the buck converter's response to load changes, significantly improving dynamic response time while maintaining voltage regulation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a closed-loop feedback control system where voltage sensors continuously monitor the output voltage and feed this information back to the controller. The controller compares the actual voltage with the reference voltage and adjusts the duty cycle of the switching elements accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures high voltage regulation accuracy and enables the system to automatically correct deviations caused by load changes or parameter variations.
3Loss of time
If delay compensation is implemented to improve response time, then response speed increases, but computational complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model (prediction) of the future voltage state based on the current system state and historical data, without requiring additional physical sensors or complex hardware. The prediction algorithm uses software-based calculations to estimate future voltage values, effectively copying the expected behavior of the system. This approach achieves delay compensation through computational modeling rather than hardware augmentation, minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts control parameters (duty cycle) based on predicted voltage values and error signals. By dynamically changing the duty cycle parameter in response to predicted voltage deviations, the system achieves faster response times. The controller modifies switching frequencies and pulse widths to compensate for delays, using parameter optimization rather than hardware complexity increases to improve performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a DC to DC converter includes a predicted state generator module, a voltage estimation module, an error module, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) module. During a prior sampling period, the predicted state generator module generates a predicted capacitor voltage and a predicted capacitor current for a current sampling period. The voltage estimation module generates an estimated value of an output voltage of the DC to DC converter during the current sampling period based on the predicted capacitor current, the predicted capacitor voltage, a delay value, and a duty cycle value for the prior sampling period. The error module generates a voltage error value based on difference between a measured value of the output voltage and the estimated value. The PWM module controls the duty cycle of the DC to DC converter based on the voltage error value.