DC/DC Converter Pulse Skipping Mode Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
DC/DC converters face inefficiencies under varying load conditions, particularly at low loads where dynamic losses from switching events are significant, and existing solutions struggle to maintain high efficiency across both high and low power modes.
Innovation Solution
A DC/DC converter with a drive signal generator that switches between non-pulse-skipping and pulse-skipping modes, adapting pulse generation to extend the length of pulses following skipping, thereby reducing dynamic losses and maintaining high efficiency under low load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If pulse skipping mode is used to reduce switching frequency under low load conditions, then dynamic losses are reduced and efficiency is improved, but the minimum pulse length requirement may not be met which can affect voltage regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The drive signal generator dynamically adapts the pulse generation setting based on operating conditions. When transitioning from pulse skipping mode to non-pulse skipping mode, the controller increases the pulse length of the first pulse following pulse skipping above the minimum length required in non-pulse skipping mode. This dynamic adaptation ensures voltage regulation requirements are met while maximizing the benefits of pulse skipping for reducing dynamic losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pulse length parameter adaptively. In pulse skipping mode, the controller allows extended periods without pulses to reduce switching frequency and dynamic losses. When resuming pulse generation after skipping, the controller increases the pulse length parameter above the minimum threshold, ensuring that voltage regulation requirements are satisfied despite the previous pulse skipping activity.
2Reliability
If the converter operates in non-pulse-skipping mode with minimum pulse length, then voltage regulation is maintained, but dynamic losses increase under low load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between operating modes based on load conditions. Under low load conditions, the controller enables pulse skipping mode where pulses can be omitted for extended periods, significantly reducing switching frequency and dynamic losses. The system maintains voltage regulation by adapting the pulse generation settings when transitioning out of pulse skipping mode, ensuring that the first pulse following skipping has sufficient length.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic pulse generation with adaptive skipping. Instead of continuous pulse generation at fixed frequency, the controller implements periodic action where pulses are generated only when necessary to maintain voltage regulation. The period between pulses is dynamically adjusted based on load conditions, allowing extended idle periods under low load to reduce dynamic losses while maintaining required voltage regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A DC/DC converter includes a switch mode converter for providing an output voltage based on an input voltage and a drive signal generator configured to provide a drive signal for the switch mode converter. The drive signal generator is configured to switch between a non-pulse-skipping mode and a pulse-skipping mode. Moreover, the drive signal generator is configured to adapt a setting of a pulse generation such that a length of a first pulse following a pulse skipping is larger than a minimum length of a pulse in the non-pulse-skipping mode.