DC/DC Converter Controller Using Digital Cycle Counting for PWM Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC/DC converters face challenges in controlling the pulse width of PWM signals due to non-ideality in analog circuits, leading to inconsistent inductor current control.
Innovation Solution
A controller with multiple signal generators and a control circuit that generates PWM signals with identical pulse widths by counting cycles of an oscillating signal, ensuring consistent output voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional analog circuits (sense resistors, comparators) are used to control PWM signals, then the controller can be implemented with traditional analog components, but the pulse widths of PWM signals cannot be controlled to be identical due to non-ideality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog control system with a digital control system. The controller uses digital circuits including a counter that counts clock cycles to generate PWM signals with precise and identical pulse widths. This substitution of digital for analog electronics eliminates the non-ideality issues of analog components like sense resistors and comparators, achieving consistent pulse width control across multiple PWM outputs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers are used to control multiple inductor currents, then each inductor current can be controlled independently, but the pulse widths of PWM signals from different controllers cannot be kept identical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated controller. Instead of using separate controllers for each inductor current, one controller generates multiple PWM signals simultaneously using digital logic circuits. The counter and signal generators work together to produce PWM signals with identical pulse widths for controlling multiple inductors, maintaining independent current control while ensuring pulse width uniformity.
3Measurement precision
If analog comparators are used to compare sense signals with reference levels, then the control logic can be implemented with analog components, but the pulse width control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog comparison and control logic with digital counting and control circuits. The counter counts a predetermined number of clock cycles to generate PWM signals with precise pulse widths. This digital approach provides superior measurement precision for pulse width control compared to analog methods, using standard digital logic components that are readily available and easy to implement.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a DC/DC converter includes multiple signal generators and a control circuit. The signal generators generate multiple pulse signals, each signal generator generating a corresponding pulse signal of the pulse signals and controlling the corresponding pulse signal to have a predetermined pulse width by counting a same preset number of cycles of a same oscillating signal. The control circuit selectively activates the signal generators according to an output of the DC/DC converter to generate the pulse signals.