DC-to-DC Converter Sensing Circuit with Boosted Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC-to-DC converting circuits have low detection accuracy due to inadequate sensing element power, particularly in power switches, leading to overheating and potential burning issues, as sensing elements are often only operational during lower-bridge switch conduction.
Innovation Solution
A boosted circuit is used to increase the input voltage to a higher operation voltage, which is then supplied to sensing elements within the power switch unit, enhancing detection accuracy by ensuring the sensing elements can function effectively during power conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sensing elements are only disposed in lower-bridge switches and operated when lower-bridge switches are conducted, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing element is designed to monitor both upper-bridge and lower-bridge switches through a unified sensing mechanism. The sensing element can detect temperature in both power switches by utilizing the body diode conduction period of one switch to sense the other switch's temperature, making the sensing system universal rather than switch-specific.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing operation is made dynamic by utilizing the alternating conduction periods of upper-bridge and lower-bridge switches. The sensing element dynamically switches between monitoring different power switches based on which switch's body diode is conducting, enabling continuous temperature monitoring throughout the switching cycle.
2Measurement precision
If sensing elements are disposed in power switches, then detection accuracy is improved, but power switch performance deteriorates due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch's body diode serves a dual function: its primary power conversion function and as a sensing pathway for temperature detection. The body diode's natural conduction period is utilized to carry sensing currents, allowing the power switch structure to serve itself for both power handling and temperature sensing without requiring separate sensing pathways.
3Use of energy by moving object
If input voltage is used directly to power sensing elements, then energy consumption is reduced, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing element is powered through periodic current pulses that are applied during the body diode conduction period. This periodic action allows the sensing element to accumulate sufficient charge during the conduction window to maintain accurate temperature detection throughout the switching cycle, balancing energy consumption with detection accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The boosted circuit enhances the detection accuracy of the DC-to-DC converting circuit, enabling continuous temperature monitoring and effective over-temperature protection by providing sufficient power to the sensing elements.
Implementation Method 1
The boosted circuit is connected to the first end and the second end, boosts the input voltage to a first operation voltage, and provides the first operation voltage to the sensing end
Data Source
AI summary
A DC-to-DC converting circuit includes a power switch unit, a second power switch, a phase node, a boosted circuit and a sensing circuit. The power switch unit includes a first power switch, a sensing element, a first end, a second end and a sensing end. The sensing element is connected to the sensing end and the first end. The first end is connected to an input voltage. The second power switch is connected to the first power switch. The phase node is located between the power switch unit and the second power switch and is connected to the second end. The boosted circuit boosts the input voltage to a first operation voltage and provides the first operation voltage to the sensing end. The first operation voltage is higher than the input voltage. The sensing circuit is connected to the boosted circuit and the sensing end to obtain a sensing voltage.