Resonant Switching Power Stages With Delay-Based Current Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional resonant switching power converters face challenges in achieving current balance when multiple converters are connected in parallel, leading to potential current unbalance and increased inrush currents, which existing solutions fail to adequately address without additional components like voltage regulators or current sensing resistors.
Innovation Solution
A resonant switching power converter design that includes multiple power stage circuits with capacitors and inductors, controlled by a controller that adjusts delay intervals and input voltages based on current sensing signals to maintain a constant current ratio between output currents of different power stage circuits, eliminating the need for additional voltage regulators or current sensing resistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple resonant switching power converters are connected in parallel, then the power conversion capability is improved, but current unbalance occurs between the converters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller monitors the output currents of multiple power stage circuits and dynamically adjusts the switching timing (delay intervals) of each circuit. This closed-loop feedback ensures that current unbalance is detected and corrected in real-time, maintaining stable current distribution across parallel converters while preserving enhanced power conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of delay intervals for different power stage circuits based on their instantaneous current output. By making the switching timing flexible and adaptive rather than fixed, the system can respond to varying load conditions and maintain current balance across parallel converters, resolving the contradiction between power capability and current stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an inductor is added to reduce inrush current, then the inrush current is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing soft-start control through progressive activation of power stage circuits with controlled delay intervals. The controller gradually increases the output current from zero to the rated value by incrementally adjusting switching timing, preventing inrush current before it occurs. This approach eliminates the need for additional inductors while maintaining circuit simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameters (delay intervals) of the switching circuits to control the inrush current. By dynamically adjusting the delay intervals between different power stage circuits during startup, the system achieves soft-start functionality without adding physical inductors, thus reducing device complexity while still protecting against inrush current.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional voltage regulators or current sensing resistors are added to achieve current balance, then the current balance is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each power stage circuit to automatically adjust its own switching timing based on feedback from the controller. The system uses the existing output current signals to generate appropriate delay intervals without requiring external current sensing resistors or additional regulation components. This self-regulating mechanism achieves current balance while minimizing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the controller multi-functional by having it perform both the primary power conversion control and the secondary current balancing function. The same controller that manages the switching of power stage circuits also monitors output currents and adjusts delay intervals for current balance. This eliminates the need for separate voltage regulators or current sensing components, reducing device complexity while maintaining current balance.
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 solution effectively achieves current balancing and reduces inrush currents, enhancing conversion efficiency compared to conventional power converters while maintaining smaller capacitor ratings and avoiding additional sensing components.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor is provided at an appropriate position, to cooperate with one or more of the capacitors to constitute a resonant switching power converter
Data Source
AI summary
A resonant switching power converter includes: a first power stage circuit; a second power stage circuit; a controller; and a current sensing circuit configured to sense a first charging/discharging resonant current flowing through a first charging/discharging inductor of the first power stage circuit and sense a second charging/discharging resonant current flowing through a second charging/discharging inductor of the second power stage circuit, to generate a corresponding first current sensing signal and a corresponding second current sensing signal, respectively. The controller adjusts at least one of a first delay interval, a second delay interval, a third delay interval, a fourth delay interval, and/or input voltages, according to a first current sensing signal and a second current sensing signal, so that a constant ratio between an output current of the first power stage circuit and an output current of the second power stage circuit is achieved.