Digital Closed-Loop Control for Multi-Output DC/DC Converters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch-mode DC/DC power converters with analog feedback control struggle to effectively regulate multiple outputs, leading to poor regulation of secondary outputs due to reliance on component tolerance and operating conditions, and solutions like adding local series regulators increase hardware weight and cost.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a switch-mode DC/DC power flyback converter with two alternating digital feedback loops, each with a digital filter configured by a single controller device using different sets of coefficients, allowing for independent regulation of multiple outputs with minimized hardware and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single feedback loop is used for multiple outputs, then device complexity is reduced, but regulation precision of secondary outputs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback loop structureVSAvoidoutput regulation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the feedback control by providing separate feedback loops for each output. The first feedback loop monitors the first output and generates a first control signal, while the second feedback loop monitors the second output and generates a second control signal. This segmentation allows each output to be regulated independently, solving the problem of poor regulation precision in multi-output systems using a single loop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a single controller that performs multiple functions by sequentially executing different control algorithms. The controller can operate as a first control algorithm for the first output during a first time interval, and then switch to a second control algorithm for the second output during a second time interval. This multi-functionality allows one controller to manage multiple feedback loops without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If local series regulators are added to each output, then regulation precision is improved, but device weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput regulation precisionVSAvoidconverter weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple feedback loop functions into a single integrated controller. The controller contains multiple control algorithms that can be sequentially activated, allowing one controller to perform the regulation functions that would traditionally require separate local series regulators for each output. This consolidation maintains regulation precision while avoiding the weight and cost penalties of multiple independent regulator circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the controller by switching between different control algorithms at different time intervals. During the first time interval, the controller uses parameters optimized for the first output; during the second time interval, it switches to parameters optimized for the second output. This dynamic parameter change allows a single controller to achieve the regulation precision of multiple dedicated regulators without the associated weight increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If alternating switched feedback is implemented, then multiple outputs can be regulated, but transient disturbances increase due to capacitor charge retention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-output regulationVSAvoidtransient response stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control by sequentially activating different control algorithms within the single controller based on time intervals. Rather than using static alternating switched feedback that causes transient disturbances, the controller dynamically switches between control modes in a controlled manner. This dynamic approach allows the system to regulate multiple outputs while maintaining stability during transitions, avoiding the capacitor charge retention issues associated with abrupt switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is configured to prepare and switch between different control algorithms in advance, ensuring smooth transitions between regulating different outputs. By planning the switching sequence and maintaining appropriate control states before transitions occur, the system avoids sudden changes that would cause transient disturbances. This preliminary preparation of control states ensures stable operation when switching between multi-output regulation modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9660538B2Digital closed-loop control for DC/DC switch-mode power converters with multiple outputs

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 SWITCHING POWER

AI summary

Apparatus and method for providing closed loop feedback control for switch-mode DC/DC power converter with multiple outputs using digital filter feedback, in contrast to analog error feedback. In the apparatus and method, multiple outputs for a switch-mode DC/DC power converter are regulated by digital means, including the allocating or partitioning of digital control resources among each of the multiple outputs. The partitioning of control resources may be in response to operating conditions.