Digital Controller Programmable Dead Time Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional DC-DC power converters face inefficiencies due to shoot-through currents, body diode conduction, and gate losses when switching between complementary switches, lacking independent control over dead times, which affects power supply operation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A digital controller is introduced that can programmably set dead times between control signals, allowing independent control of the rising edge of one control signal relative to the falling edge of another, and switches the power supply between continuous and discontinuous conduction modes based on current signals, optimizing power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional switching power supplies operate without programmable dead time control, then the circuit operation is simpler, but power losses occur due to shoot-through currents, body diode conduction, and gate losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the dead time between complementary switch control signals programmable and adjustable. The controller allows dynamic modification of the dead time parameter to optimize power efficiency under different operating conditions, directly addressing the power losses from shoot-through currents, body diode conduction, and gate losses without requiring fundamental circuit redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the dead time to be dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions rather than being fixed. The programmable dead time control allows the system to adaptively optimize performance across varying load and voltage conditions, transforming a static parameter into a dynamic control variable that reduces energy losses
2Ease of operation
If analog controllers are used, then the control circuit is simpler, but independent control of dead time for complementary switches is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes analog control mechanisms with digital control capabilities. By implementing a digital controller with programmable dead time control, the system replaces the limitations of analog controllers with digital precision and flexibility, enabling independent control of dead times for complementary switches while maintaining ease of operation through software configuration
3Loss of energy
If fixed dead time is used in switching power supplies, then the controller operation is simpler, but power efficiency cannot be optimized under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static dead time parameter into a dynamic, programmable variable that can be adjusted based on operating conditions. This allows the system to optimize power efficiency across different load and voltage scenarios by adapting the dead time control signals for complementary switches, directly reducing energy losses that would otherwise be fixed at suboptimal levels
4Ease of operation
If the rising edge of a control signal is dependent on the falling edge of another control signal, then the control circuit is simpler, but independent control of signal timing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control signal generation into independent components, allowing the rising edge and falling edge timing of complementary control signals to be independently programmed. This segmentation enables precise control over dead time intervals without requiring one edge to be dependent on the other, providing flexibility in timing control while maintaining circuit manageability through modular signal generation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for optimizing the power efficiency of a switching power converter operating at a switching frequency includes a digital controller for receiving an analog signal representing an output DC voltage of the switching power converter for comparison to a desired output voltage level and generating switching control signals to control the operation of the power supply to regulate the output DC voltage to the desired output voltage level. At least two of the switching control signals have a dead time between a first edge of a first control signal and a second edge of a second control signal. The dead time is programmable to control a power efficiency of the switching power converter. The switching control signals additionally switch the power supply between a continuous conduction mode and a discontinuous conduction mode responsive to a mode control signal. The operation of the digital controller is parameterized by a set of operating parameters. A driver circuit is connected to an output of the digital controller to drive the switching control signals and further includes an input for a regulated voltage. The voltage regulator selects the regulated voltage to the driver circuit responsive to a voltage control signal. A micro controller determines the parameters used by the digital controller, establishes the programmable dead time between the control signals to substantially maximize power efficiency of the switching power converter, generates a voltage control signal to substantially maximize the power efficiency of the switching power converter and generates the mode control signal responsive to a current signal from the switching power converter. The micro controller operates independently of the operation of the digital controller.