Dual-Chopper Mode Switching for Stable Power Supply Input Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
In switching power supply circuits, modes 4 and 5 create variation in input current due to the suspension and operation of one step-up switching converter, leading to inefficiencies and increased power source losses.
Innovation Solution
A control device that detects input current and temperature to dynamically switch between operation modes, ensuring both chopper circuits perform chopping operations when power is high, reducing current through switching elements and minimizing temperature-related losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If one step-up switching converter is suspended and the other operates in modes 4 or 5, then power source efficiency is improved at low load currents, but variation of input current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between different operation modes (modes 1-6) based on the magnitude of input current. At low input currents, it transitions to modes 4 or 5 where one converter is suspended to reduce power losses. At high input currents, it uses modes 1-3 where both converters operate to maintain stable input current. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting the system configuration according to operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the switching converters based on input current magnitude. Specifically, it modifies which converters are active and their switching duty cycles according to the detected input current level. This parameter change allows the system to optimize efficiency at low currents while maintaining current stability at high currents, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
2Loss of energy
If both chopper circuits perform chopping operations at high power, then current through switching elements is reduced and efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power conversion function into two separate chopper circuits (first and second chopper circuits) that can operate independently or together. By segmenting the system, each circuit handles a portion of the total current, reducing the current through individual switching elements and minimizing power losses. The segmentation also allows flexible control configurations to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the control device to perform multiple functions: it detects input current magnitude, determines appropriate operation modes, controls switching of both chopper circuits, and adapts to varying load conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified control structure that manages different operational scenarios, thereby handling the increased device complexity through integrated control architecture.
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
This approach reduces input current variation, improves efficiency by sharing current between chopper circuits, and effectively manages temperature, thereby minimizing power losses and increasing overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a current detection unit (60, 61, 62) configured to detect an input current (I) flowing through the pair of input terminals (P1, P2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Provided is a switching power supply circuit which can improve efficiency while reducing change in an input current. A mode controller 51 shifts, along with increase in an electric power in chopper circuits 3a and 3b, operation modes of the chopper circuits 3a and 3b from a first mode to a third mode via a second mode. An operation controller 52 causes, in the first mode, the chopper circuit 3a to perform an chopping operation, and the chopper circuit 3b to suspend the chopping operation, in the second mode, causes the chopper circuits 3a and 3b to alternatively perform the chopping operations, and in the third mode causes both of the chopper circuits 3a and 3b to perform the chopping operations.