Dual DC-DC Converter Switching for Low-Loss Panel Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for higher brightness in display devices leads to broader ranges of panel current, which increases the internal resistance and conduction loss of DC-DC converters, resulting in unnecessary power consumption and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A DC-DC converter system comprising a master and slave converter that operates sequentially based on panel current levels, with the master converter generating power independently and the slave converter assisting when current exceeds a reference level, connected in parallel to reduce internal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the driving capability of the DC-DC converter is increased to handle broader panel current ranges, then the converter can support higher brightness demands, but the internal resistance increases causing higher conduction loss and heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter is divided into a master converter and a slave converter that operate independently but share the load. The master converter handles base current requirements while the slave converter provides additional current capacity when needed, allowing the system to achieve high driving capability without requiring a single high-capacity converter that would have high internal resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The slave converter is dynamically enabled or disabled based on the panel current demand. When panel current exceeds the master converter's capacity, the slave converter is activated to share the load. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain low internal resistance during normal operation while providing high driving capability when required.
2Loss of energy
If the internal resistance of the DC-DC converter is reduced to decrease conduction loss, then power consumption decreases, but the driving capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The master converter and slave converter are merged into a unified DC-DC converter system with shared control logic and output stages. This merging allows the system to combine the low internal resistance advantage of small converters with the high driving capability of a larger system, achieving both energy efficiency and high current output capacity.
3Device complexity
If a single DC-DC converter is used to simplify the system structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the converter must operate across the full current range leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The converter system is segmented into functional modules (master converter and slave converter) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows each module to operate in its optimal efficiency range, with the master converter handling continuous base load and the slave converter providing peak current supplementation, thereby reducing overall power consumption despite increased component count.
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 configuration reduces power consumption and heat generation by optimizing the operation of the DC-DC converter based on current demand, using a dual converter setup to maintain efficient performance across varying current ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The master converter and the slave converter are connected to a first inductor
Implementation Method 2
a first outputer configured to alternately turn on a first switching element and a second switching element to generate at least part of a first inductor current
Data Source
AI summary
A DC-DC converter includes: a master converter configured to operate to generate a panel power voltage based on an input voltage regardless of a panel current, and a slave converter configured to operate to generate the panel power voltage with the master converter based on the input voltage when the panel current is greater than a reference current. The master converter and the slave converter are connected to a first inductor.