Dynamic Duty Cycle Calculation Circuit for Adaptive Slope Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power converter systems rely on fixed duty ratio-based slope compensation, which lacks adaptiveness and may overcompensate, especially at extreme ends of input and output voltage spectra, leading to inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A circuit that dynamically determines the duty cycle of a power converter on a cycle-by-cycle basis using input and output voltage values, recalculating for each switching cycle, allowing for adaptive slope compensation without requiring hardware modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed duty ratio-based slope compensation is used, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying voltage conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidadaptability to voltage conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic duty ratio calculation by using operational amplifiers and capacitors to continuously compute the duty ratio based on real-time input and output voltage values. This replaces the fixed duty ratio approach with a dynamic system that automatically adapts to varying voltage conditions, resolving the contradiction between circuit complexity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of duty ratio from a fixed value to a dynamically calculated value that varies with input and output voltages. By implementing continuous parameter updates through mathematical calculation circuits, the system achieves high adaptability while maintaining reasonable circuit complexity through systematic design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If worst case voltage value pairs are used for duty ratio estimation, then the reliability is improved, but the efficiency deteriorates due to overcompensation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the actual input and output voltage values are continuously monitored and fed back to the duty ratio calculation circuit. This allows the system to adjust the duty ratio based on real-time conditions rather than relying on worst-case estimates, eliminating overcompensation and improving energy efficiency while maintaining reliability through continuous validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary duty ratio calculation based on actual measured voltage values before each switching cycle, rather than relying on pre-determined worst-case values. This preliminary action with accurate data prevents overcompensation and optimizes energy efficiency while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic duty ratio calculation is implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to voltage conditionsVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs universal operational amplifier-based calculation circuits that can handle various voltage conditions and power converter topologies. By creating multi-functional circuit blocks that perform multiple operations (voltage sensing, mathematical calculation, duty ratio generation), the system achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing overall circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the duty ratio calculation system into modular functional blocks: voltage sensing circuits, mathematical calculation circuits using operational amplifiers and capacitors, and duty ratio generation circuits. This segmentation allows for systematic design and optimization of each module, achieving high adaptability while controlling overall complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables optimized slope compensation and operation across varying conditions, preventing overcompensation and improving efficiency by recalculating the duty cycle based on real-time voltage values.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitor coupled between the second comparator input and the second bias circuit output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a second capacitor coupled between the first comparator input and the second bias circuit output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

a comparator having first and second comparator inputs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical potential difference detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11152919B1Mathematical function circuit
Publication Date: 2021.10.19 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US11152919B1 patent drawing
  • US11152919B1 patent drawing
  • US11152919B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An example of an apparatus includes a bias circuit having first and second bias circuit outputs. The apparatus also includes a comparator having first and second comparator inputs. The apparatus also includes a first capacitor coupled between the second comparator input and the second bias circuit output. The apparatus also includes a first switch coupled between the second comparator input and the second bias circuit output. The apparatus also includes a second switch coupled between the first bias circuit output and an input terminal, a third switch coupled between the input terminal and the first comparator input, and a fourth switch coupled between the first bias circuit output and the first comparator input. The apparatus also includes a second capacitor coupled between the first comparator input and the second bias circuit output.