Emulated Current Mode Control for Dip-Free Converter Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies, particularly single-stage DC-to-DC converters, face inefficiencies in regulating output voltage and managing energy conversion, which affects the overall energy utilization and environmental impact, especially when using green energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system that includes a storage component, an offset reference generator, and a controller to adjust the output voltage by offsetting the output current value with an offset reference signal, using a threshold signal to control the activation of switch circuitry and ensure efficient energy conversion across multiple power converter phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional DC-to-DC converters are used to convert input voltage to output voltage, then voltage conversion is achieved, but energy conversion efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores an output current value representative of a magnitude of output current supplied by an output voltage before using it for control decisions. This preliminary storage action allows the system to reference past current states and make more efficient real-time control decisions, improving energy conversion efficiency by avoiding redundant measurements and enabling optimized switching timing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the stored output current value is compared against a threshold signal to control switch circuitry operation. This feedback loop continuously adjusts the power converter based on actual output current conditions, maximizing energy transfer efficiency by optimizing the duty cycle and switching timing according to real-time load requirements
2Loss of energy
If output voltage is regulated by comparing output voltage magnitude to control switch circuitry, then voltage regulation is achieved, but energy utilization efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes voltage-based control with current-based control. Instead of comparing output voltage magnitude to regulate the converter, the system stores and compares output current values against threshold signals. This substitution of the control parameter from voltage to current improves energy utilization efficiency because current directly reflects the actual power transfer and load conditions, providing more accurate feedback for optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from voltage magnitude to current magnitude. By storing output current values and using them for threshold comparisons, the system adapts its control strategy to directly monitor and optimize the actual energy flow through the converter, thereby improving energy utilization while maintaining reliable voltage regulation through the interrelated voltage-current relationship
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply includes a storage component to store an output current value representative of a magnitude of output current supplied by an output voltage of a power converter to power a load. The power supply further includes an offset reference generator and a controller. The offset reference generator produces an offset reference signal, the output current value being offset by the offset reference signal. The controller controls generation of the output voltage of the power converter as a function of the offset output current value with respect to a threshold signal (value). Additionally, the controller is configured to detect a startup mode of a power converter operative to convert an input voltage into an output voltage. During the startup mode, the controller: i) produces a threshold signal having a magnitude that varies over time, and ii) controls operation of switches in the power converter as a function of the threshold signal while the power converter is operated in a diode emulation mode. Implementation of the startup mode monotonically increases a magnitude of the output voltage without dips.