Floating-Ground Isolated Power Supply for Electronic Converters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic power systems for energy conversion, particularly switch-mode systems, require expensive and space-consuming centralized isolated power supplies for switch drivers and voltage sensors, which are inefficiently distributed and sized for downstream circuits.

Innovation Solution

The system generates a floating-ground isolated power supply by utilizing control signals from the amplifier driver output and pulse transformer input, incorporating a transformer with a rectifier, such as a diode rectifier, to create a localized and adjustable power supply, reducing component count and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a centralized switch-mode regulator is used to generate floating-ground isolated power supply, then the power supply can be generated, but the cost and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply generationVSAvoidprinted circuit board space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the power supply generation function from the centralized regulator and relocates it to the driver stage by utilizing the existing control signals and amplifier driver output. This extraction eliminates the need for a separate centralized switch-mode regulator, thereby reducing printed circuit board space while maintaining power supply generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier driver output serves dual functions: controlling the power device and generating the floating-ground isolated power supply. By making the amplifier driver multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for dedicated power supply generation components, reducing both cost and space consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a centralized power supply is distributed to various boards, then all downstream circuits can be powered, but the system complexity and component distribution increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution to downstream circuitsVSAvoidpower supply distribution system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply generation is segmented from the centralized system and distributed to individual driver stages. Each driver stage independently generates its own floating-ground isolated power supply, eliminating the need for complex centralized power distribution networks and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each driver stage becomes self-sufficient by generating its own power supply from its control signals. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external centralized power distribution, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining adaptability to power various downstream circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a dedicated centralized regulator is used, then isolated power supply can be generated, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolated power supply generationVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own control signals and amplifier driver output to generate the isolated power supply, eliminating the need for external dedicated regulators. This self-service approach reduces component count and system cost while maintaining isolated power supply generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the amplifier driver output after control signal generation, the system recovers and utilizes it for power supply generation. This recovery of existing resources eliminates the need for additional expensive components while maintaining isolated power supply functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 minimizes costs and size by reusing circuit functions, decreasing the number of components and connectors, and allows for flexible voltage adjustment, thereby optimizing the power supply distribution within the system.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer with a rectifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the rectifier of the floating-ground isolated power supply is a diode rectifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11451128B2Floating-ground isolated power supply for an electronic converter

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES

AI summary

The invention is an electronic power system (1) for energy conversion, comprising at least one electronic amplifier driver circuit (10), at least one floating-ground isolated power supply (11) and at least one digital computation unit (2) for generating control signals (12). The invention more specifically relates to a floating-ground isolated power supply (11) from control signals (12).