Asymmetric Half-Bridge Flyback Converter With Bidirectional Current Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional asymmetric half bridge flyback converters require adjustable capacitors and complex control mechanisms to manage demagnetization times based on output voltage, leading to inefficiencies and potential losses due to high currents.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a controller to manage the operation of primary side switching devices such that the low-side switching device blocks current flow in both directions, using wide bandgap materials like Gallium Nitride transistors or bidirectional switches, to efficiently transfer remaining magnetizing energy to the secondary side, independent of output voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the resonant capacitor is varied depending on output voltage, then losses due to high currents at low output voltages are avoided, but this requires an adjustable capacitor and a corresponding control mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelosses due to high currentsVSAvoidadjustable capacitor and control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the resonant capacitor adjustable through a switching mechanism. The capacitor can be reconfigured between different capacitance values (e.g., C1 alone, C1+C2, or C1+C3) depending on the operating conditions and output voltage requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the resonant tank to maintain optimal performance across varying load conditions without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter of capacitance in the resonant tank by providing multiple capacitor configurations. The controller selectively connects different capacitor combinations to the resonant circuit based on detected output voltage or load conditions. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different operating points, reducing current losses at low output voltages while maintaining simplicity through discrete switching rather than continuous adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the time for full demagnetization is adjusted based on output voltage, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but this requires complex control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the demagnetization phase by using a controller that detects output voltage or load conditions and adjusts the switching timing accordingly. The controller can extend or reduce the third phase (full demagnetization phase) duration based on real-time operating conditions, allowing optimal energy transfer without requiring overly complex control mechanisms. The dynamic adjustment is achieved through simple timing control of the switching devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control where the controller monitors the output voltage or load conditions and uses this information to adjust the demagnetization timing. The controller detects when the magnetizing current has sufficiently decreased and uses this feedback to determine when to terminate the third phase. This feedback mechanism ensures efficient energy transfer while keeping the control logic relatively simple, as it relies on detecting natural circuit state transitions rather than complex calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 losses and improves efficiency by ensuring consistent energy transfer to the secondary side, regardless of output voltage variations, without the need for adjustable capacitors.

Implementation Method 1

A resonant circuit including at least the primary side winding and the capacitor is coupled in parallel to the second primary side switching device, and a secondary side circuit is coupled to a secondary side winding of the transformer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a capacitor, wherein a resonant circuit including at least the primary side winding and the capacitor is coupled in parallel to the second primary side switching device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

a transformer, wherein one end of a primary side winding of the transformer is coupled to a node between the first primary side switching device and the second primary side switching device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12531488B2Asymmetric half bridge flyback converter
Publication Date: 2026.01.20 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • US12531488B2 patent drawing
  • US12531488B2 patent drawing
  • US12531488B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An asymmetric half bridge flyback converter, comprising a first primary side switching device and a second primary side switching device coupled in series between a supply voltage and a reference potential, a transformer, wherein one end of a primary side winding of the transformer is coupled to a node between the first primary side switching device and the second primary side switching device, a capacitor, wherein a resonant circuit including at least the primary side winding and the capacitor is coupled in parallel to the second primary side switching device, and a controller controlling the switches devices. The second primary side switching device is configured to prevent or reduce current flow in both directions when switched off.