Multi-Output Synchronous Flyback Converter Control Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-output flyback converters, the need for multiple switching control circuits for each secondary output rectifier increases costs and reduces efficiency due to higher component count and switching losses associated with traditional rectifying diodes.

Innovation Solution

A multi-output synchronous flyback converter design that employs low voltage rating controlled rectifiers and a single control circuit to drive multiple secondary synchronous rectifier MOSFETs, reducing the number of components and optimizing rectification efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple switching control circuits are used for each secondary output rectifier, then each rectifier can be optimally controlled, but the component count increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverectifier control performanceVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple secondary switching control functions into a single control circuit that can drive multiple synchronous rectifier MOSFETs. This is achieved by integrating multiple control channels within one control circuit, allowing it to generate gate drive signals for multiple MOSFETs simultaneously, thereby reducing the total number of control circuits while maintaining individual control capability for each rectifier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single control circuit is designed with multi-functionality to perform the control tasks of multiple rectifiers. It incorporates multiple control channels that can independently regulate different secondary outputs, making one circuit capable of performing what traditionally required multiple separate circuits, thus reducing component count while maintaining control performance.

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

2Device complexity

If traditional rectifying diodes are used, then the circuit is simple, but switching losses are high and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit simplicityVSAvoidswitching losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional passive rectifying diodes with active synchronous rectifier MOSFETs that are controlled by the control circuit. This substitution transforms the rectification mechanism from passive diode conduction to active MOSFET switching, enabling optimized switching timing and reduced conduction losses while maintaining circuit functionality. The MOSFETs operate in synchronous mode, turning on and off in coordination with the primary switch to minimize losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control circuits are implemented, then each output can be independently regulated, but the overall system efficiency decreases due to higher component count

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput regulation capabilityVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated control circuit that can independently regulate multiple secondary outputs. This merged circuit maintains the adaptability to control each output separately through its multiple control channels while reducing the total component count, thereby improving system efficiency by eliminating the redundant components and associated losses that would result from using multiple separate control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design minimizes secondary circuit losses and maximizes efficiency by using a single control circuit to drive multiple MOSFETs, reducing the component count and enhancing the overall performance of the flyback converter.

Implementation Method 1

the primary winding of the transformer is directly connected to the input voltage source and, correspondingly, the magnetic flux in the transformer core increases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the diode 12 is in off-state since the voltage drop across its terminals is negative

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Implementation Method 3

The use of controlled switches, such as power Mosfets and the like, allows minimizing the amount of the switching losses by optimizing, through suitable driving and control, the switching phase of the output rectifiers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSynchronous rectification:

Data Source

PatentEP2165408B1Multi-output synchronous flyback converter
Publication Date: 2011.01.05 POWER ONE ITALY SPA
  • EP2165408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2165408B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2165408B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application concerns a multi-output synchronous Flyback converter. The Flyback converter comprises a primary controlled switch (24), a driver circuit (26), a transformer and a feedback circuit (27). The secondary side of the converter comprises a plurality of secondary windings (29, 30, 31), a plurality of controlled rectifiers (32, 33, 34), and a control circuit (35) adapted to sense the current and/or the voltage related to one of said controlled rectifiers and to generate a control signal for all said controlled rectifiers.