Flyback Converter Regulator Segmentation for USB Power Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power delivery apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a constant internal operating voltage across a wide output voltage range while managing varying charging supply voltages, leading to increased stress on capacitors.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a flyback converter with a transformer having a primary coil and multiple secondary coils with different winding directions, coupled with rectification circuits in series, to stabilize the internal operating voltage by alternately operating switching elements based on charging supply voltage magnitude, using driving circuits to output voltages with varying magnitudes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wide output voltage range (5V to 48V) is provided for charging various target devices, then the adaptability and versatility of the power delivery apparatus is improved, but the power that the regulator must handle increases and capacitor stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage rangeVSAvoidcapacitor stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single regulator function into multiple regulators (first regulator and second regulator) with different operating voltage ranges. The first regulator handles 5V to 20V output voltages while the second regulator handles 20V to 48V output voltages. This segmentation allows each regulator to operate within its optimal voltage range, reducing the power handling requirements for each individual regulator and thereby reducing capacitor stress while maintaining the wide 5V to 48V output voltage range capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single regulator is used to supply constant internal operating voltage across a wide output voltage range, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power handling requirement and capacitor stress increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulator configurationVSAvoidpower handling requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the regulator system into multiple specialized regulators (first regulator for 5V-20V range, second regulator for 20V-48V range) rather than using a single regulator covering the entire range. This segmentation reduces the power handling requirement for each regulator since each only needs to handle a subset of the total power range, while the overall system maintains the full 5V to 48V capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the regulator handles high power to maintain constant internal operating voltage across variable charging supply voltages, then the stability of internal operating voltage is improved, but the capacitor stress and energy loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal operating voltage stabilityVSAvoidenergy loss in regulator
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the regulation function into multiple regulators operating in different voltage ranges. Each regulator is optimized for its specific range, allowing it to operate more efficiently with lower energy losses. The first regulator handles 5V to 20V outputs while the second handles 20V to 48V outputs, ensuring that each regulator operates within its optimal efficiency range and minimizing overall energy loss while maintaining stable internal operating voltage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters (voltage range) for different regulators based on the output voltage requirements. By matching each regulator's operating range to its optimal performance characteristics, the system minimizes energy loss during voltage regulation while maintaining stable internal operating voltage across the full 5V to 48V output range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for a stable supply of a constant internal operating voltage regardless of charging supply voltage fluctuations, reducing capacitor stress and ensuring efficient power delivery across a wide voltage range.

Implementation Method 1

a flyback converter configured to use an input voltage to output a charging supply voltage variable within a specified range, and an operating voltage having a constant magnitude

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

rectification circuits, each having substantially the same electrical structure electrically connected to each of the plurality of secondary coils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4645648A1Power delivery device
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4645648A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4645648A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4645648A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a power delivery device for delivering power through a universal serial bus (USB). The power delivery device may include a driving circuit configured to output an internal operating voltage (Vcc) by an induced electromotive force due to a current flowing through a primary coil (CL1). The driving circuit includes secondary coils (CL22, CL23) of different winding directions, and may be configured such that a plurality of rectifying circuits are coupled in series.