Flyback Power Converter Switch Control for Capacitor Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flyback converters face rapid discharging of the output capacitor due to simultaneous switching of the first and second electronic switches, which can damage the power converter.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a control circuit that evaluates the auxiliary voltage across the auxiliary winding and disables the first electronic switch if the voltage is outside a predefined range, preventing simultaneous switching and thus preventing rapid discharging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the first electronic switch and second electronic switch are switched on simultaneously, then the power converter can operate with high efficiency, but the output capacitor is rapidly discharged which can damage the power converter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower converter efficiencyVSAvoidpower converter damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit monitors the auxiliary voltage before enabling the first electronic switch. When the auxiliary voltage is below a threshold (indicating the second switch is on or the capacitor is charged), the control circuit prevents the first switch from turning on. This preliminary check avoids simultaneous switching and prevents capacitor discharge damage while allowing efficient operation when conditions are safe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the first electronic switch is disabled when auxiliary voltage is outside the predefined range, then simultaneous switching is prevented, but the power converter operation is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous switching preventionVSAvoidpower converter operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit continuously monitors the auxiliary voltage and uses this feedback to control the first electronic switch. When the auxiliary voltage is within the predefined range (indicating safe operating conditions), the first switch is enabled. When the voltage is outside the range, the switch is disabled. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable prevention of simultaneous switching while automatically restoring operation when conditions become safe, minimizing productivity impact.

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 solution effectively prevents the power converter from being damaged by ensuring the first electronic switch is not activated when the auxiliary voltage is outside the defined range, thereby maintaining the stability and longevity of the converter.

Implementation Method 1

The transformer is magnetized when the electronic switch is closed and demagnetized when the electronic switch is opened. Magnetizing the transformer includes storing energy in the transformer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field energy storage: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9973094B2Power converter and power conversion method
Publication Date: 2018.05.15 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • US9973094B2 patent drawing
  • US9973094B2 patent drawing
  • US9973094B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In accordance with an embodiment, a method includes disabling a first electronic switch connected in series with a primary winding of a transformer in a power converter circuit if an auxiliary voltage across an auxiliary winding of the transformer is outside a predefined voltage range. The power converter circuit further includes a secondary winding of the transformer, and a rectifier circuit connected between the secondary winding and an output, where the rectifier circuit comprises a second electronic switch.