Flyback Converter Secondary Post Regulator for Voltage Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flyback power converters with multiple outputs face challenges in stabilizing secondary output voltages without increasing energy loss, as existing regulator circuits lead to inefficiencies and potential disqualification under energy efficiency regulations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a secondary side post regulator circuit that adjusts the on-time of the high-voltage output switch based on feedback signals from both the high-voltage and low-voltage output circuits, using a ramp generator, comparator, and AND gate to transfer energy from the high-voltage output capacitor to the low-voltage output capacitor, thereby stabilizing the high output voltage while minimizing energy loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a regulator circuit (such as LDO) is used to stabilize the secondary output voltage, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the energy loss increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional linear regulator circuit (LDO) with a secondary side post regulator that uses a switch (Q2) and capacitor (C2) to achieve voltage regulation. This substitution transitions from a continuous analog regulation mechanism to a switched-mode regulation mechanism, significantly reducing energy loss while maintaining output voltage stability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the regulation mechanism by introducing a switch-controlled capacitor discharge system. The switch Q2 is controlled based on the output voltage feedback, dynamically adjusting the discharge timing and duration of capacitor C2 to regulate the secondary output voltage. This parameter-based dynamic control replaces the static voltage drop approach of LDO regulators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the first output circuit is heavily loaded, then the main output voltage is maintained, but the potential difference across the regulator circuit increases causing greater energy loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemain output voltage maintenanceVSAvoidenergy loss in regulator
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the voltage regulation function from the main power conversion path and implements it separately on the secondary side through the post regulator circuit. This allows the main output circuit to operate independently without being constrained by regulator limitations, while the secondary regulation handles the voltage stabilization task separately, reducing the energy loss burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the second output circuit uses a traditional regulator circuit, then the secondary output voltage is stabilized, but the power converter may be disqualified under energy efficiency regulations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecondary output voltage stabilityVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional linear regulator circuit (LDO) with a secondary side post regulator that uses a switch (Q2) and capacitor (C2) to achieve voltage regulation. This substitution transitions from a continuous analog regulation mechanism to a switched-mode regulation mechanism, significantly reducing energy loss while maintaining output voltage stability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the regulation mechanism by introducing a switch-controlled capacitor discharge system. The switch Q2 is controlled based on the output voltage feedback, dynamically adjusting the discharge timing and duration of capacitor C2 to regulate the secondary output voltage. This parameter-based dynamic control replaces the static voltage drop approach of LDO regulators.

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 approach effectively stabilizes secondary output voltages with reduced energy loss, enhancing energy efficiency and compliance with energy regulations by dynamically controlling the on-time of the high-voltage output switch, allowing for efficient voltage regulation across multiple outputs.

Implementation Method 1

The transformer T, which is composed of a primary winding L0, a first secondary winding L1, and a second secondary winding L2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first output capacitor C1 and a rectifier unit for generating a low output voltage V o1... a second output capacitor C2 for generating a high output voltage V o2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8310847B2Secondary side post regulator of flyback power converter with multiple outputs
Publication Date: 2012.11.13 NIKO SEMICON
  • US8310847B2 patent drawing
  • US8310847B2 patent drawing
  • US8310847B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flyback power converter with multiple outputs has a transformer, a low-voltage output circuit, a high-voltage output circuit, and a secondary side post regulator circuit is provided. The transformer has a first secondary winding and a second secondary winding. The low-voltage output circuit has a low-voltage output capacitor and a rectifier unit, and is coupled to the first secondary winding to generate a low voltage output. The high-voltage output circuit has a high-voltage output switch and a high-voltage output capacitor, and is coupled to the second secondary winding to generate a high voltage output. The secondary side post regulator circuit adjusts on-time of the high-voltage output switch according to a feedback signal to have the energy stored in the high-voltage capacitor transmitted to the low-voltage capacitor to lower down the voltage level of the high output voltage.