Flyback Converter Secondary Switch Timing for Primary ZVS

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power converters face challenges in achieving zero voltage switching (ZVS) for the primary switch without relying on primary to secondary communication.

Innovation Solution

The method involves controlling a secondary switch to achieve zero voltage switching of the primary switch by calculating the required secondary switch hold time based on measurements such as forward pin voltage or the ratio of discharge time to charge time, eliminating the need for primary to secondary communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If primary to secondary communication is used to achieve ZVS of the primary switch, then ZVS can be implemented, but the system complexity increases due to communication requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveZVS implementationVSAvoidcommunication system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the communication requirement from the ZVS implementation by using only secondary side measurements (forward pin voltage, discharge time, charge time) to calculate the secondary switch hold time. This eliminates the need for primary to secondary communication while maintaining ZVS capability through secondary side autonomous control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary controller autonomously determines the secondary switch hold time using measurements taken on the secondary side itself (forward pin voltage, discharge time, charge time ratio). The system serves itself by eliminating external communication requirements and using only locally available information to achieve ZVS.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4568089A1Flyback converter with secondary side switch used for enforced zvs
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 POWER INTEGRATIONS INC
  • EP4568089A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4568089A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4568089A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Zero voltage switching with a secondary switch (e.g., a synchronous rectifier) is described herein. The method allows a secondary side controller to dynamically calculate during a switching period a required secondary switch hold time to effectuate ZVS of a primary switch. By measuring a charge time and a discharge time during a switching period, the required secondary switch hold time may be determined without the need for primary to secondary communication.