Full Bridge Converter Feedback Timing for Common-Mode EMI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Switch mode power supplies experience common-mode electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to timing mismatches between switching elements, which can damage components and disrupt other devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a feedback mechanism to adjust timing parameters of switching elements using incremental control, such as adjusting slew rate, delay, or other timing characteristics based on direct measurement of common-mode voltages, to synchronize switching operations and reduce EMI.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If switch mode power supplies operate at high frequencies, then efficiency and size are improved, but common-mode EMI increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating frequencyVSAvoidcommon-mode EMI
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism that samples the common-mode voltage at the switching node and uses this information to dynamically adjust the switching timing of individual MOSFETs. The feedback circuit measures the common-mode voltage waveform and generates control signals that modify gate drive timing to minimize EMI-generating transitions, thereby resolving the contradiction between high-frequency operation and EMI reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the switching timing parameters (such as dead time and gate drive delays) of the MOSFETs based on real-time common-mode voltage measurements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high-frequency operation while adaptively minimizing EMI emissions by optimizing switching transitions according to actual circuit conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-generated harmful factors

If switching elements are synchronized to reduce EMI, then EMI is reduced, but timing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommon-mode EMIVSAvoidtiming synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism continuously monitors the common-mode voltage and automatically adjusts switching timing to achieve synchronization. This closed-loop approach compensates for component variations and parasitic effects, making the system robust against manufacturing tolerances while achieving the precise timing synchronization needed for EMI reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes timing parameters (gate drive delays, dead time) based on measured common-mode voltage characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves precise synchronization without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on fixed timing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4029147B1Method to reduce the common-mode EMI of a full bridge converter using sampling common-mode feedback
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 ANALOG DEVICES INT UNLTD CO
  • EP4029147B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4029147B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4029147B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A switched power circuit to control a common-mode signal. The switched power circuit includes a first switch and a second switch configured to generate switch mode voltage between a first node and a second node. The switched power circuit further includes a feedback circuit that is configured to detect common-mode voltage generated between the first node and the second node by a first signal generated by the first switch and a second signal generated by the second switch, and incrementally adjust a timing parameter of the first signal to adjust the common-mode signal.