Hold-up Converter Multi-mode Operation Reduces Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
The two-converter approach for managing hold-up energy in power supplies requires additional circuitry and space due to the need for different electronic components and layouts for charging and discharging, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A hold-up converter that operates in multiple modes using the same electronic components for both charging and discharging, with a single converter performing the functions of both input and output converters, reducing component count and space requirements, and utilizing switches and an inductor for bi-directional energy flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate converters are used for charging and discharging the hold-up capacitor, then the functions are clearly separated and modular, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single converter that can operate in multiple modes: charging mode (when input voltage is present), discharge mode (when input voltage is lost), and idle mode (when hold-up capacitor is fully charged). The same converter circuitry, including switches, inductor, and control logic, performs both charging and discharging functions by switching between operational modes based on voltage threshold detection.
2Device complexity
If a single converter is used for both charging and discharging, then component count and space are reduced, but the converter must perform multiple functions with different electronic components and layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The converter dynamically switches between different operational modes based on real-time voltage conditions. The control system monitors the input voltage and automatically transitions the converter between charging mode (when voltage is present), discharge mode (when voltage drops below threshold), and idle mode (when capacitor is fully charged), allowing the same hardware to adapt to different functional requirements.
3Productivity
If the input converter operates at a higher voltage level, then charging speed increases, but additional circuitry is required in the output converter to step-down the voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The same converter circuitry that charges the hold-up capacitor at high voltage also performs the voltage step-down function during discharge mode. The converter uses the same switches, inductor, and control logic to both charge the capacitor from high-voltage input and to discharge it while providing the required output voltage level, eliminating the need for separate voltage conversion stages.
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 allows for efficient management of hold-up energy with reduced component count and space, maintaining a constant output voltage during temporary power losses and minimizing power consumption by switching between charge, discharge, and idle modes based on voltage thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor configured to cause an input voltage level to increase while the first switch is performing the first switching function and the hold-up capacitor is charging
Implementation Method 2
The first switch is configured to perform a first switching function in a first operation mode and to act as a first diode in a second operation mode
Data Source
AI summary
A hold-up converter or other electronic circuit comprises a first switch configured to perform a first switching function in a first operation mode and to act as a first diode in a second operation mode. The electronic circuit further comprises a second switch configured as a second diode in the first operation mode and that performs a second switching function in the second operation mode. A hold-up capacitor is electronically coupled to the first switch and the second switch such that the hold-up capacitor charges in the first operation mode based, at least in part, on the first switching function and discharges in the second operation mode based, at least in part, on the second switching function.