Hybrid Control Loop for Precision and Fast Transient Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch control circuits in power supply devices face challenges in achieving high adjustment precision, small adjustment steps, and fast transient response speeds, particularly in rectifiers and charging modules, due to limitations in filtering and processing signals.

Innovation Solution

A switch control circuit incorporating a filter, digital-to-analog converter, loop reference output circuit, and loop result processing circuit, which processes both PWM and direct current reference signals to improve adjustment precision and transient response speed by selectively using filtered or unfiltered signals based on current or voltage loops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a PWM reference signal is used to improve adjustment precision and reduce adjustment steps, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the transient response speed deteriorates due to filtering requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidtransient response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two reference signal sources (PWM and DC) based on operational conditions. The switching mechanism allows the system to adapt its characteristics: using PWM for precision control and DC for fast response, thereby resolving the contradiction between adjustment precision and transient response speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of the reference signal from PWM (high precision, requires filtering) to DC (fast response, no filtering needed) based on the operational state. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between precision and speed requirements in different working conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If a filtered PWM signal is used to improve adjustment precision, then the adjustment step is reduced, but the circuit complexity increases due to additional filtering components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment stepVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the reference signal source based on operational needs. When DC reference is selected, no filtering circuit is needed, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining functionality. The switching mechanism allows the system to operate with simpler circuitry when high precision is not required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reference signal generation circuit serves multiple functions: it can generate both PWM signals (for precision control) and DC signals (for fast response and simpler circuits). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate filtering circuits, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining adjustment precision capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution enhances adjustment precision and reduces adjustment steps while ensuring fast transient response speeds, making it suitable for rectifiers, charging modules, and lithium battery modules.

Implementation Method 1

a filter configured to: receive a reference signal obtained through pulse width modulation, and output a filtered signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

a digital-to-analog converter configured to: receive a direct current reference signal, and output a signal obtained through digital-to-analog conversion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDigital-to-analog conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4580020A1Hybrid control loop with filtered PWM generated setpoint in analogue inner loop and DAC provided additional setpoint
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4580020A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4580020A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4580020A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a switch control circuit and a power supply device, and relate to the field of electromechanical technologies, to improve transient response performance of the switch control circuit. In the switch control circuit, a filter is configured to: receive a reference signal obtained through pulse width modulation, and output a filtered signal. A digital-to-analog converter is configured to: receive a direct current reference signal, and output a signal obtained through digital-to-analog conversion. A loop reference output circuit is configured to: receive the signal output by the filter and the signal output by the digital-to-analog converter, and output a processed signal as a loop reference signal. A voltage loop (or a current loop) is configured to: receive the loop reference signal and a sampling signal, and output a loop signal. A loop result processing circuit is configured to output a control signal based on the loop signal. When the reference signal obtained through pulse width modulation is a valid reference signal of the voltage loop, adjustment precision and an adjustment step of the control signal can be improved. When the direct current reference signal is a valid reference signal of the voltage loop, a transient response speed of the control signal can be improved.