Hybrid Phase-Shift Control in Interleaved PFC Converters for EMI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interleaved power factor correction (PFC) converters face challenges in effectively reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to fixed phase-shift angles that fail to suppress differential mode noise across varying switching frequencies, particularly in critical conduction mode operations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a hybrid phase-shift control method that dynamically adjusts the phase-shift angle based on switching frequency thresholds, using different phase-shift angles (θA and θB) to suppress specific harmonic currents, thereby reducing differential mode EMI.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed phase-shift angle is used in interleaved PFC converters, then the control method is simple, but differential mode noise cannot be effectively suppressed across varying switching frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol method simplicityVSAvoiddifferential mode noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed phase-shift angle to a dynamic, frequency-dependent phase-shift angle. The controller adjusts the phase-shift angle between first and second interleaved PFC converters based on the detected switching frequency, enabling the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and effectively suppress differential mode noise across different frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the phase-shift angle parameter according to switching frequency thresholds. When the switching frequency exceeds a threshold, the controller changes the phase-shift angle from a first value to a second value, optimizing noise suppression performance across different operating frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the phase-shift angle is dynamically adjusted based on switching frequency, then differential mode noise is suppressed effectively, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifferential mode noise suppressionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback by using the controller to detect the switching frequency of the interleaved PFC converter and adjust the phase-shift angle accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to frequency variations while maintaining effective noise suppression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the frequency range into different segments with distinct phase-shift angle settings. The controller compares the detected switching frequency against thresholds and applies appropriate phase-shift angles for different frequency segments, simplifying the control logic while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If fixed phase-shift angles are used, then device structure is simple, but EMI performance is insufficient across varying operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidEMI performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static device structure into a dynamic system where the phase-shift angle can be adjusted in real-time based on switching frequency. This dynamic capability enables the device to maintain optimal EMI performance across varying operating conditions without requiring complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same device structure to operate effectively across different frequency ranges through controlled parameter adjustment. The interleaved PFC converter with frequency-dependent phase-shift control can suppress differential mode noise at various switching frequencies, making the device universally applicable across different operating conditions.

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

Data Source

PatentUS12531476B2Systems and methods for hybrid phase-shift operation of interleaved PFC converters
Publication Date: 2026.01.20 NAVITAS SEMICON LTD
  • US12531476B2 patent drawing
  • US12531476B2 patent drawing
  • US12531476B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of operating a circuit is disclosed. The method includes providing an interleaved power factor correction (PFC) converter circuit; determining a switching frequency of the interleaved PFC converter circuit; setting a phase shift of the interleaved PFC converter circuit at a first phase shift when the switching frequency of the interleaved PFC converter circuit is below or at a first switching frequency; setting the phase shift of the interleaved PFC converter circuit at a second phase shift when the switching frequency of the interleaved PFC converter circuit is greater than the first switching frequency but less than a second switching frequency; and setting the phase shift of the interleaved PFC converter circuit at the first phase shift when the switching frequency of interleaved the PFC converter circuit is greater than the second switching frequency.