Inductive Coupled Power Supply Transient Load Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switching power supplies have limited ability to maintain output voltage within a desired range during transient load conditions, such as sudden changes in current consumption, requiring larger circuit components and reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a secondary inductive path magnetically coupled to a primary inductive path, with a controller that adjusts current flow through the secondary path to control impedance and maintain output voltage regulation, using a slope booster circuit to enhance the rate of change of output current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional switching power supply parameters (input voltage, inductance) are modified to accommodate wide range transient load conditions, then the power supply can handle transient load changes, but circuit component size increases and circuit efficiency reduces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransient load condition handling capabilityVSAvoidcircuit component size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the current control function into two independent parts: a primary inductive path for steady-state current delivery and a secondary inductive path for transient current adjustment. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, with the secondary path providing transient support without requiring the primary path components to be oversized, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary inductive path acts as an intermediary that magnetically couples to the primary inductive path to provide supplemental current during transient conditions. This intermediary mechanism enables transient load handling without directly modifying the primary power delivery components, avoiding the need for larger inductors and capacitors that would reduce efficiency and increase size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransient load condition handling capabilityVSAvoidcircuit efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the current control into primary and secondary independent paths, the patent allows the primary path to operate at its optimal efficiency point for steady-state conditions, while the secondary path handles transient demands. This prevents the need to design the primary components for worst-case transient conditions, maintaining optimal efficiency during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary inductive path is activated periodically or on-demand during transient conditions rather than continuously. The controller monitors load conditions and engages the secondary path only when transient current support is needed, minimizing energy losses from continuous operation of additional circuitry while providing adaptive support when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Speed

If the rate of change of output current (di/dt) is increased to respond faster to transient load conditions, then the response speed improves, but the required inductance value must be reduced which affects steady-state current control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speed to transient loadVSAvoidsteady-state current control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the inductive function into primary and secondary paths with different inductance values optimized for different operating conditions. The primary inductive path uses larger inductance for stable steady-state current control, while the secondary inductive path uses smaller inductance to enable fast di/dt during transients. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between primary and secondary inductive paths based on operating conditions. During steady-state operation, the primary path dominates with its larger inductance providing stable current control. During transient conditions, the secondary path is activated to provide the necessary fast current change rate, creating a dynamic system that adapts to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables better response to transient load conditions by dynamically adjusting current flow, maintaining output voltage regulation during sudden changes in load current without significant increases in component size or efficiency loss.

Implementation Method 1

The secondary inductive path is magnetically coupled to the primary inductive path and adjusts current flow through the primary inductive path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11165347B2Inductive coupled power supply and slope control

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG

AI summary

A power supply includes a power source, a primary inductive path, and a secondary inductive path. The primary inductive path coupled to receive input current from the power source. The secondary inductive path is magnetically coupled to the primary inductive path to adjust current flow through the primary inductive path, the primary inductive path operable to produce an output voltage.