Inductorless AC/DC Converter Using GaN Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AC/DC converters require inductors or transformers, which are physically large and costly, and cannot be integrated into circuits, necessitating a need for efficient, compact solutions for driving LEDs and mains side power switches.
Innovation Solution
An inductorless AC/DC converter design utilizing a switch and bistable circuit with comparators to regulate output voltage or current, minimizing energy loss and employing a GaN switch to avoid rectification, allowing for high efficiency and compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If inductors or transformers are used in AC/DC converters, then power conversion efficiency is maintained, but the physical size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the inductor or transformer from the AC/DC converter circuit, eliminating these bulky magnetic components entirely. The invention achieves power conversion without requiring traditional energy storage elements, thereby dramatically reducing physical size while maintaining conversion functionality through an alternative topology using capacitors and switching devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the power converter by operating at frequencies where capacitive reactance replaces inductive reactance. By utilizing high-frequency switching and capacitive energy storage instead of inductive storage, the system achieves efficient power conversion with significantly reduced component size.
2Reliability
If inductors or transformers are used in AC/DC converters, then stable power conversion is achieved, but integration into integrated circuits becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external inductor or transformer components that prevent integration, enabling the entire power conversion function to be implemented using only integrated circuit elements such as MOSFETs, diodes, and on-chip capacitors. This extraction of magnetic components makes monolithic integration feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions previously requiring separate external components (inductor, transformer, control circuitry) into a unified integrated circuit structure. By combining power switching, control, and energy storage functions into a single chip, the design achieves both stability and integrability.
3Reliability
If traditional AC/DC converter components are used, then reliable power conversion is achieved, but cost increases due to large physical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates expensive magnetic components (inductors and transformers) from the bill of materials, replacing them with inexpensive semiconductor devices and capacitors. This component substitution dramatically reduces material costs and assembly complexity while maintaining conversion reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, difficult-to-manufacture magnetic components with cheaper, easily fabricated semiconductor devices and capacitors that can be produced using standard integrated circuit manufacturing processes, thereby reducing overall system cost.
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, the invention provides an inductorless AC/DC converter for generating a DC power supply with up to 98% efficiency. That power is suited for running a primary side controller, and for providing mains side switch drive in an isolated AC/DC converter, and also for powering unisolated LED lighting.