Isolated Power Converter Clock Modulation for Auxiliary Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters require additional components for transmitting auxiliary information across a galvanic isolation barrier, increasing cost and negatively impacting electromagnetic compatibility.
Innovation Solution
Integrate power transmission and information transmission into a single transmitter unit, using frequency modulation of the clock signal to convey auxiliary information, eliminating the need for separate transmission devices and maintaining galvanic isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If separate transmission devices are used for auxiliary information across the galvanic isolation barrier, then information transmission is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power transmission function and auxiliary information transmission function into a single transmitter unit. The modulator integrates the power switch controlled by clock signals with the auxiliary information modulation, allowing both power delivery and information transfer through one device rather than requiring separate transmission devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power across the galvanic isolation barrier while also transmitting auxiliary information through frequency modulation of the clock signal. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated separate transmission devices for each purpose.
2Loss of information
If additional transmission devices are added for auxiliary information, then information transmission capability is improved, but electromagnetic compatibility deteriorates due to increased coupling capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power transmission and information transmission into one transmitter unit, the patent reduces the total number of isolation barriers and associated coupling capacitances. Instead of having separate devices each contributing to the total coupling capacitance, a single integrated device minimizes the overall capacitive coupling between primary and secondary sides, thereby improving electromagnetic compatibility.
3Loss of information
If separate transmission devices are used for auxiliary information, then information transmission is achieved, but space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the auxiliary information transmission functionality into the existing power transmission device, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transmission devices. This integration reduces the total component count on the circuit board, thereby reducing the space required and lowering overall system cost.
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
Reduces space requirements and improves electromagnetic compatibility by utilizing the power transmission device for both power and information transfer, while maintaining effective isolation and control signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter unit (14), which transmits the switched supply voltage (6') and the auxiliary information (28) from the primary side (2) to the secondary side (4)
Implementation Method 2
a modulation device (7), which modulates a frequency of the clock signal (34) as a function of the auxiliary information (28)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A power converter (1) having a primary side (2) and a secondary side (4) galvanically isolated therefrom, comprising – a secondary-side functional unit (12), which can be operated according to auxiliary information (28) generated on the primary side, – a primary-side voltage supply device (5), which is designed to provide a supply voltage (6), – a power transfer device (14) which comprises a switch unit (35) for switching the supply voltage (6) and a transfer unit (36) which is designed to transmit the switched supply voltage (6) to the secondary side (4) in order to convert the supply voltage (6) into an operating voltage (27) for the functional unit (12), – a primary-side modulation device (7), which is designed to provide a clock signal (34) for the switch unit (35) and to change a frequency of the clock signal (34) according to the auxiliary information (28), and – a secondary-side demodulation device (13), which is designed to generate at least one useful signal (45, 46, 47), representing the auxiliary information (28), from a secondary voltage (42) provided by the transmitter unit (36) and for providing a useful signal (47) to the functional unit (12).