Isolated Converter Sensing Circuit With Frequency Error Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional isolated converters, such as synchronous flyback converters, experience non-linear frequency behavior that leads to unstable load current measurements across varying load voltage ranges, causing inaccuracies in load current regulation due to the sensitivity of measurement circuits to switching frequency and load voltage changes.

Innovation Solution

A sensing circuit with a correction module that uses a second-order correction formula to compensate for frequency-dependent behavior, calculating corrected load current information based on load current and voltage data, ensuring stable load current over the entire load voltage range by adjusting the feedback signal to the controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional sensing circuit is used to measure load current in an isolated converter, then the circuit structure is simple, but the load current measurement becomes unstable and inaccurate when load voltage varies due to frequency-dependent behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload current measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensing circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the sensing circuit by introducing a frequency-dependent correction factor that adjusts the sensing behavior based on operating conditions. The correction module modifies the transfer function of the sensing circuit dynamically according to frequency variations caused by load voltage changes, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy across different operating points without requiring a completely different circuit architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional direct sensing approach with a corrected sensing method that uses mathematical compensation. Instead of modifying the physical sensing hardware to achieve frequency-independent behavior, the invention substitutes a correction module that processes the sensed signal digitally or analogously to compensate for frequency-dependent errors, thereby achieving accurate measurements without complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the sensing circuit is made frequency-independent to ensure stable load current measurement, then measurement stability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload current stabilityVSAvoidsensing circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a correction factor that dynamically adjusts sensing parameters based on frequency conditions. By changing the effective transfer function of the sensing circuit according to operating frequency, the system achieves stable load current measurements across varying load voltages without requiring a completely frequency-independent circuit design, thus balancing stability with acceptable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The correction module acts as an intermediary between the conventional sensing circuit and the control system. It processes the raw sensed signal and applies frequency-dependent correction before the signal is used for load current regulation, thereby decoupling the simplicity of the original sensing circuit from the requirement for stable measurements across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If a correction module with second-order correction formula is implemented, then load current regulation accuracy improves across the whole load voltage range, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload current regulation accuracyVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a second-order correction formula that adjusts the sensing transfer function based on frequency-dependent parameters. This mathematical correction model accounts for the nonlinear behavior of the sensing circuit across different operating points, enabling high-precision load current regulation throughout the entire load voltage range by dynamically adjusting correction parameters rather than using a fixed simple model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The correction module uses feedback from the sensed signal and operating conditions to dynamically adjust the correction applied to the load current measurement. By continuously monitoring frequency-dependent behavior and applying real-time correction, the system achieves high regulation accuracy without requiring overly complex control algorithms, as the correction is systematically derived from the known frequency response characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution enables precise load current regulation within specified ranges, improving the accuracy and stability of isolated converters, particularly in LED converters, by compensating for frequency-dependent behavior in real-time, thus maintaining consistent performance from minimum to maximum load voltage.

Implementation Method 1

The load current (e.g., an LED current I LED ) is measured by monitoring the current i C through the capacitor C, via a current transformer comprising the magnetically coupled windings L S1 and L S2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

When the primary side switch S 1 is closed, there will be a primary side current i p through the primary side switch S 1 and the primary winding L 1 of the power transformer thereby the power transformer will be magnetized. When the primary side switch S 1 is being switched off and a secondary side current i s flows through the secondary winding L 2 as the power transformer will demagnetize.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4304066A1A sensing circuit for an isolated converter
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4304066A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4304066A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4304066A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the field of switched mode power supplies (SMPS) and isolated converters, in particular for lighting technology. The present disclosure provides a sensing circuit 100 for an isolated converter 201. The sensing circuit 100 is configured to obtain load current information 101, and to obtain load voltage information 102. The sensing circuit 100 is further configured to determine, by a correction module 103 of the sensing circuit 100, corrected load current information 104 based on the load current information 101, the load voltage information 102 and a correction formula 105, wherein the correction formula 105 is configured to compensate a frequency dependent behaviour of the sensing circuit 100, and output the corrected load current information 104.