Isolated Power Converter Control Using Predictive Load Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters face challenges in efficiently communicating and adapting to changes in load power demand across isolated sides, leading to suboptimal power delivery and slow response to load changes.
Innovation Solution
A power converter system with isolated power domain circuits on either side, where one circuit predicts future electrical characteristics of the load based on control signals and adjusts control parameters to synchronize and optimize power delivery across the isolation barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate communication channel with isolation (e.g., optoisolator) is used to communicate between primary and secondary sides, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication function with the existing power conversion components by using the transformer for both power transfer and signal communication. The control signals are modulated onto the power conversion signals themselves, eliminating the need for separate communication channels and optoisolators, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through the isolation barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer is made multi-functional by using it for both power conversion and bidirectional communication between primary and secondary sides. The same magnetic coupling that transfers power also carries control signals, allowing a single component to serve multiple purposes and reducing the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added to modulate existing signals for communication, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal modulation function with the existing power conversion circuitry. The control signals are embedded within the power conversion waveforms themselves, using the same components already present in the power converter, thereby achieving communication capability without adding separate modulation components.
3Measurement precision
If the primary side waits for feedback from the secondary side to adjust power delivery, then communication accuracy is improved, but response speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the primary side predict future load conditions and proactively adjust power delivery before actual load changes occur. By analyzing trends in the control signals and anticipating future secondary side requirements, the system can pre-adjust power levels, thereby maintaining high response speed while preserving communication accuracy through the isolation barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses bidirectional feedback mechanisms where the secondary side sends control signals back to the primary side through the isolation barrier. This feedback loop allows the primary side to continuously monitor and adjust power delivery based on actual secondary side needs, maintaining communication accuracy while the predictive elements accelerate response time.
Data Source
AI summary
An example a circuit for controlling a power converter comprises a first power domain circuit including a first control circuit and a first driver circuit, wherein the first control circuit controls the first driver circuit to drive a first semiconductor device, wherein a second power domain circuit includes a second control circuit and a second driver circuit. The first control circuit is configured to receive a control signal for controlling the second driver circuit to drive a second semiconductor device; and identify, based on the control signal, a future electrical characteristic of a second power domain output of the power converter. Additionally, the first control circuit is configured to determine, based on the future electrical characteristic of the second power domain output of the power converter, whether to adjust one or more control parameters for controlling the first driver circuit to drive the first semiconductor device.