Full-Bridge LLC Converter Control for Wide Output Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power converter designs, such as LLC converters, struggle to efficiently support a wide output voltage range without requiring complex circuit designs or multiple converter systems.

Innovation Solution

A full bridge LLC converter system with multiple control modes is implemented, allowing the converter to operate as a full bridge under frequency control for higher output voltages and as a half bridge under duty cycle control with valley switching for lower output voltages, thereby supporting a wide output voltage range from 24V to 240V.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single LLC converter is used to support a wide output voltage range, then the number of converter systems is reduced, but the circuit design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage rangeVSAvoidcircuit design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The full bridge converter is segmented into two independent half-bridges, each capable of operating autonomously. The controller divides the output voltage range into two segments: the first half-bridge handles higher voltages while the second half-bridge handles lower voltages. This segmentation allows each half-bridge to be optimized for its specific voltage range, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining wide voltage support capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The full bridge converter is designed with multi-functionality by enabling it to operate in different modes depending on the required output voltage. The same physical converter structure can function as a full bridge for high voltage output or split into two half-bridges for lower voltage output, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated converter systems and reducing design complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a very wide operating frequency range is used to support wide output voltage range, then the output voltage range is expanded, but the control difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage rangeVSAvoidcontrol
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The converter employs dynamic control mode selection based on the desired output voltage. Rather than using a static wide frequency range that is difficult to control, the system dynamically switches between full bridge mode and half-bridge modes, with each mode having an optimized frequency range. This dynamic adaptation simplifies control within each operating range while maintaining wide overall voltage support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control parameters (operating mode, frequency range, duty cycle) are changed based on the target output voltage. For higher voltages, the system uses full bridge mode with appropriate frequency and duty cycle parameters. For lower voltages, it transitions to half-bridge mode with different optimized parameters. This parameter adaptation allows easy control within each range while achieving wide overall voltage coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If separate chargers are used for each battery output voltage, then the voltage support accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage support accuracyVSAvoidsystem
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single full bridge converter system is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different output voltages through different operating modes. The controller intelligently selects whether to operate as a full bridge or split into half-bridges based on the required voltage, providing accurate voltage support for various battery types without requiring multiple separate charger systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage support capability is segmented into different ranges handled by different operating modes. The first half-bridge segment handles higher voltage batteries while the second half-bridge segment handles lower voltage batteries. This segmentation maintains voltage accuracy for each battery type while consolidating multiple functions into a single system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12341432B2Full bridge LLC converter system and method of voltage regulation using a full bridge LLC converter
Publication Date: 2025.06.24 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • US12341432B2 patent drawing
  • US12341432B2 patent drawing
  • US12341432B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of voltage regulation using a full bridge LLC converter includes: selecting a control mode for the full bridge LLC converter based on a nominal output voltage for the full bridge LLC converter, including selecting a first control mode if the nominal output voltage is a first voltage and selecting a second control mode if the nominal output voltage is a second voltage less than the first voltage; in the first control mode, operating the full bridge LLC converter as a full bridge under frequency control; and in the second control mode, operating a first half bridge of the full bridge LLC converter under frequency control and operating a second half bridge of the full bridge LLC converter under duty cycle control with valley switching.