Load Driver Ripple Current Cancellation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Single stage Power Factor Correction (PFC) + Flyback circuits for LED drivers achieve high efficiency and power factor but result in significant output ripple current, requiring large electrolytic capacitors that are cumbersome and costly, especially in compact applications.

Innovation Solution

A load driver with a DC-DC converter and an opposite phase ripple current generating circuit that combines two currents with opposite ripple phases to reduce output ripple current, using a smaller ordinary capacitor instead of large electrolytic capacitors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single stage PFC + Flyback circuit is used, then the circuit complexity and cost are reduced, but the output ripple current increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidoutput ripple current
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the current path into two separate windings (first and second windings) on the transformer, each carrying current with opposite ripple phases. This segmentation allows the ripple currents to cancel each other when combined, reducing the overall output ripple current while maintaining the single-stage circuit structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent generates a counterbalancing ripple current in the second winding that is equal in magnitude but opposite in phase to the ripple current in the first winding. This counterweight approach causes the ripple currents to cancel each other out, reducing the net ripple current without requiring additional filtering components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If large electrolytic capacitors are used to reduce output ripple current, then the ripple current is reduced, but the device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput ripple currentVSAvoidcapacitor size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single large capacitor, the patent segments the current path into two windings that produce opposite ripple phases. This segmentation allows ripple cancellation at the source, eliminating the need for large filtering capacitors and reducing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful ripple current into a beneficial feature by generating an opposite phase ripple current that cancels the original ripple. This transforms the ripple, which is normally a harmful effect requiring large capacitors to suppress, into a useful mechanism for ripple reduction without increasing component size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If large electrolytic capacitors are used to reduce output ripple current, then the ripple current is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput ripple currentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transformer into two windings with opposite ripple phases, allowing ripple cancellation without requiring expensive large-capacity electrolytic capacitors. This approach reduces component costs and simplifies manufacturing while achieving the same ripple reduction effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful ripple current into a beneficial cancellation mechanism, eliminating the need for expensive large electrolytic capacitors. This approach reduces manufacturing costs by using standard components in a creative configuration rather than requiring expensive high-capacity capacitors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP2815492B1Load driver and method for reducing the output ripple current of a load driver
Publication Date: 2016.04.13 OSRAM GMBH
  • EP2815492B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2815492B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2815492B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention discloses a load driver and a method for reducing an output ripple current of a load driver. The load driver includes: a DC-DC converter, which has a first output and a second output; an opposite phase ripple current generating circuit, which is connected to the second output and configured to generate a second current, with a phase of a ripple current being opposite to a phase of a ripple current of a first current from the first output, wherein, the first current and the second current are combined into an output current to drive the load.