MCU Timer Synchronization for Parallel Power Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converter systems face challenges in achieving reliable real-time synchronization, especially when multiple power converters need to operate in parallel, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss of synchronization.
Innovation Solution
The use of a hardware timer subsystem within an MCU to generate and manage synchronization signals through Direct Memory Access (DMA), allowing for accurate and timely updates of synchronization values in memory, thereby synchronizing multiple power converters effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single controller is used to drive separate power converter circuits for each phase, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into a central controller that generates synchronization signals and individual MCU units that execute switching operations. Each MCU has its own timer subsystem and memory, allowing independent yet synchronized operation. This segmentation maintains low overall complexity while improving synchronization reliability through distributed control.
Solution Approach 2:
A synchronization signal acts as an intermediary between the central controller and multiple MCUs. The signal is generated by the central controller and received by each MCU's timer subsystem, coordinating their operations without requiring direct communication between MCUs or a complex centralized control structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software is used to control power converter switch states, then flexibility is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Synchronization values are pre-calculated and stored in memory before being needed for switching operations. The timer subsystem retrieves these pre-computed values and loads them into registers at the precise moment when switching is required, eliminating the need for real-time software calculation and reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces software-based timing control with a hardware timer subsystem that automatically generates switching signals based on pre-loaded synchronization values. This hardware-based approach substitutes the slow software execution cycle with faster hardware timing mechanisms, reducing processing time while maintaining control flexibility through programmable timer configurations.
3Speed
If DMA is used to access memory independently of the CPU, then processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DMA subsystem is integrated into the standard MCU architecture, serving multiple functions including synchronization value transfer, timing signal generation, and coordinate data movement between memory and timer registers. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile high-speed data transfer capabilities that benefit multiple operations within the power converter control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter controlled by a micro-controller unit (MCU) is effectively synchronized by using a signal received by a hardware subsystem of the MCU. The synchronization signal can control multiple power converters and can be generated by one power converter or a synchronization controller with generation of the synchronization signal generated using a hardware subsystem of an MCU, namely a hardware timer. The timer can be used to obtain a switch state from a memory table using direct memory access (DMA).