Parallel MOSFET Power Converter With Optical Fiber Stage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters have limited power handling capability, and parallel arrangements of power stages require precise temporal control to avoid interference and complexity in connections and communication.
Innovation Solution
A power converter with multiple parallel power stages uses a single uplink and downlink plastic optical fiber for each stage, coupled with serializers and deserializers to transmit control and measurement signals, reducing physical connections and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple power stages are arranged in parallel to increase power handling capability, then the power handling capability is improved, but the device complexity and connection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication channels (control signals and measurement signals) are merged into a single optical fiber connection between the control unit and each power stage. This is achieved by using a single optical fiber that carries both types of signals bidirectionally, eliminating the need for separate cables for each signal type and reducing overall connection complexity while maintaining parallel power stage operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple cables are used for control and measurement signals in parallel power stages, then the temporal control precision is improved, but the weight and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple electrical cables with a single optical fiber connection. Optical fibers use light transmission instead of electrical signals, which eliminates electromagnetic interference between cables and reduces the overall weight of the connection system while maintaining precise temporal control of the power stages.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrical cables are used for signal transmission between control unit and power stages, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the interference and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical cable transmission with optical fiber transmission. This replacement eliminates electromagnetic interference generated by electrical cables while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized optical fiber connection techniques. The optical fiber carries both control and measurement signals without the interference problems associated with electrical cables.
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 configuration enhances power handling capability by improving temporal control and reducing interference, weight, and complexity in power converter systems.
Implementation Method 1
each power stage being coupled to the control unit via a single uplink plastic optical fibre arranged to carry the measured physical parameters to the control unit and a single downlink plastic optical fibre arranged to carry the control signals from the control unit to the power stage
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter unit is disclosed, comprising a plurality of electrically parallel power stages, each power stage arranged to convert electrical power in either direction between a first DC voltage and a second DC voltage. Each stage includes one or more MOSFET modules and gate driving units for MOSFET switching, along with sensors to measure physical parameters. A control unit receives control signals dictating properties of the required electrical power conversion and measured parameters from the power stages, and generates gate driving signals for MOSFET control. Communication between each power stage and the control unit is facilitated by uplink and downlink plastic optical fibres. Each power stage includes an uplink optical interface and a serialiser arranged to serialise the measured physical parameters. The control unit includes a downlink optical interface and a serialiser arranged to serialise the gate driving signals.