Motor Drive Power Supply Control for EMI-Compliant Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor drive products face challenges in achieving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliance while maintaining a target output voltage, particularly in switching regulators with flyback or push-pull topologies, and adjusting EMI emission spectrum control without hardware modifications is difficult.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a pulse width modulation controller and a programmable device to control multiple isolated power supply rails with a common reference ground, allowing for dynamic control of output voltages and EMI emissions through a programmable device that assumes or relinquishes control based on voltage criteria, using galvanic isolation and closed-loop feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If switching regulators operate in flyback or push-pull topologies to achieve voltage regulation, then output voltage control is improved, but EMI emission increases making EMC compliance difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage controlVSAvoidEMI emission
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching frequency adjustment where the controller can vary the switching frequency of the power converter based on operating conditions. This allows the system to move away from fixed frequency operation that causes EMI peaks, enabling frequency modulation to spread spectral energy and reduce peak emissions while maintaining voltage regulation performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters including switching frequency and duty cycle to optimize both voltage control and EMI performance. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than fixing them, the system can adapt to different load conditions while maintaining EMC compliance through reduced spectral peaks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If hardware is modified to adjust EMI emission spectrum control, then EMI control capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI emission spectrum controlVSAvoidhardware modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical hardware modifications with a programmable controller that implements software-based EMI control algorithms. Instead of changing circuit topology or adding passive components, the system uses digital processing to analyze and control the EMI spectrum, significantly reducing hardware complexity while maintaining control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves multiple functions: voltage regulation, switching frequency control, and EMI spectrum management. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated EMI control hardware, as the same controller that manages power conversion also handles EMI compliance through intelligent algorithm execution

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power supplies are used in motor drive electronics, then functional versatility is improved, but coordinating EMI control across multiple supplies becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple power supplies functionalityVSAvoidEMI coordination control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates control of multiple power supplies under a single programmable controller. By merging the control functions for multiple voltage rails (such as gate drive circuits and other power converters) into one centralized intelligence, the system can coordinate switching events across all supplies to prevent EMI interference and harmonics, simplifying what would otherwise be complex distributed control requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4633027A1EMI emission control on low power supplies in a motor drive application
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP4633027A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4633027A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4633027A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system is provided including a pulse width modulation controller (105) configured to control a first output voltage of a first power supply associated with the system, wherein an input to the first power supply is referenced to an input ground associated with the system and the first output voltage is referenced to a first output ground associated with the system. The system includes a programmable device (110) configured to control a second output voltage of a second power supply associated with the system, wherein an input to the second power supply is referenced to the input ground associated with the system and the second output voltage is referenced to a second output ground associated with the system. The programmable device (110) is powered based on the first output voltage.