Multi-Converter Control Circuit Using Shared Master-Slave Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The communication between PD controllers and integrated control circuits in multi-output PD adapters requires serial communication interfaces, increasing I/O pin count, PCB size, and cost, and complicating product design due to memory limitations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-converter switching power supply system with integrated control circuits that utilize an enable signal to switch between power supply modes, allowing one control circuit to act as a master and another as a slave, reducing the need for dedicated communication interfaces and optimizing memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serial communication interfaces (SPI, I2C) are used for communication between PD controllers and integrated control circuits, then communication functionality is achieved, but I/O pin count increases and PCB size expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication functions into a single shared transmission terminal. The transmission terminal can operate in different modes (master mode, slave mode, idle mode) to handle both PD controller communication and converter control circuit communication, eliminating the need for separate communication interfaces and reducing I/O pin count.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission terminal is designed with multi-functionality, capable of serving as a master controller, slave controller, or idle unit depending on the operational mode. This universal design allows a single terminal to replace multiple dedicated communication interfaces, reducing PCB area while maintaining full communication functionality.
2Reliability
If dedicated communication interfaces are embedded in the integrated control circuit, then communication capability is improved, but processing memory requirements increase and die area expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication processing functions into the existing control circuit architecture rather than adding separate dedicated communication interfaces. The transmission terminal utilizes the existing processor and memory resources of the integrated control circuit, avoiding additional memory requirements and die area expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control circuit is designed with a universal transmission terminal that can perform multiple roles (master, slave, idle) using the same processing resources. This eliminates the need for separate communication processors and their associated memory, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full communication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication interfaces are added to support multi-converter operation, then control flexibility is improved, but product design complexity increases and development timeline extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration where transmission terminals can switch between different operational modes (master, slave, idle) based on system requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to support various converter configurations and communication topologies without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each scenario, simplifying product design while maintaining control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal transmission terminal design allows a single integrated control circuit to adapt to different system configurations through software or configuration-based mode switching, rather than requiring hardware variations for different designs. This reduces product design complexity and accelerates development timelines while maintaining full versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated control circuit for switching converter in a multi-converter switching power supply. The integrated control circuit has a transmission terminal for receiving an enable signal indicating that the multi-converter switching power supply operates in a first or a second power supply mode. In the first power supply mode, the integrated control circuit as a master control circuit provides a control signal to control the switching converter based on a feedback signal representing an output voltage, and the transmission terminal of the master control circuit provides a time indication pulse signal to a transmission terminal of a slave control circuit. The integrated control circuit as the salve control circuit receives the time indication pulse signal from the transmission terminal of the master control circuit and provides the control signal to control the switching converter based on the time indication pulse signal.