Multi-Input Power Converter Current Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-input single-output power converters suffer from low efficiency due to the need for current detection and power dissipation in master-slave control architectures, particularly in voltage-mode dual-input systems where sense resistors are used.
Innovation Solution
A power converter system comprising multiple switching regulators with error amplifiers and sense circuits that generate modulation signals based on sensed currents and an average sense signal, allowing for efficient current distribution and output voltage regulation without the need for extensive current detection and dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If master-slave control architecture with sense resistors is used in voltage-mode dual-input single-output power converter, then output voltage control and current distribution are achieved, but power dissipation increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the current sensing function from external resistors and implements it within the operational amplifiers themselves. The sense inputs of the operational amplifiers directly sense the current through the switching regulators, eliminating the need for separate sense resistors and their associated power dissipation while maintaining current distribution control.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational amplifiers are given dual functionality: they serve both as error amplifiers for output voltage control and as current sensing elements. By utilizing the sense inputs of the operational amplifiers for current detection, the system achieves both voltage regulation and current distribution without requiring dedicated sensing components that would increase power loss.
2Ease of operation
If current detection and distribution control are implemented in voltage-mode power converter, then load current is distributed to power converters, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage control loop and current distribution control into a unified system. The error amplifiers simultaneously perform both functions by comparing the output voltage with a reference and by sensing the current through their sense inputs, eliminating the need for separate control circuits and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational amplifiers to perform current sensing without requiring external sensing components. The sense inputs of the operational amplifiers directly detect the current flowing through the switching regulators, allowing the system to self-regulate current distribution using existing components.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-input single-output power converter comprises several switching regulators coupled to a common output for converting separate supply voltages to an output voltage in compliance with respective modulation signals. The output voltage is compared with a first reference signal to generate an error signal, the currents of the switching regulators are sensed to generate respective sense signals, and the modulation signal of one switching regulator is determined based on the sense signal of the switching regulator, the average sense signal of all the switching regulators, a second reference signal and the error signal. Particularly, the difference between the sense signal and average sense signal is used to adjust the level of the second reference signal for the error signal to compare to determine the modulation signal.