Multi-output DC/DC Converter with Dynamic Time Division Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-output type DC/DC converters face challenges in maintaining desired output voltages when load current ratios change significantly, leading to potential voltage shifts and undesirable control states due to fixed time division periods and delays in logic circuits.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reactor connected to a direct-current power supply, first and second switching circuits, output voltage detection units, comparison circuits, and an output selection unit that generates control signals based on the earlier rising or falling outputs of comparison circuits, with a priority circuit to handle simultaneous changes, ensuring stable voltage distribution across multiple output terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed time division period is used to distribute output current to multiple terminals, then the device complexity is reduced and miniaturization is achieved, but the output voltages cannot maintain desired electric potentials when load current ratios change significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the time division period variable rather than fixed. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the time division period based on the ratio of consumption currents between output terminals. This allows the system to adapt to changing load conditions and maintain desired output voltages while still using a single inductor for miniaturization.
2Reliability
If the time division period is adjusted to accommodate changing load ratios, then output voltage stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control circuit monitor the consumption currents at each output terminal and use this information to adjust the time division period. This closed-loop control ensures that output voltages remain stable despite load variations, while the feedback mechanism provides an elegant solution that avoids excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If output selection circuit is used to select earlier output signals, then voltage stability is improved, but undesirable control states occur when signals change simultaneously due to logic circuit delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the control circuit proactively manage the switching timing based on predicted or monitored load conditions. Instead of reactively selecting signals after they are generated, the system pre-determines the appropriate time division period and switching sequence, preventing simultaneous signal changes and the associated logic circuit delay problems before they occur.
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
The solution prevents significant voltage shifts from desired potentials and avoids undesirable control states by dynamically adjusting switching operations based on load weights, ensuring stable direct-current output voltages across multiple terminals.
Implementation Method 1
a reactor (inductor) L, a first switching circuit for intermittently applying an input voltage to the reactor (inductor) L to flow a current
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-output type DC/DC converter including: a reactor connected to a direct-current power supply; a first switching circuit to apply a current to the reactor; a second switching to switch an output from the reactor to any one of output terminals; output voltage detection units to detect voltages of the output terminals; comparison circuits to compare outputs of the output voltage detection units with a waveform signal of a predetermined frequency; and an output selection unit to receive outputs of the comparison circuits as inputs, the output selection unit selecting an output of a comparison circuit, the output having an earlier rise or an earlier fall, to generate a plurality of control signals pertaining to on and off of the first switching circuit and/or the second switching circuit, the output selection unit treating the plurality of control signals in accordance with a predetermined priority order when the outputs of the plurality of comparison circuits change almost at the same time, wherein a current generated by a discharge of energy accumulated in the reactor is output to any one of the output terminals in accordance with the control signals generated by the output selection unit.