Multi-Output DC/DC Converter Single Inductor Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC/DC converters for vehicles require multiple inductors to output both 12V and 48V, increasing size and cost, as they use a boost circuit to achieve the higher voltage, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A multi-output DC/DC converter design that utilizes a transformer, rectifying diodes, and switching elements to output multiple voltages without additional inductors, with a controller regulating the switching elements to manage load currents and reduce the number of inductors needed, allowing for simultaneous 12V and 48V output using a single inductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a boost circuit is used to obtain 48V from 12V output, then multi-voltage output capability is achieved, but the number of output inductors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the 48V output function into the existing 12V output stage by adding a serial boost circuit that shares the output inductor. The boost circuit converts the 12V output to 48V by utilizing the inductor's energy storage property, allowing one inductor to serve dual purposes for both voltage outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The output inductor is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the output inductor for the 12V DC/DC converter and simultaneously as the energy storage element for the 48V boost circuit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate inductors for different voltage outputs.
2Reliability
If multiple inductors are used for 12V and 48V outputs, then voltage regulation is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inductor functions into a single output inductor that serves both the 12V regulation circuit and the 48V boost circuit, thereby reducing the overall converter size while maintaining voltage regulation capability through proper circuit design and control.
3Power
If multiple inductors are used for 12V and 48V outputs, then power conversion capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple inductors into a single shared output inductor, reducing component count and manufacturing cost. The power conversion capability is maintained through the boost circuit design that efficiently converts 12V to 48V using the shared inductor's energy storage property.
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 design reduces the size and cost of the converter by eliminating the need for multiple inductors and minimizes switching losses by optimizing the switching voltage, enabling efficient simultaneous output of 12V and 48V.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer having a primary side winding connected to an input side and a secondary side winding connected to an output side
Implementation Method 2
a rectifying diode for rectifying the output of the secondary side winding
Implementation Method 3
an output inductor having a first end connected to the rectifying diode
Implementation Method 4
a first output switching element and a second output switching element each having first ends connected to a second end of the output inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A multi output DC/DC converter includes a transformer having a primary side winding connected to an input side and a secondary side winding connected to an output side; a rectifying diode for rectifying an output of the secondary side winding; an output inductor having a first end connected to the rectifying diode; and a first output switching element and a second output switching element each having first ends connected to a second end of the output inductor, where a second end of the first output switching element and a second end of the second output switching element become first and second output stages outputting different voltages, respectively.