Multi-Output DC-DC Converter with Coordinated Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple output DC-DC converters suffer from poor conversion efficiency and require a large number of components, leading to high costs and physical size due to the need for multiple cascaded conversion stages.
Innovation Solution
A DC-DC converter design featuring a transformer with a primary winding and multiple secondary windings, where a primary circuit and secondary circuits are controlled by a controller to coordinate the switching of primary and secondary switches, eliminating the need for multiple conversion stages and allowing for efficient power distribution across multiple outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cascaded conversion stages are used to provide multiple DC outputs, then the power supply requirements of different equipment modules can be met, but the conversion efficiency deteriorates due to cumulative losses at each stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple conversion functions into a single DC-DC converter stage by incorporating multiple secondary windings with different turns ratios on one transformer core. This allows simultaneous generation of multiple output voltages (e.g., 3.3V, 1.8V, 1.2V, 1.04V) from a single primary-to-secondary conversion process, eliminating the need for cascaded conversion stages and their associated cumulative efficiency losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer is designed with multiple secondary windings that can serve different voltage requirements simultaneously. Each secondary winding is equipped with its own switching circuit and control, enabling the single converter to universally provide multiple standard telecom voltage outputs (3.3V, 1.8V, 1.2V, 1.04V) to different load modules without requiring separate dedicated converters for each voltage level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cascaded conversion stages are used to achieve multiple output voltages, then different equipment module requirements can be satisfied, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent conversion functions into a single integrated converter unit. By sharing the primary winding, transformer core, and control architecture among multiple secondary outputs, the design reduces the number of discrete conversion stages from multiple cascaded converters to one unified multi-output converter, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating multiple functions, the patent segments the output side into independent secondary circuits, each with its own switching element and control logic. This segmentation allows each output to be independently regulated and managed while sharing common resources (transformer, controller), achieving a balance between functionality and complexity management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cascaded conversion stages are used to provide multiple DC outputs, then various voltage levels can be generated, but the physical size and manufacturing cost increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage generation functions into a single transformer core with multiple secondary windings. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate transformer assemblies and cascaded converter stages, significantly reducing the physical volume required to achieve the same multi-voltage output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transformer with multiple secondary windings serves multiple voltage generation purposes simultaneously. Each secondary winding can be independently controlled to provide different standard telecom voltages (3.3V, 1.8V, 1.2V, 1.04V), making the converter universally applicable to various equipment modules without requiring additional physical space for separate converters.
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 enhances conversion efficiency, reduces component count and size, and allows for precise control of output voltages, enabling flexible power supply partitioning and scaling based on load demands, thereby improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer having a primary winding and at least one secondary winding
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A multiple output DC-DC converter (5) comprises a transformer (12) having a primary winding (13) and at least one secondary winding (14). The converter has a primary circuit (10) a plurality of secondary circuits (21, 22, 23). Each secondary circuit comprises the secondary winding (14) of the transformer or a respective winding of a plurality of secondary windings of the transformer, and an output stage (28) for providing a DC power supply output. At least one of the secondary circuits (21, 22, 23) comprises a secondary switch (25, 26, 27). A controller (30) is arranged to monitor a respective output signal (32) of each of the secondary circuits (21, 22, 23) and to control operation of the primary switch (15) and the at least one secondary switch (25, 26, 27) based on the monitored signals. The controller (30) is arranged to co-ordinate operation of the at least one secondary switch (25, 26, 27) with the primary switch (15), such that the primary switch (15) and the at least one secondary switch (25, 26, 27) are switched on at the same time, or with a controlled offset.