Multi-Output Power Converter Sequencing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-output switch-mode power converter systems face challenges in sequencing power delivery during start-up, leading to voltage droop and unpredictable voltage fluctuations across multiple outputs, which can cause instability in load operations such as microprocessors and voltage-sensitive circuits.
Innovation Solution
A control approach and circuit apparatus that sequences power delivery by first providing energy to the highest voltage secondary output and subsequently to lower voltage outputs, using a variable reference generator to ensure monotonically increasing voltages during the start-up transient, thereby preventing voltage droop and stabilizing power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power is delivered to multiple outputs simultaneously during start-up, then all outputs can begin operating at the same time, but voltage droop and unpredictable voltage fluctuations occur causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first establishing a stable reference voltage before enabling power delivery to the outputs. The system performs a start-up sequence where the reference voltage is generated and stabilized first, then outputs are enabled in a controlled manner based on voltage thresholds, preventing voltage droop while maintaining efficient start-up
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the start-up process into distinct phases: reference voltage generation phase, threshold detection phase, and sequential output enabling phase. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, ensuring voltage stability during reference generation while maintaining productivity through controlled parallel output activation
2Reliability
If a complex sequencing control system is implemented to prevent voltage droop, then voltage stability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the system's own output voltages to control the sequencing logic. Voltage detection circuits monitor the output voltages directly, and when thresholds are met, the system automatically enables additional outputs without external control signals. This reduces control circuit complexity while maintaining voltage stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through voltage detection circuits that continuously monitor output voltages and feed this information back to the control logic. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the sequencing based on actual voltage levels, ensuring stability while using simple comparator-based control rather than complex microcontroller-based sequencing
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 method effectively sequences power delivery to multiple outputs, ensuring stable and monotonic increase in voltages during start-up, preventing voltage droop and maintaining system stability, even when controllers and internal circuitry depend on regulated power.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer having a primary coil and a plurality of secondary coils
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for sequencing outputs in a multi-output power converter system are disclosed herein. During start-up multiple CC/CV outputs may be sequenced so that energy is first provided to a highest voltage secondary output and subsequently provided to a lowest voltage secondary output. Additionally, control may be exerted so as to concurrently and monotonically increase voltages during at least part of the start-up transient; and concurrent control may be further implemented using control circuitry and a variable reference generator. In some embodiments a variable reference may be generated from a capacitor voltage.