Multi-phase Parallel Converter Phase Transition Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-phase parallel converters face issues with sudden output voltage jumps when phases are turned off or restarted, potentially damaging the load or circuit due to uncontrolled current changes.

Innovation Solution

A multi-phase parallel converter system that includes sampling circuits, a current-sharing circuit, switching control circuits, and a bias voltage generator to gradually adjust the output current of a selected phase to zero when disabled and equalize it with other phases when enabled, using a bias voltage signal that increases or decreases to prevent voltage jumps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a phase is turned off or restarted in a multi-phase parallel converter, then the phase can be disabled or enabled as needed, but sudden output voltage jumps occur that can damage the load or circuit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase enable/disable capabilityVSAvoidoutput voltage jumps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bias voltage generator pre-adjusts the bias voltage before a phase is fully disabled or enabled. When disabling a phase, the bias voltage is gradually increased to reduce the phase's output current to zero before complete disablement. When enabling a phase, the bias voltage is gradually decreased to allow smooth current buildup. This preliminary adjustment prevents sudden voltage jumps that would otherwise occur during phase transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the bias voltage based on the operational state of each phase. The bias voltage generator continuously modifies the bias voltage level in response to phase enable/disable commands, creating a dynamic control mechanism that adapts to changing operational conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures smooth transitions and prevents harmful voltage spikes during phase state changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the output current of a selected phase is rapidly changed to zero when disabled, then the phase can be quickly turned off, but sudden voltage jumps occur that can damage the load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase disable speedVSAvoidvoltage jumps

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Before completely disabling a phase, the bias voltage generator performs preliminary action by gradually increasing the bias voltage to reduce the phase's output current to zero. This gradual current reduction happens before the phase is fully disabled, ensuring that when the phase is completely turned off, no sudden voltage jump occurs. The preliminary current reduction protects the load from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If the output current of a selected phase is rapidly increased when enabled, then the phase can be quickly activated, but sudden voltage jumps occur that can damage the circuit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase enable speedVSAvoidvoltage jumps

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Before enabling a phase, the bias voltage generator performs preliminary action by gradually decreasing the bias voltage. This allows the phase's output current to build up gradually rather than instantly jumping to full level. The gradual current increase prevents sudden voltage jumps that would otherwise damage the circuit during phase activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If current sharing is not properly controlled during phase transitions, then phase switching is simple, but current imbalance occurs between phases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol circuit complexityVSAvoidcurrent balance between phases

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback through the bias voltage generator that monitors and responds to the operational state of each phase. When a phase transition is detected, the feedback mechanism triggers appropriate bias voltage adjustments to maintain current balance. The feedback ensures that current sharing remains stable during phase transitions without requiring complex additional control circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11581811B2Multi-phase parallel converter and controlling method therefor

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 SILERGY SEMICON TECH (HANGZHOU) CO LTD

AI summary

A multi-phase parallel converter can include: sampling circuits corresponding to power stage circuits to form a plurality of phases of the multi-phase parallel converter, where each sampling circuit samples an inductor current of a corresponding power stage circuit, and generates a sense signal; a current-sharing circuit that generates a current-sharing control signal according to a superimposed signal that is generated by adding the sense signal to a bias voltage signal; switching control circuits corresponding to the power stage circuits, where each switching control circuit receives the current-sharing control signal, and controls a switching operation of a corresponding power stage circuit; and a bias voltage generator that generates the bias voltage signal to gradually increase/decrease when a selected phase is to be disabled/enabled.