Multi-Port DC Output Circuit with Shared Inductor Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters for charging multiple USB devices simultaneously face limitations such as restricted maximum voltages, inefficient power conversion, and large form factors due to the use of separate inductors for each DC output, leading to increased complexity, cost, and size, as well as inadequate dynamic power management.
Innovation Solution
The design employs an AC/DC converter that distributes power from a single transformer to multiple voltage output ports without separate inductors, reducing the number of high-power dissipation switches and using intermediate rail voltage switches to manage peak currents, thereby minimizing power dissipation and size while maintaining a wide range of voltage outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate inductors are used for each DC output in conventional power converters, then each output can be independently regulated, but the device size, complexity, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inductor functions into a single shared inductor that serves all DC output ports. The controller selectively connects the shared inductor to different output ports through switch matrix circuitry, enabling one inductor to perform the energy storage and regulation function for multiple outputs sequentially, thereby reducing component count while maintaining independent regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching of the inductor connections using a controller and switch matrix. The inductor is dynamically connected to different output ports based on which port requires power regulation at any given moment. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt the single inductor to serve multiple functions that would traditionally require separate static inductors for each output.
2Use of energy by moving object
If separate inductors are used for each DC output, then power conversion can be optimized for each output, but the overall power dissipation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple inductor functions into a single shared inductor, the patent reduces the total number of high-power dissipation switches required. Fewer switches mean fewer opportunities for power loss through switch resistance and switching losses, thereby improving overall power efficiency despite the shared resource architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous power conversion efficiency by ensuring the shared inductor is always actively connected to an output port that requires power delivery. The controller manages the switching to maintain continuous energy transfer, avoiding idle states where components would dissipate power without performing useful work, thus optimizing overall energy utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-port chargers are designed to support multiple devices, then versatility increases, but the form factor becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple output pathways into a single shared inductor and switch matrix architecture. Instead of having separate power conversion circuits for each output port, the system uses one inductor shared among multiple ports through selective switching, dramatically reducing the volume required for power conversion components while maintaining the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously or sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared inductor and switch matrix form a universal power delivery platform that can serve multiple output ports with different power requirements. The same core components (inductor, controller, switch matrix) perform the function of what would traditionally require separate dedicated circuits for each output, enabling multi-device support in a compact form factor.
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 approach reduces the cost and size of the power converter, enhances power dissipation efficiency, and effectively manages dynamic power requirements of different USB devices, preventing potential damage and improving overall power management.
Implementation Method 1
an AC/DC converter configured to generate a first secondary side output voltage based on an AC input voltage
Implementation Method 2
a body diode of the first intermediate rail voltage switch being forward biased with respect to the first secondary side output voltage
Implementation Method 3
a body diode of the second intermediate rail voltage switch being reverse biased with respect to the first secondary side output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter includes an AC/DC converter to generate a DC output voltage based on an AC input voltage. A multi-port DC output circuit receives the DC output voltage and provides respective DC output voltages to a first DC output port and a second DC output port. The multi-port DC output circuit includes a first intermediate rail voltage switch, a second intermediate rail voltage switch, and multiple bus switches, a body diode of the first intermediate rail voltage switch being forward biased with respect to the first secondary side output voltage, and a body diode of the second intermediate rail voltage switch being reverse biased with respect to the first secondary side output voltage. The bus switches control a routing of a first intermediate rail voltage and a second intermediate rail voltage of the multi-port DC output circuit to the first DC output port and the second DC output port.