Multilevel Flyback Converter With Single-Winding Voltage Step-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flyback converters used in implantable medical devices, such as defibrillators, face challenges in scaling up due to complex transformer architectures with multiple windings, which complicates the industrial production process and increases component degradation risks.
Innovation Solution
A multilevel flyback converter with a single primary winding and multiple step-up levels, utilizing a single secondary winding and diodes to reduce component count and footprint, while achieving high voltage outputs efficiently, and incorporating an inductor to manage current surges and protect components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional flyback converter with multiple secondary windings is used to achieve high output voltage, then the voltage output requirement is met, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage multiplication function into multiple stages using a single secondary winding. Instead of using one complex transformer with multiple windings, the invention segments the voltage boosting process into sequential stages, where each stage uses the same single secondary winding combined with capacitors and diodes to achieve the required high output voltage. This segmentation simplifies the transformer design while maintaining the voltage output capability.
2Power
If multiple secondary windings are implemented in the transformer, then sufficiently high output voltage is achieved, but the number of components and industrial scalability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single secondary winding universal by using it repeatedly across multiple voltage multiplication stages. The same secondary winding serves multiple functions by being combined with different capacitor and diode configurations in each stage, enabling the system to achieve high output voltage without requiring multiple specialized windings. This multi-functionality approach significantly improves ease of manufacture and industrial scalability.
3Power
If conventional flyback converter architecture is used, then voltage conversion is achieved, but component stress and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic voltage distribution across multiple stages, where the voltage stress is dynamically distributed across different capacitors and diodes in each stage rather than concentrating all stress on a single transformer winding. This dynamic distribution reduces the stress on individual components, thereby improving reliability and reducing component degradation over time.
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 configuration allows for a more scalable and reliable DC-DC converter design that efficiently steps up voltage from low to high levels, reducing component stress and improving efficiency, thus enhancing the reliability and compactness of implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
The charging of a high energy capacitor is achieved by inducing a voltage in the primary winding of the transformer creating a magnetic field in the secondary windings
Implementation Method 2
Each of the step-up levels comprises a first diode and a second diode and a first capacitor or coupling capacitor and a second capacitor or surge capacitor
Implementation Method 3
a first capacitor or coupling capacitor and a second capacitor or surge capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a step-up converter with a plurality of levels, in particular for use in an implantable medical device, comprising a transformer (11) comprising a single primary winding and a single secondary winding; a primary circuit (6) comprising the single primary winding; and a secondary circuit (7) comprising the single secondary winding and a plurality of step-up levels, each of the step-up levels comprising a first diode (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) and a second diode (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) and a first capacitor (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f) and a second capacitor (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f), wherein the first capacitors (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f) of the plurality of step-up levels are connected in series or in parallel with one another. The present invention also relates to an implantable medical device comprising the step-up converter with a plurality of levels mentioned above, and a method for using the step-up converter with a plurality of levels or the implantable device mentioned above.