Multi-Phase Trans-Inductance Converter Phase Decoupling at Light Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Trans-Inductor Voltage Regulators (TLVR) face inefficiencies at low power states due to phase current coupling, leading to increased AC ripple current and conduction losses, and lack effective fault response mechanisms for over-current conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing series switches in the LC loop, controlled by a digital controller, to decouple power converter phases and modulate the control loop bandwidth, allowing for reduced current flow during low power states and over-current conditions, thereby improving light load efficiency and fault response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If phase current coupling is maintained in TLVR, then control loop bandwidth is improved, but conduction losses and AC ripple current increase at low power states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between coupled and decoupled phase configurations based on load conditions. At high power states, phases are coupled to maximize control loop bandwidth and transient response. At low power states, phases are decoupled to minimize conduction losses and AC ripple current. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its electrical connectivity to match instantaneous power demands, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high bandwidth and reducing losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power converter phases into independently controllable units that can be electrically separated through switching mechanisms. By introducing phase disconnect switches, each phase can be isolated from the others when coupling is not needed, allowing individual phase operation at low power states. This segmentation enables the system to reduce total conduction losses by activating only necessary phases while maintaining the capability for coupled operation when high bandwidth is required.
2Loss of energy
If series switches are added to decouple phases, then light load efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase disconnect switches are integrated into the existing power converter architecture, serving multiple functions: they enable phase decoupling for efficiency, provide over-current fault protection, and allow flexible phase configuration. By making these switching elements multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while achieving improved light load efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase disconnect switches as intermediary elements between the power converter phases and the output. These switches act as controllable intermediaries that can insert or remove phases from the active circuit based on load conditions and fault states. By using these intermediary switching devices, the system achieves efficient phase management without requiring fundamental architectural changes, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If phases are decoupled during over-current conditions, then fault response is improved, but control loop bandwidth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by continuously monitoring phase currents and preemptively disconnecting faulty phases before over-current conditions can propagate to other phases or cause system-wide failure. The phase disconnect switches are positioned to rapidly isolate problematic phases, preventing fault propagation. This preliminary anti-action approach prioritizes system reliability and fault containment, accepting temporary reduction in control loop bandwidth during fault conditions to protect the overall system.
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 conduction losses and enhances fault response by allowing power converter phases to operate independently, improving overall efficiency and robustness during low power states and fault scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the multiple power converter phases includes multiple transformer windings
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus such as a power supply includes a controller and multiple power converter phases. The controller controls operation of the multiple power converter phases to produce an output voltage that powers a load. The multiple power converter phases are coupled in parallel to convert an input voltage into an output voltage. The controller further controls a flow of current through a series circuit path connecting multiple windings of the multiple power converter phases to operate the power supply in different modes.