Multi-Phase Converter Circuit With Coupled Inductor Voltage Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-phase buck converter circuits require high-voltage-tolerant switching components and increased inductance values, leading to high power loss and reduced power density in high-voltage applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase converter circuit with a coupled inductor and switched-capacitor/inductor configuration that operates in resonant or regulation modes, achieving zero-current and zero-voltage switching, and utilizing inverse coupling of inductors to reduce voltage stress and inductor size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional multi-phase buck converter circuits are used in high-voltage applications, then the output current capability is increased, but the component voltage stress increases and power density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple phases with each phase handling a portion of the total power conversion. The coupled inductor is segmented into multiple windings that are magnetically coupled, allowing voltage sharing and reduced stress on individual components while maintaining high output current capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled inductor acts as an intermediary element that transfers energy between phases through magnetic coupling. This mediator allows voltage stress to be distributed across multiple components rather than concentrated on single high-voltage elements
2Power
If conventional multi-phase buck converter circuits are used in high-voltage applications, then the output current capability is increased, but the inductor size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple inductor windings are magnetically coupled and merged into a single coupled inductor structure. This combining allows the inductors to share magnetic flux and reduce the total volume required compared to separate inductors, while maintaining the current capability needed for high-power output
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled inductor uses composite magnetic structures with multiple windings that are magnetically coupled. This composite approach allows efficient flux utilization and reduces the overall inductor volume while maintaining required inductance values for high current applications
3Power
If conventional multi-phase buck converter circuits are used in high-voltage applications, then the output current capability is increased, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter operates with periodic switching of multiple phases, where each phase cycles through switch-on and switch-off states. This periodic multi-phase operation distributes power conversion tasks over time, reducing instantaneous current stress and associated conduction losses while maintaining high average output current capability
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
Enhances power efficiency, reduces component voltage stress, and increases power density by allowing the use of lower-rated switches and smaller inductors, while maintaining high output current capability.
Implementation Method 1
a second inductor current is induced flowing through the second inductor through magnetic coupling
Implementation Method 2
the charging time and the discharging time respectively correspond to half of a resonant period determined by the first conversion capacitor and the leakage inductor of the coupled inductor, so as to control the first conversion capacitor and the coupled inductor to perform a resonant operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a multi-phase converter circuit, which includes at least one two-phase converter circuit coupled between a first voltage and a second voltage, and employs switching control of at least one capacitor and at least one coupled inductor, with alternated charging phase and discharging phase, to achieve power conversion between the first voltage and the second voltage.