Multiphase DC-DC Converter Fault Isolation via PWM Duty Ratio Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase DC-DC converters do not effectively identify and isolate faulty phases during an open-circuit fault, leading to potential system shutdown rather than continued operation with protected healthy phases.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase converter with a control unit that outputs PWM signals to voltage conversion units, changes the duty ratio during a test period to identify abnormal units based on current, voltage, or temperature changes, allowing for accurate identification and isolation of faulty phases while ensuring continued operation with healthy phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the existing power supply device restricts entire output when an open-circuit fault occurs in any switch element, then the system prevents damage from faulty phases, but the system cannot continue operation with healthy phases and experiences reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit segments the fault detection and isolation process into distinct phases: test signal generation, abnormality identification through parameter monitoring, and selective phase disconnection. This segmentation allows the system to identify and isolate only the faulty phase while maintaining operation of healthy phases, resolving the contradiction between fault protection and operational continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary testing by applying test signals to each phase before full operation to detect open-circuit faults early. This preliminary action enables the system to identify potential failures and isolate them before they propagate, allowing continuous operation with remaining healthy phases while maintaining reliability
2Device complexity
If the existing power supply device does not accurately identify the specific faulty phase, then the system avoids complex identification logic, but the faulty phase cannot be reliably isolated and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring parameters such as current, voltage, or power consumption of each phase during test signal application. The system compares measured values against expected ranges and uses this feedback to accurately identify which specific phase is faulty, enabling reliable isolation without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical or manual fault identification methods with electronic sensing and control logic. By using electronic monitoring of electrical parameters (current, voltage, power) and automated control signals, the system achieves accurate fault phase identification with manageable complexity through software-based decision making
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multiphase converter having a plurality of voltage conversion units, and is configured to protect the faulty phase and continue driving using another phase when an abnormality occurs in any phase. A DC-DC converter includes a plurality of voltage conversion units that are in parallel between an input-side conductive path and an output-side conductive path. A control unit subjects the plurality of voltage conversion units to a test operation in which a duty ratio of a PWM signal for each voltage conversion unit is changed. The control unit identifies an abnormal voltage conversion unit based on at least one of the states of the electric current, the voltage, and the temperature of the multiphase conversion unit during this test period, and causes the remaining voltage conversion unit other than the identified abnormal voltage conversion unit to perform voltage conversion.