Multiphase Switching Power Supply for Fast Laser Pulse Rise Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switching power supplies are not suitable for high-speed pulse driving of semiconductor lasers due to their slow rise time and inefficiency, leading to large heat generation and size issues.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed switching power supply is designed using a primary power supply, multiple switching elements, coils, and a capacitor, where the power supply voltage is set to achieve a fast rise time by minimizing the inductance and capacitance values and combining multiple switching elements in multiple phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If inductance and capacitance values are increased to smooth output waveform, then power supply output cleanliness is improved, but rise time becomes slow and high-speed pulse driving capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single power supply system into multiple parallel power supply units, each with its own switching element and coil. By segmenting the system into N phases, the total inductance requirement for each individual unit is reduced to 1/N of what would be needed for a single unit, enabling faster rise times while still achieving smooth combined output waveforms through the parallel configuration.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional dropper power supply is used, then simplicity of design is improved, but efficiency decreases and heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional dropper power supply (which uses electromagnetic induction and mechanical-like energy transformation) with a switching power supply that uses electronic switching elements to directly control current flow. This substitution of the power conversion mechanism dramatically improves efficiency by reducing energy losses associated with traditional electromagnetic transformation and heat generation.
3Loss of energy
If switching power supply is used instead of dropper power supply, then efficiency is improved and size is reduced, but rise time becomes too slow for high-speed pulse driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating N parallel switching power supply units, each contributing 1/N of the total current. This segmentation reduces the inductance requirement for each unit, enabling faster current changes and thus achieving the high rise times needed for high-speed pulse driving while maintaining the efficiency benefits of switching power supply architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges N individual switching power supply units in parallel to achieve the desired output characteristics. By combining multiple fast-response units, the system achieves both the high rise time of individual units and the smooth combined output waveform, resolving the contradiction between speed and output quality.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiphase switching power supply is used, then power supply output quality is improved, but complexity of circuit configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs identical switching elements and control circuits for all N phases, making each unit a universal module that can be replicated. This standardization reduces design complexity despite the increased number of components, as each phase uses the same proven design and control logic, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
The solution enables high-speed pulse driving for semiconductor lasers, achieving efficient, miniaturized, and cost-effective power supply systems with precise laser processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a coil and a capacitor having inductance and capacitance values as small as possible
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor (including a set of capacitors) connected to the plurality of coils
Data Source
AI summary
A high-speed switching power supply. The high-speed switching power supply includes a primary power supply. A plurality of switching elements are connected to the primary power supply. A plurality of coils is connected to the plurality of switching elements. A capacitor is connected to the plurality of coils. A sum of currents flowing through the plurality of coils is made constant by a means for setting or selecting a power supply voltage depending on the number of coils.