Multi-Phase PWM Control With Variable Switching Period Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply controllers face challenges in efficiently regulating output voltage under dynamic load conditions and transient events, particularly in maintaining stable voltage and current balance across multiple phases, which affects the overall efficiency and stability of energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power supply controller that generates current control signals and switching period adjustment signals based on error voltage differences, allowing for dynamic modulation of pulse width modulation signals to match load current and maintain setpoint voltage, while also balancing phase currents through adjustments in switching frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixed frequency PWM control is used, then the control loop can reduce error voltage to match output voltage with target, but the system cannot efficiently regulate output voltage under dynamic load conditions and transient events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable switching frequency PWM control where the switching frequency dynamically adjusts based on load conditions and error voltage magnitude. During transient events and dynamic load changes, the frequency deviates from the fixed nominal value to improve response speed and voltage regulation, while returning to nominal frequency during steady-state operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the switching frequency parameter in response to varying load conditions and error voltage levels. The frequency is modified during transient events to enhance dynamic performance, demonstrating parameter adaptation to resolve the contradiction between stable regulation and dynamic responsiveness.
2Power
If multiple power supply phases are used to handle high power loads, then the power capacity increases, but maintaining stable voltage and current balance across phases becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor phase currents and voltages, using this information to adjust PWM duty cycles and switching frequencies for each phase. This feedback control ensures current balance across multiple phases while maintaining high power capacity, resolving the contradiction between power scaling and phase stability.
3Speed
If switching frequency is increased to improve dynamic response, then transient response improves, but energy losses and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts switching frequency based on operational conditions: high frequency during transients for fast response, and low frequency during steady-state to minimize switching losses. This dynamic frequency modulation resolves the contradiction between response speed and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching frequency parameter is changed according to load dynamics and error voltage magnitude, increasing during transient events to improve response speed, then reducing to minimize energy losses during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a controller that monitors an error voltage indicating a difference between an output voltage and a setpoint voltage. Based on the monitored error voltage, the controller generates modulation adjustment signals including a frequency adjustment signal and an ON-time adjustment signal. The controller generates a pulse width modulation signal of a first power supply phase in accordance with both the frequency modulation adjustment signal and the ON-time adjustment signal.