Optocoupler Current Recycling in Isolated Power Converter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional isolated conversion control circuits experience power loss due to optocoupler current under light load conditions, leading to inefficiencies in power conversion.

Innovation Solution

A conversion control circuit and method that recycle the energy generated by the optocoupler current through a first and/or second power conversion circuit, utilizing a controllable current source and power conversion circuits to convert optocoupler current into supply power, thereby improving power conversion efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optocoupler current is provided to transmit information between primary and secondary sides, then power conversion is achieved, but power loss occurs under extremely light load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion capabilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful energy loss from optocoupler current into useful supply power. The first power conversion circuit captures the energy that would otherwise be wasted and transforms it into usable power for the operating circuit, thereby turning a disadvantage into a benefit and improving overall power conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent recovers energy that would normally be discarded. By implementing the first power conversion circuit, the system captures and reuses the energy from optocoupler current that would otherwise be lost, particularly under light load conditions where this recovery is most beneficial

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Productivity

If optocoupler current is used for information transmission, then isolated power conversion is achieved, but energy is wasted under light load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the energy consumption that would normally be wasted into useful supply power. The first power conversion circuit converts the optocoupler current energy into beneficial supply power for the operating circuit, improving productivity while reducing net energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service by generating its own supply power through the first power conversion circuit. The optocoupler current that would otherwise be wasted is converted into supply power that powers the operating circuit, reducing the need for external power sources and improving overall efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 conversion efficiency by recycling optocoupler current energy, reducing power loss under light load conditions.

Implementation Method 1

generates an optocoupler current for a photodiode included in the optocoupler based on a control-related signal, thereby transmitting information related to the control-related signal between the primary and secondary sides via optical coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical coupling: Light

Implementation Method 2

a first power conversion circuit that converts at least a portion of the optocoupler current into a supply power to power an operating circuit, thereby recycling the energy generated by the optocoupler current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS20250247009A1Conversion control circuit and conversion control method capable of recycling energy

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 RICHTEK TECH

AI summary

A conversion control circuit capable of recycling energy is configured to control an isolated power converter, converting an input power to generate an output power. The conversion control circuit generates an optocoupler current for a photodiode included in the optocoupler based on a control-related signal, transmitting the information of the control-related signal between the primary and secondary sides of the power converter via optical coupling to achieve power conversion. The conversion control circuit comprises a controllable current source circuit and a power conversion circuit. The controllable current source circuit generates a controllable current based on the control-related signal, wherein at least a portion of the controllable current is coupled to provide the optocoupler current. The power conversion circuit converts at least a portion of the optocoupler current into a supply power for an operating circuit, thereby recycling the energy generated by the optocoupler current.