Parallel Converter Modulation Using Shift Registers for High Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control systems using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) require large and expensive switching devices for high power applications, and there is a need for more efficient, cost-effective digital control systems with greater flexibility and reduced power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising a comparator, shift register chain, and converters configured for parallel modulation, allowing for selective activation of converter groups with independent clocks to achieve efficient voltage conversion while minimizing average current draw and harmonic distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If PWM techniques are used for high power applications, then power control capability is improved, but switching device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power conversion function into multiple parallel converter modules, each handling a portion of the total power. This segmentation allows each switching device to operate at lower power levels, reducing their size and cost while maintaining overall high power control capability through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple parallel converters with individual switching devices into a unified power control system. By merging these smaller components working in parallel, the system achieves high power control capability without requiring a single large, expensive switching device.
2Power
If PWM techniques are used for high power applications, then power control capability is improved, but switching device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high power control function into multiple lower-power converter modules, each with its own switching device. This allows the use of cheaper, lower-power-rated components instead of expensive high-power switching devices, reducing overall system cost while maintaining power control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple inexpensive switching devices in parallel configuration, where each device operates at reduced stress levels. This approach uses cheaper components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than relying on expensive, high-power-rated switching devices.
3Productivity
If parallel modulation with selective converter activation is used, then power control efficiency is improved, but control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit pre-configures multiple parallel converters and their switching devices, enabling rapid selective activation based on power demands. This preliminary setup allows efficient power control by simply enabling or disabling pre-prepared converter modules rather than dynamically configuring complex control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selective activation of parallel converter modules based on real-time power requirements. The control circuit can dynamically enable or disable specific converters to optimize efficiency, adapting the active configuration to match the current power demand without requiring overly complex control logic.
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 cost-effective, flexible, and efficient power control by reducing the need for high-power switching devices, achieving efficient voltage conversion with reduced power dissipation and harmonic distortion, and allowing for the use of smaller, less expensive components.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more converters are configured to convert a source of current from a first voltage to a second voltage
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, a circuit includes: a comparator; a shift register chain coupled to the comparator; and one or more converters coupled to respective shift registers of the shift register chain, wherein the one or more converters are configured to convert a source of current from a first voltage to a second voltage, and wherein the circuit is configured to selectively transmit an output signal to the one or more converters. In one implementation, the circuit is configured to selectively control modulation for the one or more converters.