Parallel Power Supply Controller Without Current Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parallel power supply technologies face limitations due to limited parallel channels and the need for current measurement, which results in inflexibility and increased power losses, especially in off-line power supplies.
Innovation Solution
A switching controller for parallel power supplies that enables power sharing without current measurement, using an input circuit to generate phase-shift signals, integration circuits to determine pulse widths, and a control circuit to generate switching signals, allowing for flexible and efficient power distribution across multiple channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If parallel-output technologies are used to deliver high current, then power supply current capability is improved, but power losses increase due to the square relationship between switching current and power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply into multiple parallel channels (at least two channels), where each channel operates independently with its own switching controller. By segmenting the total current into multiple smaller parallel currents, the power loss in each channel is reduced since power loss is proportional to the square of the current (PLOSS=I²×R). This segmentation allows the system to deliver high total current while maintaining lower individual channel currents, thus reducing overall power losses.
2Power
If balance current approach is used to achieve power sharing, then current distribution is improved, but circuit complexity increases due to current measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional current measurement-based balance current approach with a voltage-based control mechanism. Instead of measuring switching currents to achieve power sharing, the system uses voltage signals and timing relationships (phase shifting) to control power distribution. This substitution eliminates the need for current sensors and complex measurement circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining power sharing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage signals as an intermediary to achieve power sharing without direct current measurement. By using voltage-based control and phase-shifted timing signals to regulate each channel's switching, the system indirectly controls current distribution through voltage and timing relationships. This intermediary approach simplifies the control mechanism compared to direct current measurement while still achieving effective power sharing.
3Device complexity
If limited parallel channels are implemented, then circuit complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases for off-line power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal parallel power supply architecture where each channel uses the same standardized switching controller circuitry. This modular design allows the system to adapt to different application requirements by simply adjusting the number of parallel channels activated. The same basic circuit structure can serve multiple functions and configurations, providing high adaptability for off-line power supplies and other applications without requiring complex redesigns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic channel activation and deactivation capabilities, allowing the power supply to adapt its configuration based on load requirements. Channels can be dynamically enabled or disabled to match the actual power demand, providing flexibility for different applications. This dynamic operation allows the system to scale from fewer to more parallel channels as needed, enhancing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple circuitry for each individual channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching controller for power sharing of power supplies is disclosed. The switching controller includes an input circuit coupled to an input terminal to receive an input signal for generating a phase-shift signal, a first integration circuit coupled to the input circuit to generate a first integration signal in response to a pulse width of the input signal, and a control circuit coupled to the first integration circuit to generate a switching signal for switching the power supply, wherein the switching signal is enabled in response to the phase-shift signal, and a pulse width of the switching signal is determined in accordance with the first integration signal.