PFC Voltage Converter Circuit With Single-Supply Thyristor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current voltage converter circuits face inefficiencies, require multiple supply voltage sources, and have a large footprint, necessitating improvements in performance and design.

Innovation Solution

A voltage converter circuit incorporating a thyristor, a control circuit, and a power factor corrector with a coil, utilizing a single supply voltage source to convert alternating voltage into direct voltage, with a circuit design that includes Zener diodes and capacitors to generate a continuous supply voltage for the control circuit, reducing the need for external power supplies and minimizing component count and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional voltage converter circuits are used, then voltage conversion function is achieved, but multiple supply voltage sources are required and circuit footprint is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of supply voltage sourcesVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power factor correction circuit and the control circuit power supply into a single integrated structure. The power factor correction circuit processes the input voltage to generate a corrected voltage, which simultaneously serves as the power source for both the conversion circuit and the control circuit through a shared DC link capacitor, eliminating the need for separate supply voltage sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power factor correction circuit performs multiple functions: it corrects the power factor of the input voltage, generates the DC link voltage for the control circuit, and provides the corrected voltage for the conversion circuit. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall circuit architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If traditional voltage converter circuits are used, then voltage conversion function is achieved, but circuit footprint is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit footprintVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power factor correction circuit and control circuit power supply into a single integrated structure, sharing common components such as the DC link capacitor and voltage generation stages. This consolidation significantly reduces the circuit footprint while maintaining conversion efficiency through optimized component utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If multiple supply voltage sources are used, then control circuit power requirements are met, but component count increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent countVSAvoidcontrol circuit power supply
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power factor correction circuit is designed to simultaneously provide power for both the main conversion circuit and the control circuit. The DC link capacitor and voltage generation stages serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate power supply components and reducing overall component count while ensuring adequate power delivery to the control circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 more efficient voltage conversion with reduced component count and size, utilizing a single supply voltage source to power the control circuit, thereby enhancing performance and reducing the circuit's footprint.

Implementation Method 1

a power factor correction circuit including a coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first Zener diode whose anode is connected to the third node and whose cathode is connected to the base of the first transistor; a second Zener diode whose anode is connected to the fourth node and whose cathode is connected to the base of the first transistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectZener breakdown: Diode

Implementation Method 3

a first capacitor connecting the third node to the fourth node

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4293887A1Voltage converter
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 STMICROELECTRONICS LTD(CN)
  • EP4293887A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293887A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4293887A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present description relates to a converter circuit (200) of a first alternating voltage (VAC) into a second voltage (VOUT) comprising: a first thyristor (T1); a first control circuit (CMD1) of the first thyristor (T1); a power factor correction circuit (1013) comprising a coil (L1); and a first circuit (203) adapted to convert a third voltage (VINT2) into a fourth direct voltage (VCC_CMD), in which the third voltage (VINT2) corresponds to the potential difference between the potential of a first node (N4) connected to an output node of the coil (L1), and a reference potential (N2); and the fourth direct voltage (VCC_CMD) is configured to supply the first control circuit (CMD1) of the first thyristor (T1), and is referenced with respect to the same reference potential (N2) as the third voltage.