Phase Controller for Multi-Phase Voltage Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-phase voltage converters can only utilize one converter module at a time, limiting their ability to provide sufficient power during heavy loads and restricting the maximum duty cycle to 50% due to hardware limitations in the central logic control circuit.
Innovation Solution
A phase controller with logic control circuits, a phase selection circuit, and signal generators is introduced to control multiple bridge circuits, allowing them to provide power simultaneously by adjusting duty cycles based on load variations, enabling a duty cycle exceeding 50% during heavy-load states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If only one converter module is used to provide output voltage at a time, then the hardware limitation on internal logic control circuit is avoided, but the power sufficiency during heavy loads is insufficient and the maximum duty cycle is restricted to 50%
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the converter into multiple independent converter modules (first converter module with first bridge circuit, second converter module with second bridge circuit, etc.), each capable of independent operation. The phase controller segments the control function into multiple logic control circuits (first logic control circuit, second logic control circuit, etc.), where each logic control circuit independently controls a corresponding bridge circuit. This segmentation allows multiple modules to operate simultaneously during heavy loads, providing sufficient power while maintaining manageable control through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between single-phase and multi-phase operation modes based on load conditions. The phase selection circuit receives a voltage determination signal and dynamically selects which bridge circuits to activate. During light loads, only one converter module operates (maintaining simplicity). During heavy loads, the phase selection circuit enables multiple bridge circuits to provide power simultaneously (increasing power output). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power sufficiency and control complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple bridge circuits provide power at the same time, then the power sufficiency during heavy loads is improved, but the hardware limitation on internal logic control circuit is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented into multiple independent logic control circuits, where each logic control circuit is responsible for controlling a specific bridge circuit. This segmentation distributes the control complexity across multiple simple, identical units rather than requiring one complex centralized controller, enabling multiple bridge circuits to operate simultaneously without exceeding hardware limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase selection circuit acts as an intermediary between the voltage determination signal and the multiple logic control circuits. It receives the voltage determination signal indicating heavy load conditions and selectively enables the appropriate logic control circuits and signal generators. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by providing a unified interface that coordinates multiple parallel operations without requiring direct complex interconnections between all control elements.
3Speed
If the maximum duty cycle is restricted to 50%, then the hardware limitation on internal logic control circuit is maintained, but the ability to rapidly increase output voltage during heavy loads is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the duty cycle beyond the conventional 50% limit when heavy load conditions are detected. The phase selection circuit, upon receiving a sustained high-level voltage determination signal, enables multiple bridge circuits to operate simultaneously with duty cycles that can exceed 50%. This dynamic adjustment allows rapid voltage increase during heavy loads while maintaining the 50% limitation during normal operation, balancing performance needs with hardware capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (duty cycle and number of active phases) based on load conditions. During light loads, the system operates in single-phase mode with duty cycles up to 50%. During heavy loads, the phase selection circuit activates multiple phases and allows duty cycles to exceed 50%, fundamentally changing the operational parameters to achieve rapid voltage increase. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed of voltage increase and control circuit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a phase controller for a multi-phase voltage converter. The phase controller includes a plurality of logic control circuits, a phase selection circuit and a plurality of signal generators. The logic control circuits receive a plurality of phase-change signals and output a plurality of logic signals, respectively. The signal generators provide a plurality of bridge circuits with a plurality of phase selection signals to drive the bridge circuits. The phase selection circuit controls the signal generators according to the logic signals and a voltage determination signal. When the voltage determination signal stays at a high logic level for a pre-determined time period, the phase selection circuit controls the signal generators to output a plurality of phase selection signals at a high logic level to the bridge circuits such that the corresponding bridge circuits provide power at the same time.