Power Circuit Input Capacitor Control for Voltage Stress Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Power converter circuits face significant challenges in managing sudden changes in power supply voltage, leading to voltage stress on series pass elements due to slow charging of input capacitors, which affects the operation life and performance of these elements.
Innovation Solution
A power circuit with an input capacitor power control circuit that detects voltage thresholds across the series pass element and provides power to the input capacitor to facilitate rapid charging, reducing voltage stress by controlling the operation of power switches and current supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the input capacitor is relied upon to charge through the supply current when supply voltage suddenly increases, then the circuit structure remains simple, but the input capacitor cannot be charged up quickly and voltage stress is applied across the series pass element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an input capacitor power control circuit as an intermediary component between the power supply and the input capacitor. This circuit includes a voltage control circuit that detects the voltage across the series pass element and an input capacitor power control circuit that provides power to the input capacitor when voltage threshold is exceeded. The intermediary circuit enables rapid charging of the input capacitor without directly modifying the basic circuit structure, thus protecting the series pass element while maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting the voltage across the series pass element before excessive voltage stress occurs. The voltage control circuit continuously monitors the voltage and triggers the input capacitor power control circuit in advance when the voltage approaches the threshold level. This preliminary detection and response mechanism prevents voltage stress before it can damage the series pass element, improving reliability through proactive protection.
2Device complexity
If passive damping is introduced to alleviate resonant oscillation in high-order filters, then the structure remains simple, but system losses are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms in the voltage control circuit that continuously monitors the voltage across the series pass element and compares it with a reference voltage. When the detected voltage exceeds the reference level, the control circuit activates the input capacitor power control circuit. This feedback-based control enables the system to respond dynamically to voltage conditions, providing protection only when necessary and avoiding continuous power loss associated with passive damping components.
3Loss of energy
If active damping is used to reduce resonant oscillation without additional losses, then power loss is minimized, but the control system becomes more complex and bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting the voltage across the series pass element before excessive voltage stress occurs. The voltage control circuit continuously monitors the voltage and triggers the input capacitor power control circuit in advance when the voltage approaches the threshold level. This preliminary detection and response mechanism prevents voltage stress before it can damage the series pass element, improving reliability through proactive protection.
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 effectively reduces voltage stress on series pass elements by ensuring the input capacitor is charged quickly, maintaining efficient power transfer and extending the operational life of series pass elements.
Implementation Method 1
an input capacitor (Cin) connected across the input (102A) of the power converter circuit (102)
Data Source
AI summary
A power circuit for regulating power transfer includes: a power converter circuit having an input and an output and arranged to be connected between a power supply and a load to regulate power transfer therebetween; an input capacitor connected across the input of the power converter circuit; a series pass element arranged to be connected between the power supply and the input capacitor; and a control circuit, operably connected with the series pass element and the power converter circuit, for controlling operation of the series pass element. The power circuit further includes an input capacitor power control circuit operably connected with the input capacitor and arranged to provide power to the input capacitor to facilitate charging of the input capacitor when a voltage across the series pass element is detected to be above a voltage threshold as a result of an increase in a voltage of the power supply.