Power Conversion Device Microcomputer Stop Transition Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion devices, such as DC/DC converters, face challenges in safely and quickly stopping operations due to short reduction times of regulator output, leading to incomplete data saving and increased chip size for providing power to microcomputers, especially when using commercial AC transformers that are large and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion device with a microcomputer-controlled output circuit and internal power source that includes a microcomputer stop transition unit, allowing the microcomputer to transition to a stop state and then stop the internal power source, utilizing a high-frequency switching device and transformer to reduce size and loss, and incorporating overheat detection and timer mechanisms for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the time taken for the output of the regulator to start to be reduced is increased to ensure data saving is completed, then the reliability of stop processing is improved, but the speed of stopping the DC/DC converter is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The microcomputer performs data saving and stop processing in advance before the regulator output is reduced. The stop processing is initiated when the enable signal changes, allowing the microcomputer to complete data saving operations before power reduction occurs, thus ensuring reliability without delaying the overall stop process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the enable signal timing. The regulator output reduction is delayed relative to the enable signal change, creating a time window that allows the microcomputer to complete stop processing dynamically before power reduction, thus balancing reliability and speed
2Loss of energy
If a commercial AC transformer is used to reduce regulator loss, then the efficiency is improved, but the device size is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the commercial AC transformer from the system. Instead of using an external transformer, the invention uses the DC/DC converter itself to generate the power source for the microcomputer, eliminating the need for a separate transformer component and thus reducing device size while maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The DC/DC converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts input voltage to output voltage for the load, and simultaneously generates power for the microcomputer through its output circuit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate transformer, reducing device size while maintaining energy efficiency
3Loss of energy
If the output voltage of the DC/DC converter is lowered to reduce regulator loss, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the power available to the microcomputer is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply function into two independent circuits: the main output circuit that provides power to the load at optimized voltage levels, and the internal power source circuit that specifically provides power to the microcomputer. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized independently, maintaining microcomputer power availability while reducing regulator loss in the main output path
Solution Approach 2:
The output circuit of the DC/DC converter acts as an intermediary that couples the main power conversion function with the microcomputer power supply function. Through this intermediary connection, the system can optimize the main output for efficiency while ensuring adequate power delivery to the microcomputer, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and power availability
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion device according to one or more embodiments may include: a microcomputer; and an output circuit controlled by the microcomputer, including an output unit that converts an input power into a predetermined power and outputs the predetermined power, an internal power source that supplies a power source to the microcomputer, a driver that drives the output unit by a signal from the microcomputer, and a microcomputer stop transition unit that, when an operation of the power conversion device is stopped, outputs a microcomputer stop signal to the microcomputer and causes an operation of the microcomputer to transition to a stop state. In one or more embodiments, after the microcomputer stop transition unit causes the operation of the microcomputer to transition to a stop state, the microcomputer or the output circuit may stop an output of the internal power source.