Power Converter Clock Synchronization for Variable Switching Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters in personal audio devices face challenges in varying switching frequencies effectively, which can lead to electromagnetic interference and inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for varying the switching frequency of a power converter based on a variable external clock, using a queue to generate an internal clock signal with a fixed delay and scaling the slope of a carrier signal to synchronize switching signals with the external clock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the switching frequency of a power converter is varied, then electromagnetic interference is reduced and power management efficiency is improved, but the complexity of frequency control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching frequency variation by scaling the slope of the carrier signal based on external clock conditions. The modulator adjusts the carrier signal slope dynamically to change the switching frequency of the power converter, allowing the system to adapt switching frequency in real-time to reduce electromagnetic interference while maintaining efficient power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the switching frequency parameter by modifying the carrier signal slope in the modulator. By varying the slope scaling factor, the system achieves different switching frequencies without requiring complete redesign of the control architecture, thus reducing electromagnetic interference while managing complexity through parameter adjustment rather than structural changes.
2Productivity
If the switching frequency of a power converter is varied, then power management efficiency is improved, but synchronization with external systems becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from an external clock signal to control the switching frequency of the power converter. The system monitors external clock conditions and adjusts the carrier signal slope accordingly, ensuring that switching frequency variations remain synchronized with external system requirements while maintaining improved power management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The modulator is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates the carrier signal for PWM control, scales the carrier slope to vary switching frequency, and simultaneously maintains synchronization with external clock signals. This multi-functionality allows the single component to handle both efficiency improvement and synchronization requirements without adding separate dedicated circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for varying a variable switching frequency of a power converter based on a variable external clock may include generating, with a queue, an internal clock signal with a same sequence of periods as the variable external clock and with a fixed delay from the variable external clock. The method may also include determining a period of the internal clock signal at a start of each cycle of the internal clock signal. The method may further include for each cycle of the internal clock signal, scaling a slope of a carrier signal of a modulator configured to generate one or more switching signals of the power converter.