Power Converter Control Circuit Internal Voltage Generation
Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters face significant losses and heat production when generating internal supply voltage using Low Dropout Regulators, and driving power switches with low supply voltage requires large transistors, which is inefficient, especially in mobile applications where internal loss reduction is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit for power converters that includes a power switch, a power switch driver, and a switching element to selectively connect the load port to ground, allowing the power converter to operate in load supply and internal supply modes, where the internal operating voltage is derived efficiently from the output voltage, enabling a smaller switch and reduced circuit area, with additional components like capacitors and diodes for controlled charging and discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a Low Dropout Regulator (LDO) is used to generate internal supply voltage, then the internal supply voltage can be provided for operation, but significant losses and heat production occur
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter uses its own output power to generate the internal supply voltage through a switching element that selectively connects the output to the internal power supply. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external LDO regulators, significantly reducing energy losses and heat production while maintaining efficient operation.
2Area of stationary object
If a low supply voltage is used to drive the power switch, then the power converter can operate with lower input voltage, but a large transistor is required which increases circuit area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically switches between different operating modes using a switching element that can connect the output to either the load or the internal power supply. This dynamic operation allows the system to use smaller transistors by leveraging the high voltage available during switching operations, thereby reducing circuit area while maintaining full power capability.
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
This solution achieves high efficiency in generating internal power supply, reducing internal losses and heat production, while allowing the use of smaller transistors, thereby improving overall efficiency and reducing circuit area, especially in mobile applications.
Implementation Method 1
a switching element coupled with a load port. The switching element may selectively connect the load port to ground
Implementation Method 2
The output voltage at the output port of the power converter is generated by operating the power switch (e.g. periodically turning the power switch ON and OFF)
Implementation Method 3
operating voltage supply means provide an operating voltage supply to the power switch driver. Since the generated operating voltage is derived from the output voltage of the power converter, it can be higher than the input voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Control circuit for a power converter that converts an input voltage into an output voltage is disclosed. The control circuit comprises a power switch; a power switch driver coupled with the power switch to control the switching state of the power switch so as to provide the output voltage at an output port of the power converter, the output port for coupling with a first terminal of a load; a load port for coupling with a second terminal of the load; a switching element coupled with the load port to selectively connect the load port to ground; and operating voltage supply means coupled with the load port, for providing an operating voltage to the control circuit.