Power Converter Controller Using Drain-to-Source Voltage Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converter control methods face challenges in accurately determining switch control signal timing, leading to reduced power conversion performance and increased complexity, especially in critical conduction mode (CRM) operations.
Innovation Solution
A controller that receives drain-to-source voltage signals to derive switch control signals, eliminating timing delays and improving accuracy by using trigger-on edges and additional control signals based on input and output voltages, and turn-off-time delays to enhance switch control signal reliability and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If on-line determination of switch control signal timing by solving mathematical equations is used, then switch control signal accuracy is improved, but computational load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal switch control signal timing values in a look-up table before operation. During actual power converter operation, the controller simply retrieves pre-computed timing values based on operating conditions rather than solving mathematical equations in real-time, eliminating heavy computational load while maintaining high timing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model or representation of the complex mathematical relationships by storing pre-computed timing values in a look-up table. This copy of the computational results allows the system to achieve accurate timing control without performing the actual complex calculations during operation
2Power
If off-line determination of switch control signal timing by accessing pre-calculated look-up-table is used, then computational load is reduced, but switch control signal accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive pre-calculations of switch control signal timing for various operating conditions and stores these optimized values in a look-up table before the power converter begins operation. This preliminary action ensures that accurate timing values are readily available during operation without requiring real-time computation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent organizes the look-up table to accommodate variations in operating parameters such as input voltage, output voltage, and load conditions. By pre-calculating timing values across the full range of expected operating parameters, the system maintains high accuracy regardless of actual operating conditions while keeping computational load minimal
3Device complexity
If conventional control methods are used to determine switch control signal timing, then device complexity is reduced, but power conversion performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes and stores optimal switch control signal timing values in a look-up table during the design phase or before operation begins. This preliminary calculation of timing parameters allows the use of a simple controller architecture during operation while achieving high power conversion performance through accurate timing control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time computational algorithms with a simplified look-up table approach that copies pre-determined timing values. This substitution maintains low device complexity while significantly improving power conversion performance by providing accurate timing control without requiring sophisticated real-time computation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a controller for a power converter, the power converter comprising a first switch and a second switch, wherein the controller is configured to receive a first control signal based on a first drain-to-source voltage of the first switch; receive a second control signal based on a second drain-to-source voltage of the second switch; derive a first switch control signal based on the first control signal and control the first switch by providing the first switch control signal to the first switch; derive a second switch control signal based on the second control signal and control the second switch by providing the second switch control signal to the second switch; wherein the first switch control signal and the second switch control signal each comprises turn-on edges and turn-off edges. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to corresponding methods, a computer program, and a computer program product.