Power Converter Switch Control for Dynamic Dead Time Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters face inefficiencies due to non-adjustable dead times, which lead to increased power loss, complexity, and cost, as they struggle to optimize dead times across varying load, temperature, voltage, and component deviations.
Innovation Solution
A power converter with a control unit that adjusts the input and output switch arrangements based on efficiency, using information from both terminals to optimize dead times, thereby reducing losses and improving efficiency across different conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If dead times are made adjustable to optimize efficiency under varying conditions, then power loss is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically adjusts dead times based on real-time measurements of input power, output power, and efficiency without requiring external intervention or complex manual calibration systems. The system serves itself by monitoring its own performance parameters and making autonomous adjustments to optimize dead times under varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically changes the dead time parameter based on measured efficiency and power conditions. By adjusting this single critical parameter in response to real-time system state, the invention achieves optimization without introducing complex structural changes or additional hardware components.
2Reliability
If dead times are increased to prevent cross conduction and body diode conduction, then reliability is improved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fixed dead times, the control unit dynamically adjusts dead time duration based on real-time operating conditions including input voltage, output load, and measured efficiency. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability by preventing cross conduction when necessary while minimizing power loss by reducing dead time when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously measures input power, output power, and efficiency, then uses this feedback information to adjust dead times optimally. This closed-loop control ensures that dead times are sufficient to prevent cross conduction and body diode conduction while minimizing unnecessary power loss during the dead time periods.
3Loss of energy
If dead times are optimized for specific conditions, then efficiency is improved, but adaptability to varying conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously adapts dead time settings based on real-time measurements of input power, output power, and efficiency. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the system to maintain optimal efficiency across varying operating conditions including changes in load, temperature, and component characteristics without requiring multiple fixed optimization settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it measures input power, measures output power, calculates efficiency, determines optimal dead times, and adjusts the switch arrangements. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to handle diverse operating conditions and optimize performance universally across different scenarios without requiring separate optimization circuits for each condition.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a power converter (1, 1′) comprising an input terminal (+IN, −IN) connected to an input power source, at least an input switch arrangement (T1, T2; T10, T12), and an output terminal (+OUT, −OUT). The input switch arrangement (T1, T2; T10, T12) is arranged to convert the input power, where the power converter (1) further comprises a control unit (P1, N1) that is arranged to control at least the input switch arrangement (T1, T2; T10, T12). The control unit (P1, N1) is arranged to perform said control of the input switch arrangement (T1, T2; T10, T12) in dependence of the efficiency of at least a part of the power converter, the control unit (P1, N1) having information regarding the power at the input terminal (+IN, −IN) and the power at the output terminal (+OUT, −OUT). The present invention also relates to a corresponding method.