Power Converter Feedback Switching for Light-Load Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional power converters continue to consume power on the secondary side due to continuous feedback detection during light-load or no-load conditions, necessitating a more efficient feedback control method to reduce power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A power converter design that switches to primary-side feedback using an optocoupler and auxiliary voltage feedback during light-load or no-load conditions, allowing the secondary-side controller to enter a sleep or shutdown state, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power converters use continuous feedback detection on the secondary side during light-load or no-load conditions, then output power control reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic feedback mode switching that adapts to load conditions. During light-load or no-load conditions, the system switches from secondary-side feedback to primary-side feedback, and during heavy-load conditions, it returns to secondary-side feedback. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by using the appropriate feedback mode for each operating condition, reducing power consumption during light-load while maintaining control reliability during heavy-load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the feedback control parameter source based on load conditions. When the load is light or absent, the feedback parameter is obtained from the primary side through the auxiliary winding; when the load is heavy, the feedback parameter is obtained from the secondary side. This parameter change strategy allows the system to reduce power consumption during light-load operations while ensuring reliable output power control during heavy-load operations.
2Measurement precision
If secondary-side controller continues to operate during light-load or no-load conditions, then output power detection accuracy is maintained, but unnecessary power consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the feedback detection function from the secondary-side controller during light-load or no-load conditions and relocates it to the primary-side controller. The secondary-side controller can enter a low-power state or shutdown mode during these conditions, while the primary-side controller continues to perform feedback detection through the auxiliary winding. This extraction resolves the contradiction by eliminating unnecessary power consumption from the secondary-side controller while maintaining detection capability through the primary side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the primary-side controller to perform feedback detection independently during light-load or no-load conditions without requiring the secondary-side controller to remain active. The auxiliary winding on the primary side provides the necessary feedback signal, allowing the system to maintain detection accuracy while the secondary-side controller conserves energy by reducing or stopping its operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If primary-side feedback is used during light-load or no-load conditions, then power consumption is reduced, but feedback signal availability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal feedback system that can operate from either the primary side or secondary side depending on conditions. The auxiliary winding on the primary side is designed to provide feedback signals under all operating conditions, including light-load and no-load conditions. This multi-functionality ensures that feedback signal availability is maintained when using primary-side feedback, resolving the contradiction by making the primary-side feedback path reliable for light-load operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the auxiliary winding as an intermediary element that enables feedback signal transmission from the primary side to the controller during light-load or no-load conditions. This intermediary component ensures that the feedback signal remains available and reliable when the system switches to primary-side feedback, allowing power consumption to be reduced without sacrificing feedback signal availability.
4Use of energy by moving object
If feedback mode is switched between primary-side and secondary-side, then power consumption is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic feedback mode switching mechanism that automatically selects between primary-side and secondary-side feedback based on load conditions. A control unit monitors the load status and switches the feedback source accordingly: primary-side feedback during light-load or no-load conditions, and secondary-side feedback during heavy-load conditions. This dynamic switching optimizes power consumption while managing system complexity through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the feedback control parameter source based on detected load conditions. When the load is light or absent, the system parameters are configured to use primary-side feedback through the auxiliary winding; when the load is heavy, the parameters switch to use secondary-side feedback. This parameter change approach optimizes power consumption across different operating conditions while managing system complexity through parameter-based control.
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
The solution maintains output power stability while significantly reducing power consumption by disabling unnecessary components during light-load or no-load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first optocoupler. The primary-side controller is coupled to the primary-side circuit, and generates a first control signal according to a first feedback signal... The first optocoupler is coupled to the secondary-side controller and the primary-side controller, and provides the first feedback signal to the primary-side controller
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter includes a primary-side circuit, a primary-side controller, a primary-side winding circuit, a secondary-side circuit, a secondary-side controller, and a first optocoupler. The primary-side controller generates a first control signal according to a first feedback signal, and the primary-side winding circuit provides a second feedback signal. The secondary-side controller generates the first feedback signal according to a DC output signal, and the first optocoupler provides the first feedback signal to the primary-side controller. The primary-side controller provides the first control signal to control the primary-side circuit according to the first feedback signal, and when the primary-side controller realizes that an output current of the power converter is lower than a current threshold, the primary-side controller generates the first control signal according to the second feedback signal.