Power Converter Error Detection Using Output Slope Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power converter error detection methods, particularly in applications with variable output voltages, struggle to distinguish between changing output conditions and actual errors, leading to inaccurate detection and potential component stress.

Innovation Solution

A controller for power converters that derives a measure of the slope of the output voltage or current based on an indication signal and detects error conditions only when a feedback signal exceeds a predefined threshold, using techniques such as differentiating the slope and combining it with feedback voltage criteria to enhance detection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threshold voltage comparison is used for error detection, then error detection capability is provided, but detection accuracy deteriorates in applications with variable output voltages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from absolute voltage level to voltage slope (rate of change). The controller derives a measure of the slope of the output voltage and detects error conditions based on this slope measure, which remains effective regardless of the absolute voltage level. This resolves the contradiction by making detection accuracy independent of variable output voltage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If slope-based error detection is implemented, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcontroller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or circuit-based slope detection mechanisms with a computational approach implemented in control logic. The controller derives the slope measure through signal processing of the indication signal, avoiding the need for additional physical components or complex analog circuits while achieving accurate slope-based error detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If feedback signal threshold filtering is applied, then false error detection is reduced, but response time to actual errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detection reliabilityVSAvoiderror response time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial filtering by comparing the feedback signal to a predefined threshold, but only when the slope measure indicates an actual error condition. This selective application of threshold filtering reduces false detections while maintaining rapid response to genuine errors, as the threshold comparison is conditioned on the slope-based error indication rather than being continuously applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4340195B1Power converter controller, power converter and method of operating a power converter

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG

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AI summary

A controller (12) for a power converter is provided, comprising a terminal (13) configured to receive an indication signal (ind) of one of an output voltage (Vout) or output voltage (Vout) of the power converter. A control logic (15) of the controller (12) is configured to derive a measure of a slope of the one of the output voltage (Vout) or output current (lout) based on the indication signal (ind) of the one of the output voltage (Vout) or output current (lout), and to detect an error condition of the power converter based on the measure of the slope.