Power Converter Valley Point Detection via Timing Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters, such as switching mode power supplies, require complex circuits to determine the valley point of switch voltage, leading to increased complexity and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A power converter with a primary coil, switch, and controller that forms a transformer, where the controller detects the valley point of the switch voltage based on sensing voltage and transmits a control signal to the switch, simplifying the detection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex circuit is used to determine the valley point of switch voltage, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the controller to calculate the valley point time based on measured time periods (Ton and Toff) and known frequency relationships, rather than directly detecting the voltage valley point. This intermediary calculation method simplifies the circuit while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional voltage-based direct detection mechanism with a time-based calculation mechanism. By measuring time periods and using frequency relationships to calculate the valley point, the system substitutes a complex voltage sensing circuit with a simpler timing and calculation approach.
2Measurement precision
If a complex circuit is used to determine the valley point of switch voltage, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary that performs calculations based on simple time measurements rather than requiring complex voltage sensing hardware. This reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for expensive valley point detection circuits while maintaining accuracy through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes hardware-based valley point detection with a software/calculation-based approach in the controller. This substitution reduces manufacturing costs by using standard controller components instead of specialized expensive detection circuits.
3Productivity
If the switch is turned on at the valley point of switch voltage, then the efficiency of power conversion is improved, but the complexity of controlling the switch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary calculations to determine the valley point time before actually turning on the switch. By pre-calculating the optimal turn-on time based on measured periods and frequency relationships, the system achieves efficient power conversion without adding complex real-time control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from measured time periods (Ton and Toff) to calculate and adjust the valley point timing. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal efficiency without requiring complex control circuits.
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 approach allows for accurate detection of the valley point with a simpler configuration, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while maintaining efficient voltage conversion.
Implementation Method 1
The primary coil and the secondary coil form a transformer, and the input voltage is converted to the output voltage by the transformer
Data Source
AI summary
In a power converter, a primary coil receives an input voltage, and a switch includes a first electrode, a second electrode coupled to the primary coil, and a control electrode. An output unit includes a secondary coil, and outputs an output voltage. The primary coil and the secondary coil form a transformer, and the input voltage is converted to the output voltage by the transformer. A controller receives a sensing voltage corresponding to a switch current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode of the switch, detects a valley point of a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode of the switch based on the sensing voltage, and transmits a control signal to the control electrode of the switch in accordance with the valley point.