Switching Power Supply Mode Transition Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Switching between asynchronous and synchronous control modes in switched-mode power supplies can cause disruptions and output voltage deviations, potentially leading to unintended resets or damage to electronic components.

Innovation Solution

A control unit that synchronizes the phase and frequency of the asynchronous controller with the clock signal of the synchronous controller, presets state variables, and seamlessly transfers control from the asynchronous to the synchronous controller, maintaining output voltage stability during mode transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If switching between asynchronous and synchronous control modes is implemented to improve efficiency across different load conditions, then light load efficiency is improved, but output voltage stability deteriorates during mode transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight load efficiencyVSAvoidoutput voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by synchronizing the asynchronous controller's phase and frequency with the synchronous controller's clock signal before the actual mode transition occurs. This preparatory synchronization ensures that when the transition happens, the output voltage remains stable without deviations, thus resolving the contradiction between improving light load efficiency through mode switching and maintaining output voltage stability during transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If mode switching is performed to optimize performance across different operating conditions, then overall power efficiency is improved, but the risk of unintended resets increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidreset stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary synchronization of the asynchronous controller with the synchronous controller's clock signal before mode transition. This advance preparation ensures that the transition occurs under controlled conditions, preventing unintended resets and maintaining system reliability while still allowing efficiency optimizations through mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms to monitor the synchronization status and output voltage during mode transitions. By continuously monitoring and adjusting based on feedback signals, the system ensures that transitions occur only when synchronization criteria are met, thereby preventing unintended resets while maintaining the ability to switch modes for efficiency optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3499696B1Switching power supply and method for operating a switched-mode power supply
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 NXP USA INC
  • EP3499696B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3499696B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3499696B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of a switched-mode power supply and a method for operating a switched-mode power supply involve synchronizing a phase and frequency of an asynchronous controller of the switched-mode power supply with a clock signal of a synchronous controller of the switched-mode power supply while the asynchronous controller is in control of a power stage of the switched-mode power supply, concurrent with synchronizing the phase and frequency of the asynchronous controller with the clock signal of the synchronous controller, presetting a state variable of the synchronous controller while the asynchronous controller is in control of the power stage of the switched-mode power supply, and switching control of the power stage from the asynchronous controller to the synchronous controller after the phase and frequency of the asynchronous controller are synchronized with the clock signal of the synchronous controller and after the state variable of the synchronous controller is preset.