Primary-Side Controller Adaptive Target Value for Power Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converter circuits face challenges in efficiently controlling output current across varying voltages without relying on costly and space-consuming safety isolation devices, which can reduce system reliability and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A controller in the power converter circuit generates a control signal for the primary-side switch based on a target value determined from signals indicating current or voltage through the transformer and primary-side switch, allowing for adaptive current limitation and output current control without the need for galvanic isolation devices like optocouplers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If safety isolation devices like optocouplers are used to send information from secondary side to primary side, then communication between sides is achieved, but system cost increases, space is consumed, and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the traditional isolation device architecture. By using the auxiliary winding to directly provide feedback signals to the primary-side controller, the need for separate communication media like optocouplers is eliminated, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary winding serves multiple functions: it provides both power transformation and communication feedback simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated isolation communication devices, reducing overall system complexity and improving reliability
2Loss of information
If optocouplers are used for signal transmission across isolation barrier, then information communication is enabled, but system cost increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The communication function is extracted from the isolation device architecture and integrated into the auxiliary winding's natural feedback path, eliminating the need for separate optocoupler components and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary winding acts as an intermediary that naturally carries feedback information from the secondary side to the primary side through its voltage induction, replacing the need for dedicated optocoupler-based communication media
3Reliability
If traditional control methods are used without adaptive target value adjustment, then control process is simpler, but output current cannot be maintained within limits across wide voltage range
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the target value for the second signal based on the first signal from the auxiliary winding. This adaptive adjustment ensures output current remains within limits across varying voltage conditions without requiring complex external control circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the auxiliary winding's first signal to continuously adjust and determine the target value for the second signal. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable output current control while maintaining a relatively simple control process
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 simplifies the control process, reduces processing resource consumption, and maintains output current within limits across a wide voltage range, enhancing system reliability and efficiency while eliminating the need for additional isolation devices.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer in the power converter circuit
Implementation Method 2
a first signal indicating a current or a voltage through a primary side of a transformer
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a controller is configured to control a primary-side switch in a power converter circuit, and the controller includes a first node configured to receive a first signal indicating a current or a voltage through a primary side of a transformer of the power converter circuit. The controller also includes a second node configured to receive a second signal indicating a current or a voltage through a primary-side switch of the power converter circuit. The controller further includes processing circuitry configured to determine a target value for the second signal based on the first signal and generate the control signal for the primary-side switch based on the target value for the second signal.