Primary-Side Programmable Power Converter Loop Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programmable power converters for mobile devices face challenges in achieving high efficiency, fast loop response, and good loop stability, making them cumbersome and inefficient for users with multiple devices requiring different voltage and current characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A primary-side controlled programmable power converter circuit is developed, incorporating a control circuit, switching controller, opto-couplers, digital-to-analog converters, and a micro-controller to generate programmable voltage-reference signals and control signals for regulating output voltage and current, with over-voltage protection and current limit thresholds, enabling efficient and stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a programmable power converter is designed to supply a wide range of output voltage and current, then the versatility and adaptability improve, but the loop stability and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of compensation parameters based on the selected output voltage and current ranges. The control circuit automatically modifies the compensation characteristics of the feedback loop according to the operating conditions, enabling the system to maintain optimal stability across different programmable configurations rather than using fixed compensation parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the compensation circuit (such as resistance and capacitance values) based on the selected output characteristics. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to the programmable settings, the system maintains proper loop stability while accommodating different voltage and current output requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power converter uses complex control circuits to achieve programmable functionality, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal control architecture where a single feedback circuit and compensation network can handle multiple output voltage and current configurations. The control circuit is designed to be reconfigurable through software or digital controls rather than requiring separate hardware circuits for each output mode, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining programmable versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital models or lookup tables stored in memory to represent different output configurations and their corresponding optimal compensation parameters. Instead of implementing complex analog circuits for each configuration, the system copies and applies pre-calculated parameter sets based on the selected operating mode, simplifying the hardware while achieving programmable functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the power converter is designed for high efficiency operation, then the energy utilization improves, but the manufacturing precision and component requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the actual output voltage and current, and adjusts the compensation parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control compensates for component tolerances and variations, allowing the system to achieve high efficiency operation without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision on individual components.
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 achieves fast loop response, high efficiency, and good loop stability, allowing the power converter to efficiently supply a wide range of output voltages and currents, reducing user burden by providing a single converter for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first opto-coupler is coupled to transfer the feedback signal from the control circuit to the switching controller
Implementation Method 2
The second opto-coupler transfers a control signal of the control circuit to the switching controller
Implementation Method 3
The switching controller is coupled to detect a switching current of a transformer for generating a switching signal coupled to switch the transformer for generating the output voltage and an output current
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for controlling a programmable power converter is provided. The circuit comprises a control circuit, a switching controller, and a first opto-coupler. The control circuit generates a programmable voltage-reference signal for regulating an output voltage of the programmable power converter. A feedback circuit of the control circuit detects the output voltage for generating a feedback signal in response to the programmable voltage-reference signal and the output voltage. The switching controller detects a switching current of a transformer for generating a switching signal coupled to switch the transformer for generating the output voltage and an output current in response to the feedback signal and the switching current of the transformer. The first opto-coupler transfers the feedback signal from the control circuit to the switching controller. The control circuit is at the secondary side of the transformer and the switching controller is at the primary side of the transformer.