Programmable Floor Reference Voltage for Power Converter Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies face inefficiencies and inaccuracies in generating output voltages due to limitations in controlling switch circuitry and maintaining voltage regulation, particularly in single-stage power converter systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power supply system that includes a voltage converter, a floor reference voltage generator, and a controller, where the floor reference voltage generator produces a varying floor reference voltage using adjustable resistor-capacitor paths to control the voltage converter, and the controller generates control signals based on the output voltage and the offset ramp voltage for precise voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional single-stage power converter systems are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of output voltage generation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into multiple independent functional blocks: floor reference voltage generator, sense amplifier, error amplifier, and compensation circuitry. Each block performs a specific function and can be independently optimized, allowing high precision voltage regulation without increasing overall system complexity. The segmentation enables modular design where each component contributes to the final voltage accuracy.
2Device complexity
If conventional fixed gain amplifiers are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gain adjustment through programmable resistor-capacitor (RC) time constants in the compensation circuit. The gain of the error amplifier can be dynamically changed based on operating conditions such as load transient requirements. This allows the system to adapt its response characteristics - using higher gain for fast transient recovery and lower gain for steady-state precision - without requiring multiple fixed amplifier circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (resistance and capacitance values) of the compensation circuit to adjust the amplifier's frequency response and gain characteristics. By varying RC time constants, the system can optimize its performance for different operating modes - such as changing from light-load to heavy-load conditions - thereby achieving versatility without increasing fundamental circuit complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional power converter control is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity and recovery time during transients deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sophisticated feedback mechanism where the sense amplifier continuously monitors the output voltage and compares it against the floor reference voltage. The error amplifier processes this feedback signal and adjusts the converter's duty cycle in real-time. During transients, the feedback loop's programmable gain and compensation characteristics can be optimized to achieve fast recovery, while the overall system remains automatically controlled and easy to operate without user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply includes a voltage converter to produce an output voltage to power a load. The power supply further includes a reference voltage generator and a controller. The reference voltage generator is operative to generate a floor reference voltage that varies as a function of the output voltage depending on a setting of one or more adjustable (programmable) resistor-capacitor paths in the floor reference voltage generator. The controller produces control signals to control the voltage converter as a function of the floor reference voltage and the output voltage.