Programmable Gate Drive Power Supply for Coordinated DC-DC Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor drive products face issues with ineffective coordination and sequencing between DC-DC converters, late or absent fault detection, and lack of tunable voltage regulation due to limited data exchange among multiple instances of DC-DC converters.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a pulse width modulation controller and a programmable device to control multiple isolated power supplies, with the programmable device powered by a first output voltage, generating drive signals based on voltage and current feedback to regulate secondary power supplies, and employing a common input ground for coordination and sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instances of DC-DC converters are used and work in isolation, then each converter can operate independently, but coordination and sequencing between converters becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple isolated DC-DC converter instances into a unified system with a common programmable device (microcontroller or DSP) that coordinates all converters. This merging allows data exchange and synchronization between converters while maintaining their individual power conversion functions, resolving the contradiction between independent operation and effective coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable device serves multiple functions: it controls power sequencing, monitors fault conditions, regulates voltage output, and coordinates communication between multiple DC-DC converter instances. This universal controller enables a single system to achieve both independent converter operation and centralized coordination.
2Device complexity
If multiple instances of DC-DC converters are used with limited data exchange, then system complexity is reduced, but fault detection and shutdown becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms where the programmable device continuously monitors output voltages, current conditions, and operational status of each DC-DC converter instance. This feedback enables real-time fault detection and coordinated shutdown procedures across all converters, achieving effective reliability monitoring without requiring complex inter-converter communication hardware.
3Device complexity
If multiple instances of DC-DC converters are used without centralized control, then system simplicity is maintained, but voltage regulation becomes non-tunable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic voltage regulation where the programmable device can adjust output voltage levels in real-time based on system requirements. The controller can tune voltage outputs for each converter instance independently or collectively, enabling adaptive voltage regulation that responds to changing operational conditions while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is provided including a pulse width modulation controller (105) configured to control a first output voltage of a first power supply associated with the system, wherein the first power supply is referenced to an input ground associated with the system. The system includes a programmable device (110) configured to control at least a second output voltage of a second power supply associated with the system, wherein the second power supply is referenced to an output ground associated with the system. The programmable device (110) is powered based on the first output voltage.