Programmable Power Adapter Resonant Converter Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power adapters struggle to efficiently provide a wide range of DC output voltages required by various electronic devices while maintaining high efficiency, especially when operating over a broad range of input AC voltages.
Innovation Solution
A programmable power adapter is designed with a DC-DC resonant converter having multiple configurable conversion stages and a control module that manages the conversion stages to select different voltage ratios, allowing for high-efficiency operation by adjusting switching frequency and duty cycle to provide a variety of DC output voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power adapter is designed to provide a wide range of DC output voltages to accommodate various electronic devices, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter employs a multi-stage DC-DC resonant converter architecture, dividing the voltage conversion function into separate conversion stages. Each stage can be independently configured to provide different voltage ratios, enabling a wide output voltage range while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The converter incorporates programmable control that dynamically adjusts switching frequencies and duty cycles based on the required output voltage. This dynamic operation allows the same hardware to adapt to different voltage requirements without physical reconfiguration, reducing complexity compared to fixed-ratio designs
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power adapter operates over a broad range of input AC voltages, then the adaptability is improved, but the efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant converter operates by adjusting switching parameters (frequency and duty cycle) to maintain optimal resonance conditions across different input voltages. By changing these operational parameters rather than the physical structure, the converter maintains high efficiency throughout a broad input voltage range
Solution Approach 2:
The DC-DC resonant converter is designed as a universal stage that can handle multiple input voltage levels through programmable control. The same converter circuitry performs efficiently for both 120VAC and 230VAC inputs by adjusting its switching parameters, eliminating the need for voltage-specific circuit designs
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conversion stages are used to provide different voltage ratios, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-stage converter is programmably controlled to dynamically select and configure the number and ratio of active conversion stages based on the required output voltage. This dynamic configuration allows the system to use only the necessary number of stages for each operating condition, reducing effective complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Each conversion stage can be independently programmed with different voltage ratios, and the system selects appropriate stage combinations by changing control parameters rather than physically reconfiguring the circuit. This software-defined approach to multi-stage configuration reduces complexity compared to hardwired multi-ratio converters
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 enables the power adapter to efficiently accept a wide range of input voltages and supply multiple DC output voltages, maintaining high efficiency by operating near resonance frequency and allowing gradual transitions between voltage settings.
Implementation Method 1
The resonant tank, such as an inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) circuit, and a transformer, that convert the square-wave voltage to an intermediate AC voltage. The resonant tank and the transformer can provide a fixed voltage conversion ratio. The switching frequency of the pulsed output of the primary-side circuit is set near the resonance frequency of the tank to provide a high conversion efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a programmable power adapter includes a first set of switches, a resonant circuit, a transformer, and a second set of switches. The power adapter includes control circuitry configured to provide control signals that change the voltage conversion ratios of the first set of switches and the second set of switches. The control circuitry can provide control signals causing the first set of switches to operate in one of multiple operating modes that each correspond to a different voltage conversion ratio, and the control circuitry can provide control signals causing the second set of switches to operate in one of multiple operating modes that each correspond to a different voltage conversion ratio.