Programmable Power Converter Control Circuit
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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 it inconvenient for users to power multiple devices with varying voltage and current requirements.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method utilizing a micro-controller, controller, and timer to generate switching signals based on voltage and current feedback signals, with a voltage error amplifier, current error amplifier, and ramp-signal generator, allowing programmable control of output voltage and current, and incorporating a communication interface for I/O device communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If programmable capability is added to supply wide range of output voltage and current, then versatility is improved, but loop stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of control parameters (compensation capacitance and resistance values) based on the selected output voltage and current ranges. The microcontroller programmatically configures different compensation values in the PID controller according to the operating mode, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to different programmable settings while maintaining loop stability in each range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters (compensation capacitance Cc and resistance Rf) based on the selected output range. Different combinations of Cc and Rf values are programmed into the PID controller for different voltage/current ranges, allowing the system to optimize loop stability for each specific operating condition while maintaining broad programmability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programmable capability is added to supply wide range of output voltage and current, then versatility is improved, but loop response speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the PID controller parameters (proportional gain Kp, integral time Ti, derivative timeTd) based on the selected output range. The microcontroller loads appropriate parameter sets from memory corresponding to different voltage/current ranges, enabling fast loop response appropriate for each operating condition while maintaining versatility across multiple ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
Different PID controller parameter sets (Kp, Ti, Td) are programmed into the system for different output ranges. The system selects and applies the appropriate parameter set based on the desired voltage and current output, optimizing loop response speed for each specific operating mode while maintaining broad programmable capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable capability is added to supply wide range of output voltage and current, then versatility is improved, but efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system programmatically adjusts switching frequency and PWM duty cycle parameters based on the selected output voltage and current range. By optimizing these parameters for each specific operating condition, the system minimizes energy losses and maximizes efficiency within each programmable range while maintaining versatility across multiple output configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a circuit for controlling a programmable power converter. The circuit includes a micro-controller, a controller, and a timer. The controller includes a voltage error amplifier. The micro-controller has a program memory and a data memory. The controller generates switching signals in response to a voltage-feedback signal for regulating an output voltage of the programmable power converter. The voltage error amplifier generates the voltage-feedback signal according to a voltage reference signal and the output voltage of the programmable power converter. A gain of the voltage error amplifier and a value of the reference signal are programmed by the micro-controller.