PWM Error Correction for Power Converter Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching power converters face challenges in generating accurate error correction and compensation voltages due to latency, delay, and attenuation introduced by feedback components, which affect the stability and efficiency of output voltage regulation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a pulse-width modulator directly coupled to the output voltage, combined with a filtering unit that generates error correction and compensation signals based on pulse-width modulation information, allowing for fast transient response and optimal adjustment of the duty cycle without latency or attenuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a feedback path with traditional components (sensor gain, operational amplifier, compensator) is used, then error correction and compensation voltages can be generated, but latency, delay, and attenuation are introduced that affect stability and efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage regulation stabilityVSAvoidfeedback latency and delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the error correction and compensation function from the traditional feedback path and implements it directly at the pulse-width modulator. By taking out the need for separate sensor gain, operational amplifier, and compensator components, the system eliminates the latency and delay associated with these components while maintaining the essential voltage regulation stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces pulse-width modulation information as an intermediary carrier that directly conveys output voltage information to the error correction and compensation mechanism. This intermediary approach allows the system to obtain voltage information without going through the traditional attenuating feedback components, thus reducing delay while maintaining regulation stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional feedback components are used, then error correction can be achieved, but attenuation reduces the precision of voltage regulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror correction voltage accuracyVSAvoidsignal attenuation in feedback path
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the voltage information directly from the pulse-width modulator's control signal, bypassing the attenuating feedback components. This extraction method preserves the full amplitude and precision of the original voltage information without the signal degradation that occurs through traditional feedback path components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the voltage regulation information from the pulse-width modulator's duty cycle signal. This copying mechanism allows the error correction and compensation voltages to be generated from an exact representation of the output voltage conditions, avoiding the attenuation that would reduce measurement precision in traditional feedback paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If a switching power converter with rapid switching is used, then efficiency is improved, but transient response accuracy is affected by feedback delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidfeedback delay affecting transient response
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by generating error correction and compensation voltages directly from the pulse-width modulator's control signal before the switching effects fully manifest. This allows the system to anticipate and correct voltage deviations in real-time, maintaining both high efficiency through rapid switching and accurate transient response without feedback delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2965413B1Transfer function generation based on pulse-width modulation information
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2965413B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2965413B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2965413B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments are related to generating an error correction voltage and/or a compensation voltage based upon pulse-width modulation information. A device may include a pulse-width modulator configured to receive a first input voltage and convey a modulated output voltage. The device may also include a filtering unit including at least one filter configured to receive the modulated output voltage, generate at least one of an error correction voltage and a compensation voltage, and convey a second input voltage to the pulse-width modulator based on at least one of the error correction voltage and a compensation voltage.