Quasi-Resonant Switching Converter Controller with Dynamic Valley Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Switching converters with quasi-resonant control often generate audio noise and discontinuous output power due to valley switching between adjacent voltage valleys, which affects efficiency and performance.

Innovation Solution

A controller circuit comprising an error amplifying circuit, a comparison circuit, a valley detection circuit, a valley selection circuit, and a frequency control circuit is used to generate a compensation signal, pulse frequency modulation signal, and frequency control signal, which helps in selecting a target valley number and controlling the switching frequency to minimize noise and ensure continuous output power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If valley switching control is used to reduce switching loss, then switching efficiency is improved, but audio noise and discontinuous output power are generated due to valley jumping between adjacent valleys

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching lossVSAvoidaudio noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic valley selection by introducing a valley selection circuit that dynamically chooses between adjacent valleys based on real-time operating conditions. The circuit generates a valley selection signal that adapts the switching timing to prevent valley jumping, thereby eliminating audio noise while maintaining the efficiency benefits of quasi-resonant control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms through error amplifying circuits and control circuits that monitor the switching process and adjust the valley selection in real-time. The feedback loop detects valley jumping conditions and corrects the switching timing to maintain stable operation, preventing audio noise generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If valley switching control is used to reduce switching loss, then switching efficiency is improved, but output power discontinuity occurs due to valley jumping between adjacent valleys

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching lossVSAvoidoutput power continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The valley selection circuit dynamically adjusts the switching valley selection based on real-time operating conditions, ensuring continuous and stable output power. By adaptively choosing the appropriate valley for switching, the circuit prevents discontinuities in power delivery while maintaining the efficiency advantages of quasi-resonant control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Feedback control circuits monitor output power stability and adjust valley selection to prevent discontinuities. The error amplifying circuit detects deviations from desired operation and corrects valley jumping, ensuring continuous power delivery while maintaining low switching losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If fixed frequency control is used, then control simplicity is maintained, but switching loss is high and efficiency varies with load or input voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidswitching loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements variable frequency control through a frequency control circuit that dynamically adjusts the switching frequency based on load and input voltage conditions. This dynamic adjustment reduces switching losses across different operating points while maintaining manageable control complexity through systematic circuit design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of energy

If variable frequency control is used to reduce switching loss, then switching efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching lossVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control function into separate modular circuits: error amplifying circuit, valley detection circuit, valley selection circuit, and frequency control circuit. This segmentation allows each circuit to perform a specific function, reducing overall control complexity while achieving variable frequency control for reduced switching losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control through dedicated circuits that automatically adjust switching parameters based on operating conditions. The valley selection circuit and frequency control circuit work together to dynamically optimize switching timing and frequency, reducing switching losses without requiring overly complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively reduces audio noise and ensures continuous output power by stabilizing the switching frequency, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the switching converter across varying load and input voltage conditions.

Implementation Method 1

When a current sense signal Ics indicative of the current flowing through the energy storage component decreases to zero, the energy storage component resonates with the parasitic capacitance of the switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11711015B2Switching converter with quasi-resonant control and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.07.25 CHENGDU MONOLITHIC POWER SYST
  • US11711015B2 patent drawing
  • US11711015B2 patent drawing
  • US11711015B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A controller of a switching converter includes an error amplifying circuit, a first comparison circuit, a valley detection circuit, a valley selection circuit and a frequency control circuit. The error amplifying circuit generates a compensation signal based on the difference between a reference signal and a feedback signal. The first comparison circuit compares the compensation signal with a modulation signal and generates a pulse frequency modulation signal. The valley detection circuit detects valleys of a resonant voltage of the switching converter and generates a valley pulse signal. The valley selection circuit generates a valley enable signal corresponding to a target valley number based on the pulse frequency modulation signal and the valley pulse signal. The frequency control circuit generates a frequency control signal to control the switching frequency of the first switch based on the valley enable signal and the valley pulse signal.