Rectifier Circuit Overvoltage Protection Using Gate-Source Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power receiver circuits face overvoltage conditions due to variations in the coupling coefficient of transformer coils, which can damage the receiver, and existing solutions require additional circuit components that occupy space and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A controller-regulated rectifier circuit that includes operational amplifiers to control the gate-source voltage of low-side switching elements, redirecting current to prevent overvoltage by using existing rectifier circuit components and minimizing additional silicon space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage clamping mechanisms with additional circuit components are used to protect against overvoltage conditions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing rectifier circuit components perform an additional function by configuring them to detect overvoltage conditions and redirect current accordingly. The switching elements and operational amplifiers in the rectifier circuit are used both for their original rectification purpose and for overvoltage protection, eliminating the need for separate protection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectifier circuit protects itself from overvoltage conditions by using its own internal components (switching elements and operational amplifiers) to detect and respond to overvoltage. The circuit monitors its own output voltage and automatically redirects current through the low-side switching elements when overvoltage is detected, without requiring external protection circuits.
2Reliability
If voltage clamping mechanisms with additional circuit components are used to protect against overvoltage conditions, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing rectifier circuit components perform an additional function by configuring them to detect overvoltage conditions and redirect current accordingly. The switching elements and operational amplifiers in the rectifier circuit are used both for their original rectification purpose and for overvoltage protection, eliminating the need for separate protection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the overvoltage protection function with the existing rectifier circuit by integrating the detection and response mechanisms into the same circuit structure. The operational amplifiers and switching elements serve dual purposes: rectification and overvoltage protection, reducing the total component count and manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional voltage clamping solutions are used, then overvoltage protection is achieved, but circuit board space and internal silicon area are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing rectifier circuit components perform an additional function by configuring them to detect overvoltage conditions and redirect current accordingly. The switching elements and operational amplifiers in the rectifier circuit are used both for their original rectification purpose and for overvoltage protection, eliminating the need for separate protection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the overvoltage protection function from separate external components and integrates it into the existing rectifier circuit structure. By using the same operational amplifiers and switching elements for both rectification and protection, the design removes the need for additional dedicated protection circuitry that would occupy extra space.
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
Provides effective overvoltage protection without additional pins or external components, occupying less space and being more cost-effective compared to conventional solutions, while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission coil and the receiver coil can be brought close to one another to form a transformer that can facilitate inductive transmission of alternating current (AC) power
Implementation Method 2
The receiver can include a rectifier circuit that can convert the AC power into direct current (DC) power for various loads or components that require DC power to operate
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for controlling a rectified voltage outputted by a rectifier circuit is described. In response to an occurrence of an overvoltage condition, an apparatus can regulate a gate-source voltage of a low-side switching element of the rectifier circuit to control the rectified voltage. The apparatus can include an operational amplifier that can compare a reference voltage and with a scaled voltage measured at a node between the low-side switching element and a high-side switching element of the rectifier circuit. The operational amplifier can output a voltage to regulate a gate-source voltage of a low-side switching element. The apparatus can further include a current sensor configured to sense current flowing through the low-side switching element. A power dissipation of the low-side switching element can be controlled based on the current being sensed by the current sensor.