Resonant Capacitor Balancing Circuit for Stable Converter Startup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conversion circuits with capacitors in serial equivalent connections in AI chip power supplies face high risks of voltage imbalance and lack effective closed-loop control for stable startup and transformation ratios.

Innovation Solution

A conversion circuit with a capacitor module, balancing module, and startup module, utilizing resonant circuits and switches to balance voltages and adjust transformation ratios, ensuring stable output and slow startup through controlled energy transmission and series voltage division.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If capacitors are connected in series equivalent connection in conventional conversion circuits, then voltage transformation is achieved, but voltage imbalance occurs between capacitors after long-time operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage transformation capabilityVSAvoidvoltage balance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a balancing module that includes a resonant circuit and control logic to detect and correct voltage imbalances between series-connected capacitors. The control module monitors capacitor voltages and adjusts switch timing to transfer energy from higher-voltage capacitors to lower-voltage capacitors, implementing a feedback mechanism that maintains voltage balance during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The balancing module operates periodically by controlling switches to enable resonant energy transfer between capacitors at specific intervals. This periodic action allows the system to continuously correct voltage imbalances without disrupting the overall power conversion function, maintaining reliability over long operating periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Device complexity

If conventional conversion circuits are used without closed-loop control, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but stable output voltage and controlled startup cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit structure simplicityVSAvoidoutput voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop control system where the control module receives feedback signals about output voltage and capacitor voltages, then adjusts switch duty cycles and timing to maintain stable output. This feedback mechanism enables precise voltage regulation and controlled startup sequences without significantly increasing overall circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control module performs preliminary actions by pre-charging capacitors and pre-configuring switch states before main operation begins. This preliminary setup ensures stable startup conditions and prevents voltage spikes or instability when the converter is first energized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If fast startup is implemented in conversion circuits, then response time is reduced, but output voltage instability and potential damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestartup speedVSAvoidoutput voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a controlled startup sequence where the control module first charges capacitors through the resonant circuit at reduced power levels, then gradually increases to full operation. This preliminary action allows the system to reach operational state quickly while maintaining voltage stability and preventing damage from sudden high-power transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The startup process is made dynamic by allowing the control module to adjust switching frequencies and duty cycles during startup based on real-time voltage conditions. This dynamic control enables fast startup by optimizing parameters continuously, while preventing instability through adaptive adjustments that respond to changing circuit conditions.

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 circuit effectively balances capacitor voltages, achieves stable output voltage, and allows for different transformation ratios, addressing voltage imbalance and enabling controlled startup and efficient power conversion.

Implementation Method 1

The balancing module balances voltages at both ends of the first capacitor and the second capacitor by controlling the switches in the first resonant circuit in conjunction with influence of the first resonant cavity on a current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS12470133B2Conversion circuit with a capacitor module, balancing module and a startup module and related electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.11.11 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • US12470133B2 patent drawing
  • US12470133B2 patent drawing
  • US12470133B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A conversion circuit includes a capacitor module, a balancing module, and a startup module. The capacitor module includes at least a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The balancing module includes at least a first resonant circuit. The startup module includes a direct current-direct current converter and a target capacitor. The first resonant circuit includes at least two groups of switches and a first resonant cavity. The first capacitor is connected in series to the second capacitor, and connected in parallel to the target capacitor. The first resonant circuit is separately connected to both ends of the first capacitor and the second capacitor by using the startup module. The balancing module balances voltages at both ends of the first capacitor and the second capacitor by controlling the switches in the first resonant circuit. The startup module is configured to start the balancing module and the capacitor module.