Resonant Circuit Pulse Frequency Voltage Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems are prone to failure and high production costs due to reliance on opto-couplers in voltage regulation, which are unreliable and costly.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus utilizing a primary and auxiliary switching element with a resonant circuit that converts pulse trains to voltage potential, eliminating the need for additional transformer windings and opto-couplers by using reflected voltage signals and parasitic capacitance for feedback regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If opto-couplers and voltage reference error amplifiers are used for voltage regulation, then voltage regulation is achieved, but production cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the opto-coupler and voltage reference error amplifier from the regulation circuit. Instead of using these separate components, the invention extracts the voltage regulation function into the primary side controller by using the reflected voltage signal directly from the transformer primary winding, thereby eliminating the need for the secondary side regulation components and reducing overall system complexity and failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary winding of the transformer serves multiple functions: it not only transfers power but also provides the reflected voltage signal for regulation feedback. The controller on the primary side integrates both the power conversion control and voltage regulation functions, making the system more universal and reducing the number of dedicated regulation components needed.
2Reliability
If additional transformer windings are added for feedback, then voltage regulation is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing primary winding is made multi-functional by using it both for power transfer and for providing the reflected voltage feedback signal. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated feedback windings on the transformer, simplifying the transformer design and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective voltage regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer function and the feedback signal generation function are merged into a single primary winding. The reflected voltage signal is obtained directly from the primary winding through the resonant circuit, combining what would traditionally require separate windings into one integrated structure.
3Productivity
If traditional PWM duty cycle control is used, then power conversion is achieved, but voltage regulation reliability is compromised due to opto-coupler failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using the reflected voltage signal from the primary winding, which is processed through a resonant circuit to provide stable voltage regulation information to the controller. This feedback loop operates entirely on the primary side, eliminating the need for opto-couplers and providing more reliable voltage regulation while maintaining power conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant circuit acts as an intermediary between the reflected voltage signal and the controller, converting the signal into a form suitable for regulation while providing electrical isolation and signal conditioning without requiring opto-couplers. This intermediary structure improves reliability by using passive resonant elements rather than active opto-isolating components.
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 reduces the point of failure and production costs by providing reliable voltage regulation through a virtual output voltage feedback loop, using a resonant circuit to convert pulse trains into voltage potential proportional to load current, thus regulating output voltage effectively without additional transformer windings.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer resonance comprises the reflected voltage signal, the capacitance of the one or more resonance capacitors and a parasitic capacitance of the transformer
Implementation Method 2
The reflected voltage signal is reflected from the secondary to the primary
Implementation Method 3
The reflected voltage signal is reflected from the secondary to the primary
Implementation Method 4
The transformer resonance comprises the reflected voltage signal, the capacitance of the one or more resonance capacitors and a parasitic capacitance of the transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus and method of regulating is provided. A converter circuit includes a primary switching element and an auxiliary switching element. The auxiliary switching element is for transferring a reflected voltage signal. A transformer includes a primary and a secondary, the primary is coupled with the converter circuit. The primary and secondary each include a single winding. An output rectifier circuit is coupled with the secondary of the transformer. A resonant circuit is included in the converter circuit and is coupled with the primary. The resonant circuit includes one or more resonance capacitors that are configured for providing a transformer resonance. The transformer resonance comprises the reflected voltage signal, the capacitance of the one or more resonance capacitors and a parasitic capacitance of the transformer. The reflected voltage signal is reflected from the secondary to the primary. The resonant circuit converts a pulse train to produce a voltage potential, the voltage potential varying in proportion to an output voltage, the pulse train comprising a duty cycle proportional to a load current. A virtual output voltage feedback loop is provided. The converter circuit is responsive to a virtual output voltage reference signal in regulating an output voltage.