Resonant Mode Power Converter Controller with Feed-Forward Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Resonant mode power converter circuits face challenges in maintaining stable output voltage due to changes in input voltage and load, requiring frequent adjustments in switching frequency, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased power losses.

Innovation Solution

A controller device with a feed-forward pin to receive the input voltage signal and a feedback pin to receive the output voltage signal, allowing the processing circuitry to determine and adjust the switching frequency quickly, enabling more responsive control of the resonant mode power converter circuit, particularly during burst modes to optimize power factor correction and reduce power losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the controller device decreases the switching frequency to increase output voltage, then the output voltage increases, but the response time to voltage changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidresponse speed to voltage changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The controller device performs preliminary action by detecting input voltage changes through the feed-forward pin before they affect the output voltage. This allows the controller to pre-adjust the switching frequency in anticipation of output voltage deviations, thereby maintaining voltage stability while improving response speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller device employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring both input voltage (through feed-forward pin) and output voltage (through feedback pin). This dual monitoring enables the controller to make real-time adjustments to the switching frequency, resolving the contradiction between maintaining stable output voltage and responding quickly to changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the controller device frequently adjusts the switching frequency to maintain output voltage, then the output voltage stability improves, but power losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidpower losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By detecting input voltage changes through the feed-forward pin before they propagate to the output, the controller can make proactive adjustments to the switching frequency. This prevents output voltage deviations from occurring in the first place, thereby maintaining voltage stability while minimizing the need for frequent corrective adjustments that would increase power losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The feed-forward pin acts as an intermediary that provides early warning of input voltage changes. This allows the controller to intervene before the changes affect the output voltage, reducing the frequency and magnitude of corrective actions needed, thereby lowering power losses while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the controller device uses only feedback control to adjust switching frequency, then the circuit operation is simple, but the response to input voltage changes is slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol circuit complexityVSAvoidresponse speed to input voltage changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The feed-forward pin enables preliminary detection of input voltage changes, allowing the controller to take preemptive action before output voltage deviations occur. This adds minimal complexity to the control circuit while dramatically improving response speed, as the controller no longer needs to wait for output voltage changes to be detected and processed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9973093B1Controller device for resonant mode power converter circuit
Publication Date: 2018.05.15 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • US9973093B1 patent drawing
  • US9973093B1 patent drawing
  • US9973093B1 patent drawing

AI summary

In some examples, a controller device for a resonant mode power converter circuit comprises a feed-forward pin configured to receive an input voltage signal of the resonant mode power converter circuit, a feedback pin configured to receive an output voltage signal of the resonant mode power converter circuit, processing circuitry configured to determine a switching frequency based on the input voltage signal and the output voltage signal, a first control pin configured to deliver a first control signal to the first switch at the switching frequency, and a second control pin configured to deliver a second control signal the second switch at the switching frequency.