Resonant Switched Capacitor Converter Peer Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-power converter systems require designation of master and slave power converters, leading to inefficiencies, higher switching losses, and complex synchronization and current balancing, with increased electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A resonant switched capacitor voltage converter (RSCC) system that operates in synchronization with another RSCC without designating master and slave converters, utilizing zero current switching and synchronization signals to achieve efficient power conversion, reduce switching losses, and improve EMI performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-power converter systems designate master and slave power converters, then synchronization control can be achieved, but the device complexity and control mechanism complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each power converter unit autonomously generates its own synchronization signal based on its local resonant frequency and feeds it to other units. The system eliminates the need for external master-slave designation by having each unit self-organize and self-synchronize through mutual signal exchange, thereby reducing control mechanism complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a master converter control slave converters in the conventional approach, the invention inverts the control architecture by having each converter act as both master and slave simultaneously - each unit generates synchronization signals for others while also receiving and following their signals, creating a distributed peer-to-peer control system
2Power
If conventional power converters operate in multi-power converter systems, then higher power can be provided to load, but switching losses and electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic resonant oscillation at naturally occurring resonant frequencies of each converter unit. By timing switching operations to coincide with these periodic resonant cycles, the converters achieve soft switching conditions that minimize switching losses while maintaining high power delivery capability across multiple parallel units
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows each power converter unit to operate at its own natural resonant frequency rather than forcing uniform switching frequencies. This parameter adaptation enables each unit to optimize its switching timing, reducing overall switching losses in the multi-power system while maintaining synchronized operation through frequency coupling
3Power
If conventional power converters operate in multi-power converter systems, then higher power can be provided to load, but electromagnetic interference becomes more severe
Solution Approach 1:
By synchronizing switching operations to periodic resonant cycles, the system creates regular, predictable electromagnetic emissions rather than random spikes. This periodicity allows for better EMI filtering and reduces peak interference levels while maintaining high power delivery through coordinated multi-unit operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attempting to suppress EMI through complex filtering and shielding, the invention inverts the approach by designing the switching timing to naturally minimize EMI generation. By aligning switching events with resonant zero-crossing points, the system reduces voltage and current spikes at switching instants, thereby reducing EMI at the source
4Reliability
If conventional multi-power converter systems manage phase-shift degrees and synchronization signals, then synchronization can be achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each converter unit autonomously determines its own phase-shift degree based on its resonant frequency and the synchronization signals it receives from peers. The system eliminates the need for external controllers to manually set and manage phase-shift parameters, as each unit self-adjusts its timing through natural resonant coupling and mutual signal exchange
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than having a central controller dictate phase-shift degrees to each converter, the invention inverts the control flow by having each converter independently generate and exchange synchronization signals that automatically establish the appropriate phase relationships. This distributed approach simplifies operation by eliminating complex parameter management while maintaining reliable synchronization
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 RSCC system enables efficient power conversion with lower switching losses and improved EMI, allowing for automatic synchronization and current balancing between converters with different resonant frequencies, enhancing power delivery and reducing input peak current impact.
Implementation Method 1
the resonant capacitor and the resonant inductor are connected in series to each other, to perform resonant operation during a switching period, thus converting the input voltage to the output voltage
Implementation Method 2
the control circuit is configured to operably generate a zero current signal and a first synchronization signal when a resonant inductor current flowing through the resonant inductor is zero; wherein the control circuit is configured to operably turn off at least one corresponding switch according to the zero current signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a resonant switched capacitor voltage converter (RSCC), which is coupled to and operates synchronously with another RSCC. The RSCC includes: plural switches, a resonant inductor, a resonant capacitor, and a control circuit. The control circuit controls the switches, so that the resonant capacitor and the resonant inductor are connected in series to each other, to perform resonant operation in a switching period, thus converting an input voltage to an output voltage. The control circuit generates a zero current signal and a first synchronization signal when a resonant inductor current flowing through the resonant inductor is zero. The control circuit turns off at least one corresponding switch according to the zero current signal. The control circuit turns on at least one corresponding switch according to the zero-current signal and a second synchronization signal, so that the RSCC operates in synchronization with at least another RSCC.