Resonant Converter Switching Control for MHz Regulation Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control strategies for direct-direct or DC-DC converters with six-phase piezoelectric resonators face limitations in operating frequency due to internal delays in the control chain, making it difficult to achieve high-frequency switching beyond 100 kHz, leading to inefficiencies and increased current consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control device with a synchronization module that sends measurement and control orders simultaneously, allowing the regulation quantity to be measured immediately before switch activation, minimizing errors and enabling high-frequency operation up to 10 MHz by optimizing the control loop timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital control with FPGA or programmable logic is used, then control flexibility and regulation capability are improved, but the maximum operating frequency is limited to around 100 kHz due to sampling frequency and comparison speed limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital control systems (FPGA, microcontrollers) with an analog control circuit that directly processes voltage signals. The control circuit uses operational amplifiers and analog comparators to generate switching signals without digital sampling or processing, eliminating the frequency limitations of digital systems while maintaining control flexibility through analog signal manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an analog control circuit as an intermediary between the voltage detection stage and the switch control stage. This intermediary circuit continuously monitors the voltage across the resonator and dynamically adjusts the switching signals in real-time, enabling high-frequency operation by avoiding the discrete sampling approach of digital systems.
2Ease of operation
If control commands are sent to switches, then switching control is achieved, but internal delays in the control chain cause the switching instant to be inaccurate at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously pre-charging capacitor C1 to the input voltage level before each switching event. The control circuit anticipates the need for voltage application to the resonator and prepares the switching signal in advance, ensuring that the switch activates at the precise moment when the resonator voltage crosses zero, without waiting for digital sampling and processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by using an analog control circuit that continuously monitors the resonator voltage and continuously generates switching signals without interruption. This continuous analog process eliminates the discrete, intermittent nature of digital control, maintaining precise timing throughout the entire operating cycle without dead time or sampling gaps.
3Device complexity
If measurement and control orders are sent sequentially, then control logic is simplified, but the measurement may occur after the switching event, increasing regulation error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement and control functions into a single integrated analog control circuit. The operational amplifiers simultaneously perform voltage comparison, signal amplification, and switching control in one continuous process, eliminating the need for separate measurement and control stages. This integration ensures that the measurement of resonator voltage and the generation of switching signals occur concurrently, with the switching instant precisely aligned to the voltage zero-crossing point.
Data Source
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AI summary
This device (20) for controlling a converter including a resonator and several switches (14), comprises: - a chain (42) for measuring a regulation quantity; - a chain (44) for controlling a switching of the switches (14), to alternate phases at substantially constant voltage and at substantially constant load at the terminals of the resonator, the control chain (44) comprising a loop for regulating a switching instant of a switch; - a synchronization module (40) for simultaneously sending a measurement order to the measurement chain (42) and a control order to the control chain (44), the duration of implementation of the measurement order by the measurement chain (42) being less than that of implementation of the control order by the control chain (44), so that the regulation quantity is measured before the switching of the switch.