Resonant Flyback Converter Control Across a Wide Output Voltage Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power converters using asymmetric half-bridge flyback converters face challenges in achieving high-efficiency operation across the entire output voltage range, particularly due to the inability to effectively adjust resonance characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The power converter incorporates a transformer, a resonant circuit, and a resonant adjustment circuit, along with a controller that dynamically adjusts the resonance operation and the activation timing of the resonance compensation based on the output voltage, ensuring efficient energy transmission across the full output voltage range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a parallel capacitor mechanism is added to improve efficiency at a single output voltage, then efficiency at that specific voltage is improved, but the converter still cannot achieve high efficiency across the full output voltage range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage range adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the resonant circuit parameters adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the resonant capacitance value based on the output voltage level, transitioning from a static parallel capacitor approach to a dynamic adaptation mechanism that maintains optimal resonance across the full voltage range (5V to 48V).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the resonant capacitance value according to the output voltage. Different capacitance values are selected for different voltage ranges, allowing the resonant frequency to be optimized at each operating point. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both high efficiency and wide voltage range adaptability through parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the resonant circuit uses a fixed capacitance value, then the circuit structure is simple, but high-efficiency operation cannot be achieved across the entire output voltage range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit structure simplicityVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the voltage range into multiple segments, each with its own optimized capacitance value. The resonant capacitor is divided into multiple sub-capacitors that can be independently switched, creating discrete capacitance steps. This maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling efficiency optimization across different voltage segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the fixed capacitance structure into a dynamic one by introducing switching elements that can reconfigure the resonant capacitance based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain high efficiency across the full voltage range without significantly complicating the overall circuit architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the power converter uses asymmetric half-bridge flyback structure for wide voltage output, then voltage range is expanded, but the inability to achieve high-efficiency operation across the entire range becomes a technical bottleneck

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage output rangeVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing parameter changes to the resonant circuit, specifically adjusting the resonant capacitance value according to the output voltage level. This allows the asymmetric half-bridge flyback converter to maintain optimal resonance conditions across its wide voltage range, transforming it from a structure with inherent efficiency limitations to one that can achieve high efficiency throughout the full operating range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enables dynamic adjustment of resonance operations, achieving immediate and complete resonance compensation, which enhances efficiency by reducing component losses and allowing the use of components with smaller current-withstanding capabilities, thereby reducing circuit costs.

Implementation Method 1

the resonant circuit includes a resonant capacitor and a resonant inductor provided by at least the primary-side winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

The transformer includes a primary-side winding and a secondary-side winding coupled to the primary-side winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250175085A1Power converter, method of controlling the same, and power control method
Publication Date: 2025.05.29 CHICONY POWER TECH CO LTD
  • US20250175085A1 patent drawing
  • US20250175085A1 patent drawing
  • US20250175085A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power converter includes a transformer, a resonant circuit, a first switch and a second switch, a resonant adjustment circuit, and a controller. The transformer includes a primary-side winding and a secondary-side winding coupled to the primary-side winding. The resonant circuit is coupled to the primary-side winding, and the resonant circuit includes a resonant capacitor and a resonant inductor provided by at least the primary-side winding. The first switch and the second switch are commonly connected to a node, and the node is coupled to the resonant circuit. The resonant adjustment circuit is coupled to the resonant circuit. The controller is used to control an enabled time of the resonant adjustment circuit according to an output voltage of the power converter so as to maintain the efficiency of transmitting the energy from the primary-side winding to the secondary-side winding under a full output voltage range.