Secondary-Side Voltage Detection for Synchronous Rectifier Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power converters face inefficiencies in regulating output voltage due to the use of Schottky diodes, especially when operation voltage decreases and current increases, necessitating improved synchronous rectification techniques.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system and method for controlling synchronous rectification by detecting output voltage differences across multiple controller terminals and generating specific current pulses based on predefined conditions to enhance dynamic response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If synchronous rectification technique is used to improve power efficiency, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuits and voltage detection mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the output capacitor's own voltage as the reference for comparison, eliminating the need for external reference voltage generation circuits. The controller automatically detects voltage differences between controller terminals and the output capacitor, and self-adjusts the synchronous rectification based on these detected differences, making the system self-regulating without additional control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller integrates multiple functions into a single device: it performs synchronous rectification control, output voltage detection, voltage difference comparison, and automatic adjustment all within one controller unit. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate control circuits while maintaining the power efficiency benefits of synchronous rectification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If output voltage detection and adjustment mechanisms are added to improve dynamic response, then dynamic response is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic responseVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously detects the voltage difference between its controller terminals and the output capacitor voltage, compares these voltages, and automatically adjusts the synchronous rectification control based on the detected difference. This closed-loop feedback enables rapid dynamic response without complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the power converter circuit and the output capacitor, using its internal voltage detection and comparison capabilities to mediate the control of synchronous rectification. This intermediary role allows the controller to translate voltage differences into appropriate control actions without requiring additional detection circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If voltage difference comparison is used to control synchronous rectification, then output voltage regulation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage regulation precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system compares voltages at different controller terminals to detect voltage differences, effectively using the controller's internal reference potentials to establish equipotential comparison points. This approach achieves precise voltage regulation by leveraging the controller's inherent electrical characteristics rather than requiring external precision reference circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentUS12506416B2Systems and methods for adjusting output voltages with output voltage detection on secondary sides of power converters
Publication Date: 2025.12.23 ON BRIGHT INTEGRATIONS CO INC
  • US12506416B2 patent drawing
  • US12506416B2 patent drawing
  • US12506416B2 patent drawing

AI summary

System and method for controlling synchronous rectification. For example, a system for controlling synchronous rectification, the system comprising: a first controller terminal configured to receive a first voltage; and a second controller terminal biased to a second voltage; wherein the system is further configured to: if a voltage difference from the first controller terminal to the second controller terminal satisfies one or more first conditions, generate a first current to flow through the first controller terminal; and if the voltage difference from the first controller terminal to the second controller terminal satisfies one or more second conditions, generate a second current to flow through the second controller terminal; wherein: the voltage difference from the first controller terminal to the second controller terminal is equal to the first voltage minus the second voltage; the one or more first conditions and the one or more second conditions are different.