Single-Inductor Multi-Output Power Converter Duty Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters have a single output terminal, requiring multiple converters for multiple loads, leading to increased space and cost, as they cannot efficiently supply different power amounts to multiple loads.
Innovation Solution
A multi-output power converter with a single inductor, utilizing a high-side switch, low-side switch, control circuit, and signal duty distributing circuit to distribute duty cycles of switching signals to multiple output switches, allowing simultaneous power supply to multiple loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power converters are used to supply power to multiple loads, then each load can receive appropriate power, but the number of power converters and circuit components increases, occupying more space and increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power conversion functions into a single power converter by introducing a duty cycle distributing circuit that controls multiple output switches. This allows one power converter to supply multiple outputs with different duty cycles, effectively combining what would traditionally require multiple separate converters into a single integrated unit, thereby reducing component count and circuit complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple loads simultaneously. The duty cycle distributing circuit enables a single converter to perform multiple power delivery functions by generating different duty cycle switching signals for different output channels, making the converter universal in its ability to serve diverse load requirements from a single device
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power converters are used to supply different power amounts to multiple loads, then each load receives required power, but the cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple converter functions into one unit with a duty cycle distributing circuit, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the flexibility to supply different power amounts to multiple loads through controlled duty cycle distribution
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power converters are used to supply power to multiple loads, then power supply capability is sufficient, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple power conversion circuits into a single integrated power converter with shared components (inductor, capacitors, control circuit). The duty cycle distributing circuit enables this single converter to drive multiple outputs, dramatically reducing the circuit board area required compared to using multiple separate converters, each with their own complete power conversion stages
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 multi-output power converter effectively supplies different amounts of power to multiple loads using a single inductor, reducing circuit components and costs while maintaining efficient power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a first terminal of the inductor is connected to a node between a first terminal of the low-side switch and a second terminal of the high-side switch; a second terminal of the inductor is connected to a first terminal of each of a plurality of output switches
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-output power converter having a single inductor is provided. The multi-output power converter includes a high-side switch, a low-side switch, a control circuit, a plurality of output switches and a signal duty distributing circuit. A node between a first terminal of the low-side switch and a second terminal of the high-side switch is connected to a first terminal of the inductor. A first terminal of each of the plurality of output switches is connected to a second terminal of the inductor. The signal duty distributing circuit sets duty cycles of a plurality of waveforms of a plurality of switching signals, according to output voltages respectively from second terminals of the plurality of output switches. The signal duty distributing circuit outputs the plurality of switching signals respectively to control terminals of the plurality of output switches.