Single Pin Sensing for Switched-Mode Power Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switched-mode power converters require multiple sensing pins for various measurement signals, which increases cost, component count, and chip area, posing challenges in cost-sensitive applications like retrofit lamp driver circuits.
Innovation Solution
A power converter design that utilizes a single sensing pin to provide multiple measurement signals, such as input voltage and transformer free-wheeling information, by employing a voltage divider and transformer configurations within the controller, allowing for reduced pin count and component usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensing pins are used for different measurement signals, then measurement accuracy and control precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional sensing pin that can detect multiple measurement signals including current, voltage, and temperature by switching between different sensing circuits. This single pin replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate sensing pins, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to acquire multiple measurement signals for precise control
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sensing pins are used for different measurement signals, then control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single physical pin structure. The sensing pin is electrically connected to multiple sensing circuits through switching elements, allowing one pin to perform the work of multiple pins. This merging reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity, directly lowering manufacturing cost while preserving control precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensing pins are used for different measurement signals, then measurement capability is improved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the time dimension to the sensing pin functionality by implementing time-division multiplexing. The single sensing pin alternates between detecting different measurement signals at different time intervals controlled by switching elements. This temporal dimension allows one pin to provide the measurement capability of multiple pins without requiring additional spatial area on the chip
Data Source
AI summary
Power converters, such as switched-mode power converters comprise a reduced number of sensing pins. A power converter is configured to convert electrical energy at an input voltage into electrical energy at an output voltage. The power converter comprises a power switch configured to be switched between on- and off-states; and a controller configured to generate a control signal for putting the power switch into the on-state and off-state, respectively; wherein the control signal is generated based on a first and second measurement signal from the power converter external to the controller. The controller comprises a sensing pin configured to sense the first measurement signal, when the power switch is in on-state, and configured to sense the second measurement signal, when the power switch is in off-state.