SMPS Controller Sampling Winding Voltage at Secondary Stroke End

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switched mode power supplies (SMPS) face challenges in accurately regulating output voltage due to inefficiencies in sensing the output voltage across windings, particularly at low load conditions, which can lead to increased power consumption and difficulties in meeting energy efficiency standards like Energy Star specifications, especially when using opto-couplers.

Innovation Solution

A controller for SMPS that samples the voltage across a winding at the end of the secondary stroke by setting a threshold based on the peak current through the winding, using a fixed speed timer and adaptive compensation to ensure accurate sampling, thereby reducing power consumption and improving voltage regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If voltage is sampled at the end of secondary stroke, then output voltage regulation accuracy is improved, but timing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage sensing accuracyVSAvoidtiming control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sampling timing adaptive rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the sampling moment based on real-time detection of the secondary stroke end, ensuring optimal sampling timing under varying operating conditions. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by automatically adapting to different scenarios without requiring complex manual timing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback by detecting the end of the secondary stroke and using this information to trigger voltage sampling. The system continuously monitors the secondary stroke status and feeds this information back to the sampling controller, which then determines the precise sampling moment. This feedback mechanism ensures high measurement precision while keeping the control logic relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If sampling is performed closer to end of conduction, then voltage difference between winding and output is reduced, but timing accuracy requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage sampling accuracyVSAvoidsampling timing error
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the end of the secondary stroke in advance and preparing the sampling circuit accordingly. The system anticipates the optimal sampling moment by monitoring secondary stroke parameters and triggers sampling at the precise moment when the voltage difference is minimized. This preliminary detection and preparation reduces timing errors and improves sampling accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical timing methods with electronic detection and control. Instead of using fixed mechanical timers or manual timing adjustments, the system uses electronic sensors to detect the secondary stroke end and electronic controllers to trigger sampling at the optimal moment. This substitution improves timing accuracy and reduces sampling errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If opto-coupler is used for isolation, then mains isolation is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemains isolationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of mains isolation from the opto-coupler and implements it through alternative means. Instead of using an opto-coupler, the system achieves isolation through other electronic isolation techniques that consume less power. This extraction of the isolation function allows the system to maintain reliability while eliminating the high power consumption associated with opto-couplers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the expensive and power-consuming opto-coupler with a more economical and energy-efficient isolation solution. The alternative isolation mechanism used in the patent consumes significantly less power while maintaining the required mains isolation performance. This substitution is particularly beneficial in low-power applications where every milliwatt counts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2573921B1A controller for a switched mode power supply
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 NXP BV
  • EP2573921B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2573921B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2573921B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A controller (210) for a switched mode power supply (100), the switched mode power supply (100) comprising one or more windings (104, 106, 108). The controller (210) comprising a fixed speed timer (236); a threshold setter configured to a set a threshold for the timer (236) in accordance with a peak value of a current (304) through one of the one or more windings (106); a secondary stroke detector (252) configured to start the fixed speed timer (236) upon detection of the start of a secondary stroke of the switched mode power supply; a sampler (232, 234) configured to sample a voltage across one of the one or more windings (108) when a count of the fixed speed timer (236) reaches the threshold.