SMPS Voltage Control Using Feed-Forward and Nonlinear Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SMPS feedback control schemes are difficult to implement in mass production due to manufacturing tolerances of circuit components, requiring accurate knowledge of parameters like inductance and input voltage, which complicates the design and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A feedback control scheme for SMPS that uses normalized feed-forward signals derived from circuit topology, independent of component values, combined with a nonlinear integrator to generate PWM control signals, allowing for accurate control without requiring knowledge of specific component parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional feedback control schemes are used in SMPS, then output voltage regulation is achieved, but manufacturing tolerances of circuit components require accurate knowledge of parameters like inductance and input voltage, complicating design and increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the control approach by changing from parameter-dependent feedback control to parameter-independent feed-forward control. The control signal is generated based on the measured output voltage alone, without requiring knowledge of inductance, input voltage, or other component parameters. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by achieving accurate regulation (improving measurement precision) while eliminating the need for complex parameter measurements and calculations (reducing device complexity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a simplified feedback mechanism where the output voltage is measured and directly used to generate the control signal through a predetermined function. This feedback loop maintains accurate output voltage regulation while avoiding the complexity of traditional schemes that require multiple parameter measurements and complex control algorithms. The feedback principle resolves the contradiction by providing accurate regulation through a simple, parameter-independent control law.
2Measurement precision
If accurate component parameter measurements are performed, then control accuracy is improved, but mass production efficiency is reduced and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the control parameters from requiring multiple component-specific parameters (inductance, input voltage, resistance) to requiring only the output voltage measurement. This parameter simplification enables mass production because no individual component testing or parameter measurement is needed during assembly. The control accuracy is maintained through the feed-forward control law that uses only the easily measurable output voltage, thus resolving the contradiction between control accuracy and mass production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically adjusts itself based on the measured output voltage without requiring external parameter inputs or calibration. The predetermined function in the controller automatically generates the appropriate control signal based on the current output voltage, making the system self-adjusting and eliminating the need for manual parameter measurement and setup. This self-service capability enables straightforward mass production while maintaining accurate control.
3Measurement precision
If traditional feedback control is implemented, then output voltage regulation is achieved, but the control scheme requires knowledge of inductance and input voltage which complicates the controller design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters from a set including inductance, input voltage, and output voltage to a simplified set using only output voltage as input. The predetermined function transforms this single parameter into the appropriate control signal, dramatically simplifying the controller design. This parameter reduction resolves the contradiction by maintaining accurate output voltage regulation while eliminating the need for complex parameter measurements, calculations, and storage in the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic parameters (inductance, input voltage) from the control scheme, keeping only the essential output voltage measurement. By taking out the unnecessary parameters, the controller design is simplified while the core function of output voltage regulation is preserved through the feed-forward control law that relies solely on the extracted output voltage information.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) based on a pulse-width modulation (PWM) control signal is provided to convert an input voltage to an output voltage. The method includes generating an error signal based on a difference between the output voltage and a target output voltage; filtering the error signal to generate a filtered error signal; generating a feed-forward signal based on at least one feed-forward parameter related to at least one of the output voltage, the input voltage, an output power of the SMPS, or an output current corresponding to the output voltage; adding the feed-forward signal and the filtered error signal to generate an integrator input signal; and applying a nonlinear integration function to the integrator input signal to generate the PWM control signal.