Switched Mode Power Supply Linear Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switched mode power supplies often regulate output voltage in a stair-step manner due to reference voltage adjustments, leading to non-linear and discontinuous changes, which can be inefficient and unsuitable for applications requiring smooth voltage regulation.
Innovation Solution
A switched mode power supply (SMPS) with a control circuit that adjusts the reference voltage based on sensed output parameters and duty cycle, allowing for linear adjustment of the output voltage without relying on input parameters, ensuring continuous and smooth voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional reference voltage adjustment methods are used, then the power supply can regulate output voltage, but the output voltage changes in a stair-step manner which is non-linear and discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reference voltage adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The control circuit dynamically modifies the reference voltage based on feedback from output voltage sensing and duty cycle detection, enabling continuous adaptation that transforms the static stair-step regulation into dynamic smooth linear adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by sensing output voltage and monitoring duty cycle values, then using this information to adjust the reference voltage. The control circuit continuously compares actual output parameters against target values and modifies the reference voltage accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates stair-step changes and achieves smooth linear voltage regulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the duty cycle is allowed to vary freely for voltage regulation, then the output voltage can be adjusted, but the duty cycle may go outside optimal ranges reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit uses feedback from duty cycle monitoring to determine when adjustment is needed. By sensing when the duty cycle approaches boundaries of the optimal range, the system can proactively adjust the reference voltage to maintain efficiency while still achieving the desired output voltage regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the reference voltage based on real-time duty cycle conditions. When the duty cycle approaches limits of the optimal range, the reference voltage is modified to prevent efficiency degradation, creating a dynamic balance between voltage adjustability and energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If input parameters are used to adjust reference voltage, then compensation for input variations can be achieved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential control function by focusing solely on output parameter sensing rather than requiring multiple input parameter measurements. By taking out the complex input sensing and compensation logic and replacing it with simple output feedback, the system achieves reliable voltage stability with reduced control circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit serves itself by using output voltage feedback to automatically adjust the reference voltage without requiring external input parameter information. The system self-regulates based on its own output performance, eliminating the need for complex input sensing and compensation mechanisms while maintaining stable output voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A switched mode power supply includes a power circuit and a control circuit coupled to the power circuit for regulating its output voltage. The control circuit is configured to generate a control signal for at least one power switch of the power circuit using a reference voltage, determine if a duty cycle of the control signal is within a defined range, sense one or more output parameters of the power circuit including the output voltage of the power circuit, and in response to determining the duty cycle of the control signal is outside the defined range, adjust the reference voltage to adjust the duty cycle of the control signal. The reference voltage is adjustable over time to thereby linearly adjust the output voltage of the power circuit. Other example switched mode power supplies, control circuits, and methods for regulating output voltages of switched mode power supplies are also disclosed.