Split-Phase Switching Power Converter for RF Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switching power converters in RF communications systems generate noise signals at fundamental frequencies and harmonics that can interfere with received RF signals, degrading receiver sensitivity, especially when the noise frequencies fall within the passband.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-phase switching power converter with unique switching signals for each energy transfer leg, phase-shifted to minimize noise within the RF passband, using a common energy storage circuit and shared switching frequency to regulate output voltage, allowing for boost, buck, or combined converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If switching power converter circuitry transitions synchronously with the switching signal, then power conversion is achieved, but voltage spikes and current spikes are generated, creating interfering noise signals
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronous transition of circuitry is divided into multiple phased operations, where each phase's circuitry transitions at different times according to its own switching signal. This segmentation distributes the transient effects across time, preventing large voltage and current spikes that would occur with simultaneous transitions, while maintaining overall power conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary control measures by designing the switching signals and circuitry transitions to anticipate and prevent the generation of harmful spikes. The phased switching approach proactively distributes energy transfer operations to avoid simultaneous transitions that would create interfering noise signals, thus preventing the harmful effect before it occurs.
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
Reduces noise signals within the RF passband by lowering the fundamental frequency of switching noise, improving receiver sensitivity by at least 3 decibels compared to traditional two-phase converters.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a DC input signal into an energy transfer circuit that may transfer energy from the DC input signal into at least one energy transfer element during the active state
Implementation Method 2
The common energy storage circuit may include at least one energy storage element, such as a capacitive element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a switching power converter that includes multiple energy transfer legs feeding a common energy storage circuit. Each energy transfer leg has a unique switching signal with a common switching frequency. The unique switching signals are phase-shifted from each other to minimize generation of switching noise within the passband of a received RF signal. Each unique switching signal has an active state during which energy may be transferred to the energy transfer leg, and an inactive state during which energy may be transferred from the energy transfer leg to the common energy storage circuit.