Switch Control Circuit for QR Buck Converter Current Error Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The QR buck converter circuit experiences errors in load current due to signal delays and changes in input voltage, leading to inaccuracies in inductor current control.

Innovation Solution

A switch control circuit and method that includes a current compensation device to adjust the gate on-time based on an RC resistor and control signal, using comparators and logic elements to compensate for errors by changing the reference or sensing voltage in response to input voltage changes, thereby correcting the inductor current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If signal delay is present in the comparator to gate terminal path, then the circuit operation is simplified, but the inductor current control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit operationVSAvoidinductor current control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the gate on-time before the actual switching operation occurs. The controller pre-compensates for the known signal delay by extending the gate on-time duration, so that when the delayed signal finally reaches the gate terminal, the current control is already accurate. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple circuit operation while achieving precise current control through advance timing adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If input voltage changes, then the circuit adapts to different voltage conditions, but the inductor current accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage adaptationVSAvoidinductor current accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the inductor current and comparing it with the target current, then using this information to dynamically adjust the gate on-time. When input voltage changes cause current accuracy deterioration, the feedback mechanism detects the deviation and compensates by modifying the gate on-time in the next switching cycle. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining voltage adaptability while restoring current accuracy through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If gate on-time is extended to compensate for signal delay, then current control accuracy improves, but the switching frequency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent control accuracyVSAvoidswitching frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the gate on-time adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The controller dynamically modifies the gate on-time duration based on real-time conditions such as signal delay measurements and input voltage levels. This allows the system to optimize the balance between current control accuracy and switching frequency, extending gate on-time only when necessary for compensation while maintaining high switching frequency during normal operation. The dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the timing parameter flexible rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240380305A1Switch control circuit and switch control method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 MAGNACHIP SEMICON LTD
  • US20240380305A1 patent drawing
  • US20240380305A1 patent drawing
  • US20240380305A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A switch control circuit and switch control method are provided. The switch control circuit and switch control method compensate an error of a load current that occurs because of the changing of a slope of an inductor current based on the increase and decrease of an input voltage. The switch control circuit includes a current compensation device that adjusts a gate on time based on a RC resistor and a control signal that senses a gate terminal of a control switch. The current compensation device compensates an error that occurs due to a signal delay to a gate terminal by increasing or decreasing a reference voltage or a sensing voltage, according to an increase or a decrease of an input voltage.