Switch Controller Soft Start Circuit Reducing Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional soft start methods for converters require complex and large-sized circuits, including digital to analog converters and counters, leading to increased production costs and occupied space due to their complexity and size.
Innovation Solution
A switch controller with a simple structure that uses a soft start signal generator and a PWM controller to control the switching operation of a converter, employing a voltage level detector, current source array unit, and negative slope detector to manage the soft start process without the need for complex circuits, by generating a soft start signal based on input voltage levels and feedback signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional soft start method using a digital to analog converter and counter is employed, then accurate soft start control is achieved, but the device complexity and occupied area increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of soft start control from the complex digital to analog converter and counter system, implementing it through a simplified voltage level detector and current source array that directly generate the required control signals without needing complex digital processing components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a voltage level detector that copies and compares voltage levels against reference thresholds to generate control signals, replacing the need for complex digital to analog conversion while maintaining accurate control through analog voltage comparison
2Reliability
If a conventional soft start method using digital to analog converter and counter is used, then soft start function is implemented, but the production cost increases due to large component size and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex digital to analog converters and counters with simpler, more cost-effective analog components including voltage level detectors, current sources, and switching elements that achieve the same soft start function at lower production cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the expensive digital processing components (DAC and counter) from the soft start circuit, retaining only the essential analog control elements needed to generate the soft start waveform, thereby reducing component count and production cost
3Reliability
If a conventional soft start method with large-sized circuits is employed, then soft start control is achieved, but the occupied area in the converter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (voltage detection, level comparison, current generation, and switching control) into a single integrated soft start circuit block, eliminating the need for separate digital to analog converter and counter circuits, thereby reducing the total occupied area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential analog control elements needed for soft start operation, removing bulky digital processing components, resulting in a compact circuit implementation that occupies minimal space in the converter
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a switch controller, a switch control method, a converter using the same, and a driving method thereof. A first voltage is generated by using a voltage that is input to an input terminal, and a soft start signal is generated by using the first voltage during a soft start duration. A switching operation is controlled by using the soft start signal during the soft start duration.