Switch Controller Preventing Shoot-Through via Zero Current Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch controllers in converters experience damage due to failures in zero voltage switching, leading to hard switching and shoot-through currents, which cause quick current increases and noise, potentially damaging components like MOSFETs.
Innovation Solution
A switch controller that includes an oscillator to determine switching frequency, a zero current prediction unit to sense power source voltage changes, and logic calculators to maintain high-side and low-side switches in a turn-off state during no voltage changes, preventing shoot-through currents and hard switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If zero voltage switching is implemented to control power transmission, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but switching failures cause hard switching and shoot-through currents that damage components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting zero current switching status before the actual switching occurs. The prediction unit monitors the primary side current and determines whether zero voltage switching will occur before the high-side or low-side switches are activated. This advance prediction allows the system to prepare appropriate control signals, preventing hard switching and shoot-through currents before they can occur, thus maintaining both efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the prediction unit that continuously monitors the primary side current and provides real-time information about switching conditions. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to adjust switching timing and prevent harmful conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliable operation while preserving power conversion efficiency.
2Productivity
If switching frequency is increased to improve converter performance, then power transmission capability is improved, but switching losses and noise increase causing component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting the switching conditions before each switching event occurs. The prediction unit analyzes the primary side current waveform in advance to determine whether zero voltage switching will be achieved, allowing the controller to optimize switching timing and minimize switching losses and noise, thereby improving power transmission capability without increasing harmful effects.
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
The solution effectively predicts and prevents zero current switching failures, thereby preventing damage to converter components by maintaining switches in the off state during unstable voltage conditions, reducing noise and extending component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a zero current prediction unit sensing a power source voltage supplied to the switch controller
Implementation Method 2
an oscillator generating an oscillating voltage determining a switching frequency of alternately switching-operating the high-side switch and the low-side switch
Implementation Method 3
An input voltage of a converter is converted into an output voltage through a power conversion means such as a transformer
Implementation Method 4
A current flowing to the primary side is generated according to resonance between an inductor of the transformer and a blocking capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a switch controller and a converter including the same. The switch controller generates an oscillating voltage determining a switching frequency alternately switching a high-side switch and a low-side switch, senses a power source voltage supplied to the switch controller, and maintains the high-side switch and the low-side switch in the turn-off state in a case that the change of the power source voltage is not generated after one of the high-side switch and the low-side switch is turned off according to the oscillating voltage.