Switch Mode Power Supply Eliminating Gate Drive Transformer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch mode power supplies consume excessive power due to the gate drive transformer and experience signal distortion, leading to increased power consumption and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A switch mode power supply design that eliminates the gate drive transformer by using a PWM controller, voltage converter, output detector, and communicator to generate and adjust PWM signals, allowing for efficient voltage conversion and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a gate drive transformer is used in conventional switch mode power supply, then voltage conversion is achieved, but power consumption increases and signal distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gate drive transformer from the conventional power supply circuit. The PWM controller directly drives the switching element without requiring a separate gate drive transformer, thereby eliminating the source of signal distortion and reducing power consumption associated with voltage conversion in the transformer.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transformer is made to serve multiple functions: it performs both the main power voltage conversion and the gate drive function. By coupling the control terminal of the switching element directly to the power transformer, the same transformer provides both power transformation and switching control, eliminating the need for a separate gate drive transformer.
2Reliability
If a gate drive transformer is used for voltage conversion, then voltage transformation is achieved, but PWM signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gate drive transformer is extracted from the circuit, eliminating the signal distortion it causes. The PWM controller now directly generates clean switching signals without the degradation that occurs through transformer coupling, improving signal quality and reducing associated power losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct electrical connection as an intermediary between the PWM controller and the switching element, replacing the transformer-coupled connection. This direct path preserves signal integrity and eliminates the distortion introduced by the gate drive transformer while maintaining efficient power transfer.
3Ease of operation
If three controllers and three transformers are used in conventional design, then voltage control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple controllers and transformers into a more integrated architecture. The PWM controller directly interfaces with the power transformer, combining control and power transformation functions. This reduces the total component count while maintaining full voltage control capability across the 0-30V range.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transformer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: main power conversion, gate drive signal generation, and voltage regulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, reducing overall system complexity while preserving full operational control.
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
This design reduces power consumption and improves conversion efficiency by eliminating the gate drive transformer, allowing for high-frequency PWM signals without distortion and enabling precise control of output voltages.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage converter has a first output terminal and a second output terminal, is coupled to the PWM controller to receive the PWM signal, and is to further receive an external voltage. Based on the PWM signal, the voltage converter converts the external voltage into a first output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A switch mode power supply includes a PWM controller, a voltage converter, an output detector and a communicator. The PWM controller is to receive an actuation signal, and generates a PWM signal based on the actuation signal. The voltage converter is to receive the PWM signal and an external voltage, and converts, based on the PWM signal, the external voltage into first and second output voltages. The output detector is to receive the first and second output voltages, and generates an enable signal based on a target voltage value and a magnitude difference between the first and second output voltages. The communicator is to receive the enable signal, and generates the actuation signal corresponding to the enable signal.