Switched-Capacitor Converter Control for Ripple-Free Voltage Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters with switched capacitor elements and regulating circuits face issues such as intermediate voltage ripple affecting output voltage and voltage 'glitches' due to separate control of these components, leading to efficiency losses and frequency constraints.
Innovation Solution
Synchronizing the switched capacitor element and regulating circuit using a controller that adjusts the period of the voltage transformation element based on a coefficient of the regulating element's period, allowing for effective feed-forward control and minimizing ripple and glitch issues without the need for additional capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate control of switched capacitor element and regulating circuit is used, then independent optimization of each stage is possible, but intermediate voltage ripple affects output voltage and voltage glitches occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of the switched capacitor element and regulating circuit into a unified control system. The controller synchronizes the switching operations of both stages, ensuring that the switched capacitor element operates in coordination with the regulating circuit. This integration eliminates the harmful effects of intermediate voltage ripple and voltage glitches by preventing discontinuities in the current flow, while still allowing independent optimization of each stage through tailored control strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary synchronization of the switched capacitor element's switching period with the regulating circuit's switching period before operation begins. By pre-configuring the switching frequencies and phases to maintain an integer ratio relationship, the system prevents the generation of intermediate voltage ripple and voltage glitches from the outset, rather than attempting to correct these issues during operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional capacitors are added to reduce ripple, then output voltage stability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the existing capacitors in the switched capacitor element and regulating circuit to serve dual purposes: their primary function of energy storage and transformation, and a secondary function of ripple reduction through synchronized operation. By coordinating the switching of these existing capacitors, the system achieves output voltage stability without requiring additional capacitor components, thus avoiding increased device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (switching frequency and phase) of the existing capacitors rather than adding more capacitors. By adjusting the switching period of the switched capacitor element to maintain an integer ratio with the regulating circuit's switching period, the system optimizes the capacitive ripple cancellation effect, achieving voltage stability through parameter optimization rather than component multiplication.
3Measurement precision
If switching frequency is increased to improve regulation, then output voltage precision improves, but frequency constraints and efficiency losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic synchronized switching actions where the switched capacitor element and regulating circuit operate at coordinated frequencies maintaining an integer ratio relationship. This periodic coordination allows the system to achieve precise output voltage regulation through constructive interference of ripple waves, eliminating the need for excessively high switching frequencies that would cause efficiency losses. The synchronized periodic operation enables precise control while maintaining optimal efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for power conversion comprises a voltage transformation element, a regulating element, and a controller; wherein, a period of the voltage transformation element is equal to a product of a coefficient and a period of the regulating circuit, and wherein the coefficient is selected from a group consisting of a positive integer and a reciprocal of said integer.