Switched Converter Feed-Forward Control for 100 Hz Ripple

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switched converters fail to effectively reduce output current ripple, particularly the 100 Hz ripple, due to limitations in feedback control mechanisms, especially in isolated converters like LLC converters, which are optimized for slower transients and cannot fully compensate for frequency-related ripples in DC bus voltage.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a feed-forward control (FFC) block with a faster response time than the feedback loop controller, which analyzes load current and DC signals to add a ripple compensation signal, adjusting the switching frequency or period to minimize ripple, and using adaptive gain settings based on actual ripple values and operational conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If feedback control is used to regulate LED current, then the average current can be controlled to nominal value, but 100 Hz ripple in DC bus voltage cannot be fully compensated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED current control accuracyVSAvoidRipple rejection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the 100 Hz ripple in the DC bus voltage and proactively generating a compensating signal before the ripple can significantly affect the LED current. The feed-forward controller anticipates the disturbance and counteracts it in advance, rather than waiting for the feedback loop to detect and correct the resulting current deviation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary feed-forward control signal that mediates between the ripple detection and the LED current regulation. This intermediate signal is generated by detecting the ripple frequency and amplitude, then combining it with the feedback control signal to produce a composite control signal that addresses both the average current requirement and the ripple rejection need.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If DC/DC converter is integrated to power DALI bus, then additional functionality is provided, but ripple on DC bus voltage is introduced that affects LED current

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePower supply functionalityVSAvoidDC bus voltage ripple
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the LED current and detecting deviations caused by the DC/DC converter's ripple. The feedback controller adjusts the switching parameters to compensate for these deviations, while the feed-forward controller detects the ripple pattern and proactively generates compensating signals to prevent ripple propagation to the LED current.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4129010B1A switched converter
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4129010B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4129010B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4129010B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a switched converter, supplied with a DC voltage originating from an AC voltage, preferably mains voltage. The switched converter comprises output terminals for supplying an LED load, a feed-back loop controller configured to generate an output signal setting a switching frequency of at least one switch of the converter for controlling a load current on a nominal value, based on a signal indicating the load current and supplied to the feedback loop controller and a feed-forward control, FFC, block, wherein a response time of the FFC block is faster than a response time of the feed-back loop controller. The FFC block is configured to analyze, preferably in time increments said load current sensing signal and/or the DC signal a ripple amplitude component present in said signals and to add, based thereon, a ripple compensation signal to said output signal of the feed-back loop controller.