Switched-Inductor Converter Using Leakage Inductor for Zero-Voltage Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-DC power converters in communication systems suffer from significant reverse recovery losses in diodes and cannot achieve zero voltage switching of the main switch due to voltage differences at the diode's terminals, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A switched-inductor power converter with a coupling winding and unidirectional conduction circuit, forming a closed loop and a leakage inductor, which suppresses reverse recovery stress and resonates with parasitic capacitors to achieve zero voltage switching of the main switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional buck-boost circuit is used, then the power converter can transfer energy from input to output, but the diode experiences large reverse recovery loss due to voltage difference at its terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling winding as an intermediary element that magnetically couples the input and output sides of the converter. This coupling winding, together with the leakage inductor, creates a resonant circuit that mediates the voltage transition across the diode, enabling soft switching and reducing reverse recovery losses without requiring complex additional circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the diode by creating a resonant condition using the leakage inductor and parasitic capacitance. This resonance transforms the hard switching condition into a soft switching condition, changing the voltage and current waveforms to achieve zero-voltage switching and eliminate reverse recovery losses
2Loss of energy
If the main switch is operated in conventional switching mode, then the power converter can regulate output voltage, but zero voltage switching cannot be achieved due to voltage differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes electromagnetic oscillation (analogous to mechanical vibration) by creating a resonant circuit with the leakage inductor and parasitic capacitance. This resonance produces oscillating voltage and current waveforms that naturally drive the main switch through zero voltage, enabling soft switching without complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of parasitic capacitance (which normally causes voltage spikes and losses) into a beneficial element by using it as part of the resonant circuit. The parasitic capacitance, together with the leakage inductor, creates the oscillation needed to achieve zero-voltage switching, turning a previously harmful parameter into a useful component
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 reduces diode reverse recovery losses and enables zero voltage switching, improving overall efficiency and reducing energy losses in power supply processes.
Implementation Method 1
A leakage inductor is formed after the coupling winding and a power inductor are magnetically coupled
Implementation Method 2
the leakage inductor may resonate with a parasitic capacitor of a main switch and/or a parasitic capacitor of the first diode, so that a voltage difference between two terminals of the main switch is close to 0 V, to implement zero voltage switching of the main switch
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a switched-inductor power converter, a communication system, and a method. The switched-inductor power converter includes a coupling winding and a unidirectional conduction circuit, and the coupling winding and the unidirectional conduction circuit are connected in series to form a closed loop. A leakage inductor is formed after the coupling winding and a power inductor are magnetically coupled. Existence of the leakage inductor and the unidirectional conduction circuit may suppress a reverse recovery stress of a first diode, to further reduce a reverse recovery current of the first diode, and reduce a reverse recovery loss of the first diode.