Switched Mode Converter with Dual Control Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switched mode power supplies face challenges with slow transient response in voltage-controlled converters and poor output regulation in current-controlled converters, along with issues of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and thermal management, particularly in applications like recreational vehicles where power requirements are substantial and heat dissipation is critical.

Innovation Solution

A switched mode converter that incorporates both voltage mode and current mode control, with mode logic for switching between the two, and includes current sensing circuitry for primary and load currents, and voltage sensing for output voltage, allowing operation in voltage mode at light loads and current mode at higher loads, while also optimizing EMC filtering and thermal management by using a primary heat sink for dual function shielding and air flow optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If voltage mode control is used in switched mode converters, then output voltage regulation is improved, but transient response time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage regulationVSAvoidtransient response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control mode selection mechanism that automatically switches between voltage mode and current mode control based on operating conditions. The mode logic circuit monitors converter status and selects the appropriate control mode to optimize both voltage regulation and transient response performance across different load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If current mode control is used in switched mode converters, then transient response time is improved, but output voltage regulation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransient response timeVSAvoidoutput voltage regulation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control mode selection mechanism that automatically switches between voltage mode and current mode control based on operating conditions. The mode logic circuit monitors converter status and selects the appropriate control mode to optimize both voltage regulation and transient response performance across different load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If current mode control is used in push-pull topology converters, then transient response is improved, but flux imbalance occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransient responseVSAvoidflux balance
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control mode selection mechanism that automatically switches between voltage mode and current mode control based on operating conditions. The mode logic circuit monitors converter status and selects the appropriate control mode to optimize both voltage regulation and transient response performance across different load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If voltage mode control is used, then output regulation is maintained at no load, but transient response to load changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput regulation at no loadVSAvoidtransient response to load changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control mode selection mechanism that automatically switches between voltage mode and current mode control based on operating conditions. The mode logic circuit monitors converter status and selects the appropriate control mode to optimize both voltage regulation and transient response performance across different load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7898832B2RV converter with current mode and voltage mode switching
Publication Date: 2011.03.01 SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORP
  • US7898832B2 patent drawing
  • US7898832B2 patent drawing
  • US7898832B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A switched mode converter is disclosed that includes mode logic for switching between voltage mode and current mode. The converter includes sensing circuitry for sensing current on the primary side, load current on the secondary side, and converter output voltage. When load current is less than a predetermined value, the converter operates in voltage mode wherein output voltage of the voltage mode controller is used to control the duty cycle of a PWM controller. When load current is greater than a predetermined value, the converter operates in current mode wherein primary current is used to control the PWM controller. Thus during a light load when the converter is voltage controlled there is no need for a minimum load to stabilize the control loop. In current-mode the control loop will have faster transient response and avoid flux imbalance. Thereby providing advantages of both voltage and current controlled switched mode converters.