Switching Power Supply Voltage Mode Transition Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Switching power supplies employing active clamp systems with flyback transformers face issues of overshoot, undershoot, and through-current when output voltage is abruptly changed, leading to instability and potential malfunction.

Innovation Solution

A power supply apparatus with a transformer, first and second switching elements, a capacitor, and a control unit that gradually adjusts the turn-on duty of the switching elements based on feedback signals to maintain predetermined voltage states, preventing abrupt changes and through-currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the output voltage of the switching power supply is changed abruptly to improve responsiveness, then the responsiveness is improved, but overshoot and undershoot occur and through-current flows through the switching element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponsiveness of voltage changeVSAvoidstability of voltage output
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary action by detecting the desired voltage state before actual switching occurs, and prepares the switching element duty cycle in advance. When voltage state switching is detected, the control unit gradually adjusts the turn-on duty of the switching element from the old duty cycle to the new duty cycle over a predetermined period, preventing abrupt changes that cause overshoot, undershoot, and through-current.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the turn-on duty of the switching element based on the detected voltage state and elapsed time. The duty cycle transitions smoothly from the old value to the new value according to a predetermined time profile, allowing the system to adapt responsively while maintaining stability during the transition period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the output voltage of the switching power supply is changed abruptly to improve responsiveness, then the responsiveness is improved, but a through-current flows through the switching element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponsiveness of voltage changeVSAvoidthrough-current
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary action by detecting the desired voltage state before actual switching occurs, and prepares the switching element duty cycle in advance. When voltage state switching is detected, the control unit gradually adjusts the turn-on duty of the switching element from the old duty cycle to the new duty cycle over a predetermined period, preventing abrupt changes that cause overshoot, undershoot, and through-current.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the turn-on duty of the switching element based on the detected voltage state and elapsed time. The duty cycle transitions smoothly from the old value to the new value according to a predetermined time profile, allowing the system to adapt responsively while maintaining stability during the transition period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Prevents overshoot and undershoot, reduces through-currents, and enhances the reliability of the switching power supply by stabilizing the output voltage through controlled switching operations.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a capacitor connected in series to the second switching element, and is connected in parallel to the primary winding of the transformer together with the second switching element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10720845B2Power supply apparatus and image forming apparatus controlling switching elements to output a voltage
Publication Date: 2020.07.21 CANON KK
  • US10720845B2 patent drawing
  • US10720845B2 patent drawing
  • US10720845B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The power supply apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform control of gradually changing a turn-on duty of a first switching element when a first voltage mode is switched to a second voltage mode or when the second voltage mode is switched to the first voltage mode.