Programmable Switching Regulator With FPGA PWM Takeover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage converters, such as DC-DC converters, heavily depend on vendor-provided PWM controllers, limiting prognostics and health monitoring capabilities, and are constrained by component variations and temperature sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A programmable device, such as an FPGA or MCU, is integrated with a PWM controller to assume control of the power supply based on output voltage criteria, synchronizing and generating synchronized PWM signals, and enabling closed-loop feedback for precise regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vendor-provided PWM controller is used to control the output voltage, then the voltage conversion function is achieved, but the prognostics and health monitoring capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprognostics and health monitoring capabilitiesVSAvoidvendor dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A programmable device is introduced as an intermediary between the PWM controller and the power supply output. This device monitors output voltage, compares it to criteria, and can assume control when needed, enabling health monitoring while maintaining system operation through the mediating programmable device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The programmable device serves multiple functions: it monitors output voltage, compares voltage to criteria, generates PWM signals, and can take control from the vendor PWM controller. This multi-functionality reduces vendor dependency while maintaining reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a selected IC for implementing a PWM controller is used, then the voltage conversion is performed, but the performance is dependent on variations in passive components and temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance stabilityVSAvoidsensitivity to component variations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The programmable device continuously monitors the output voltage and compares it to predetermined criteria. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect and compensate for performance variations caused by passive component tolerances and temperature changes, maintaining stable output voltage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between the vendor PWM controller and the programmable device based on voltage criteria. This dynamic control approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain performance stability despite component variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4625801A1Programmable switching regulator

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

A voltage regulator is provided including a pulse width modulation controller configured to control an output voltage of a power supply and a programmable device (110) configured to monitor the output voltage of the power supply. The programmable device (110) is configured to assume control of the output voltage of the power supply based on a comparison by the programmable device (110) of the output voltage of the power supply to one or more criteria. The programmable device (110) assumes control of the output voltage by producing a replica of the output signal provided by the pulse width modulation controller, which is fed from the secondary side to the primary side of the voltage regulator.