Insulation-Type Synchronous DC/DC Converter Secondary Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC/DC converters lack protection mechanisms for abnormal conditions such as overvoltage, overheating, and overcurrent on the secondary side, which can lead to circuit damage without detection or intervention.
Innovation Solution
A synchronous rectifier controller is introduced on the secondary side of the insulation-type synchronous DC/DC converter, featuring an abnormal detection circuit and a fail terminal to notify external systems of abnormal conditions, allowing for protective measures like stopping operations or reducing consumption current to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional DC/DC converter circuit is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the circuit lacks protection function for abnormal conditions on the secondary side
Solution Approach 1:
An abnormal detection circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the existing DC/DC converter circuit and the external environment. This detection circuit monitors abnormal conditions (overvoltage, overheating, overcurrent) on the secondary side and generates detection signals without fundamentally altering the original converter structure, thus adding protection functionality while maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the abnormal detection circuit continuously monitors the secondary side conditions and provides feedback signals to indicate abnormal states. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to abnormal conditions by triggering protection actions, thereby improving reliability through information feedback about system state.
2Reliability
If no abnormal detection circuit is installed, then the device complexity is low, but the circuit cannot detect or respond to abnormal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The abnormal detection circuit serves as an intermediary monitoring layer that detects abnormal conditions without being integrated into the core power conversion path. This separate detection layer can identify issues like overvoltage, overheating, and overcurrent while keeping the main converter circuit unchanged, balancing detection capability with structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the DC/DC converter system into distinct functional modules: the main power conversion circuit and the separate abnormal detection circuit. This segmentation allows the detection function to be added independently, enabling abnormal condition monitoring without complicating the core converter design and facilitating modular implementation.
3Reliability
If protection mechanisms are added to detect and respond to abnormal conditions, then the circuit safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The abnormal detection circuit acts as an intermediary protection layer that monitors system conditions and triggers protection responses without requiring fundamental redesign of the entire DC/DC converter. This intermediary approach adds safety functionality while isolating the complexity to a dedicated detection module rather than distributing it throughout the entire circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection mechanism uses feedback from the abnormal detection circuit to trigger appropriate protection actions when abnormal conditions are detected. This feedback-based protection system improves circuit safety by enabling real-time monitoring and response, while the feedback architecture allows the protection logic to be implemented in a structured, manageable way that limits overall complexity.
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 detects and responds to abnormal conditions, protecting the circuit by stopping operations or reducing power supply, thereby preventing damage and ensuring safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a photo coupler 204
Data Source
AI summary
The synchronous rectifier controller is provided at the secondary side of the insulation-type synchronous DC/DC converter and controls the synchronous rectifier transistor. The controller is coupled to the output of the feedback photo coupler and drives the switching transistor according to the feedback signal. The synchronous rectifier controller includes a driver circuit and an abnormal detection circuit and is configured as a single module. The driver circuit drives the synchronous rectifier transistor. The abnormal detection circuit detects an abnormal condition in the secondary side of the DC/DC converter. FAIL terminal is coupled to notify outside of an occurrence of the abnormal condition.