Synchronous Rectifier Boost Converter for Wireless Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing half-bridge rectifiers in wireless power transmission systems are inefficient due to diode forward voltage drops, leading to high power losses and heat generation, which complicates design and reduces reliability, especially in low-voltage applications, and require additional components for filtering pulsating DC, increasing size, cost, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated rectifier architecture with synchronous half-bridge rectifying circuits and a boost converter, utilizing a programmable controller and inductor for efficient power conversion, capable of operating over a wide frequency range, and incorporating a comparator for maximum power point tracking, to minimize losses and size while maintaining high efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If half-bridge rectifiers with diodes are used for rectification, then the circuit structure is simple, but power losses increase and efficiency decreases due to forward voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the rectifier by using synchronous switching with controllable switches (MOSFETs/IGBTs) instead of passive diodes. The switching timing and duty cycle are optimized to minimize conduction losses while maintaining rectification function, achieving over 90% efficiency in wireless power reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical diode switching mechanism with active electronic switching using controllable semiconductor devices. This substitution allows for precise control of current flow timing and duration, eliminating the fixed forward voltage drop characteristic of diodes and enabling much lower power losses.
2Stability of the object's composition
If filter capacitors are added to smooth pulsating DC output, then output quality improves, but size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the large filter capacitor from the rectifier circuit by implementing synchronous rectification with controlled switching. The active switching mechanism inherently produces smoother current output, removing the need for bulky passive filtering components and reducing overall circuit weight and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary between the rectifier and load. This control circuit actively manages the switching timing and duty cycle to regulate output current, replacing the passive filtering function of large capacitors with active control, thereby reducing component size while maintaining output quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If discrete packaged rectifying circuits are used, then implementation is straightforward, but mounting area increases and frequency range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rectifying circuit components (switches, inductors, capacitors, and control elements) into a single integrated circuit package. This integration dramatically reduces the mounting area required while maintaining full rectification functionality. The integrated design also improves high-frequency performance by minimizing parasitic inductance and capacitance from external connections.
4Device complexity
If conventional rectifiers are used, then design is simple, but heat generation increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by implementing synchronous switching with optimized duty cycles and timing. This active control reduces power dissipation in the switching devices, minimizing heat generation. The reduced thermal stress on components directly improves reliability while the control circuit adds manageable complexity to the design.
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 integrated rectifier architecture significantly reduces power losses and heat generation, enabling efficient wireless power transmission with reduced component count and size, while maintaining high efficiency and stability across varying power levels and frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a boost converter 104 connected to the integrated rectifier 102. The boost converter 104 may include a charging inductor 118
Implementation Method 2
a wireless transmitter 128 and a wireless receiver 105. The wireless receiver 105 may include an antenna element 106 for receiving a voltage output from the wireless transmitter 128 in the form of electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method of receiving wireless power from a wireless power transmitter includes, at a wireless power receiver having a controller, an antenna, a rectifier coupled with the antenna, and a boost converter coupled with the rectifier: (i) rectifying, by the rectifier, energy from wireless power transmission waves received by the antenna into a first voltage, (ii) increasing, by the boost converter, the first voltage to a second voltage based on instructions from the controller, and (iii) controlling, by the controller, an amount of increase in voltage from the first voltage to the second voltage based on a comparison.