Timing Generator for Power Converter Load Transients

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power converters with constant on time (COT) architecture exhibit poor performance during load transient periods due to fixed frequency energy provision, leading to unstable output voltage and prolonged oscillation.

Innovation Solution

A timing generator is introduced, comprising a threshold voltage generation circuit and a timing generation unit that utilizes an error signal to generate a timing signal, adjusting the ON-time or OFF-time of high side switches in the output stage, thereby stabilizing the output voltage and reducing oscillation time by adapting energy provision based on load changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed frequency COT architecture is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the output voltage stability deteriorates during load transient periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidoutput voltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic timing generator that adjusts the ON-time of power switches based on real-time error signal magnitude. Unlike fixed frequency COT controllers, this system varies the switching frequency adaptively by comparing the error signal against a reference voltage to generate variable width timing signals, thereby maintaining output voltage stability during load transients while preserving the simplicity of COT architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameter (ON-time duration) dynamically based on load conditions. The timing generator modifies the pulse width modulation signal characteristics by adjusting the ON-time according to the error signal magnitude, transforming the fixed parameter approach into a variable parameter system that responds to load transients, thus improving output voltage stability without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed ON-time is provided for each period, then the device complexity is reduced, but the response time during load transients increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidoscillation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic timing generator that adjusts the ON-time of power switches based on real-time error signal magnitude. Unlike fixed frequency COT controllers, this system varies the switching frequency adaptively by comparing the error signal against a reference voltage to generate variable width timing signals, thereby maintaining output voltage stability during load transients while preserving the simplicity of COT architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the error signal (representing the difference between output voltage and reference voltage) is continuously monitored and fed to the timing generator. This feedback loop enables the system to detect load transients and adjust the ON-time accordingly, reducing oscillation time while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through straightforward circuit implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the same energy is provided within one period, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to load changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability to load changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic timing generator that adjusts the ON-time of power switches based on real-time error signal magnitude. Unlike fixed frequency COT controllers, this system varies the switching frequency adaptively by comparing the error signal against a reference voltage to generate variable width timing signals, thereby maintaining output voltage stability during load transients while preserving the simplicity of COT architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameter (ON-time duration) dynamically based on load conditions. The timing generator modifies the pulse width modulation signal characteristics by adjusting the ON-time according to the error signal magnitude, transforming the fixed parameter approach into a variable parameter system that responds to load transients, thus improving output voltage stability without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9467044B2Timing generator and timing signal generation method for power converter

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 UPI SEMICON CORP

AI summary

A timing generator for a power converter is provided. The timing generator includes a threshold voltage generation circuit and a timing generation unit. The threshold voltage generation circuit receives an error signal related to an output voltage of the power converter. The threshold voltage generation circuit generates a threshold voltage according to the error signal. The timing generation unit generates a timing signal according to the error signal, the threshold voltage and a control signal. The timing generation unit provides a tracking signal. A width of the timing signal depends on a time when tracking signal departed from a level of the error signal to a level of the threshold voltage. The present invention also provides a timing signal generation method for the power converter.