Transformer Drive Circuit With Multi-Mode PWM Standby Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply designs for electronic products face challenges in meeting stringent energy efficiency standards for standby power consumption, which requires reducing power consumption under light or zero load conditions.

Innovation Solution

A transformer device and its drive circuit that adjust the driving signal to control the power switch, utilizing a primary-side controller to determine operating modes based on load detection and zero voltage detection signals, thereby adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the PWM signal to optimize power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power switch is continuously driven at full amplitude and frequency to ensure reliable voltage conversion, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the power consumption increases and fails to meet stringent standby power requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive circuit dynamically adjusts the amplitude and frequency of the PWM driving signal based on real-time detection of load conditions and zero-voltage timing. During standby mode, the circuit reduces PWM amplitude and extends the off-time between switching cycles, while maintaining full performance during heavy load conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to meet both reliability requirements and stringent standby power consumption limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the PWM signal amplitude and frequency are reduced to lower power consumption during standby, then the standby power consumption is improved, but the voltage conversion reliability may deteriorate under varying load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandby power consumptionVSAvoidvoltage conversion reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drive circuit incorporates dual feedback mechanisms: (1) Load detection feedback that monitors the secondary side load conditions and reflects them to the primary side controller, and (2) Zero-voltage detection feedback that precisely detects the timing when the transformer voltage reaches zero. These feedback signals enable the controller to intelligently adjust PWM parameters, ensuring that voltage conversion reliability is maintained across all load conditions while minimizing standby power consumption through optimized switching patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit changes multiple operating parameters dynamically: PWM amplitude is reduced during standby while maintaining frequency, or both amplitude and frequency are adjusted based on load detection. The zero-voltage detection signal triggers precise timing adjustments to ensure reliable voltage conversion even at reduced power levels. These parameter changes allow the system to adapt to varying load requirements while meeting power consumption standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple detection circuits and mode selection logic are added to optimize power consumption across different load modes, then the adaptability to different load conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload mode adaptabilityVSAvoiddrive circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive circuit is designed with multi-functional components that perform multiple roles. The zero-voltage detection circuit simultaneously provides timing reference for PWM generation and serves as a feedback signal for mode selection. The load detection terminal on the secondary side reflects load conditions back to the primary side, enabling a single controller to manage multiple operating modes. This universal design achieves high adaptability across different load conditions without proportionally increasing overall circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces power consumption by adjusting the operating voltage and PWM signal characteristics according to different load modes, including heavy load, light load, and standby modes, thereby complying with stringent energy efficiency standards.

Implementation Method 1

The optical coupling circuit generates a load detection signal according to the DC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical coupling: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The high-frequency voltage conversion circuit converts the first voltage into a DC voltage according to the primary winding, secondary winding, and power switch circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250125707A1Transformer device and drive circuit
Publication Date: 2025.04.17 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP
  • US20250125707A1 patent drawing
  • US20250125707A1 patent drawing
  • US20250125707A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A transformer device and a drive circuit are provided. The transformer device includes an alternating current (AC) input terminal, a bridge rectifier circuit, a high-frequency voltage conversion circuit, a power switch circuit, an optical coupling circuit, a zero voltage and operation voltage dividing circuit, and a primary-side controller. The power switch circuit is controlled by a driving signal. The primary-side controller operates according to an operating voltage. The primary-side controller sets itself to one of multiple operating modes according to a load detection signal provided by the optical coupling circuit and a zero voltage detection signal provided by the zero voltage and operation voltage dividing circuit, and adjusts an amplitude and a frequency of a PWM signal in the driving signal according to the set operating mode. The operating mode at least includes a first load mode, a second load mode, and a standby mode.