Transformer Signal Transmission Jitter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transmitting energy and signals via transformers in power semiconductor devices suffer from high jitter, which affects the stability of control loops and leads to increased switching losses and faster degradation of power semiconductor switches, particularly in medium and high voltage applications.
Innovation Solution
A control device comprising a primary and secondary side control unit and a transformer, where the primary side control unit encodes switching signals into rising and falling edges of the input voltage, and the secondary side control unit decodes these signals to generate gate signals for power semiconductor devices, ensuring accurate and flexible signal transmission while reducing jitter through delayed edge generation and neutral signal sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a transformer is used for both energy and signal transmission in low voltage converters, then system cost is reduced, but signal transmission jitter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission process by introducing dedicated signal transmission phases separated from energy transmission phases. The primary winding receives alternating excitation signals that create distinct time windows: first time windows for signal transmission from primary to secondary side, and second time windows for signal transmission from secondary to primary side. This segmentation allows the transformer to serve dual purposes while maintaining signal integrity by preventing interference between energy and signal transmission functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through alternating excitation signals applied to the primary winding at regular intervals. These periodic excitation signals create a rhythmic pattern of magnetic flux in the transformer core, establishing predictable time windows for bidirectional signal transmission. The periodic nature ensures that signal transmission opportunities occur regularly, maintaining communication reliability while the transformer simultaneously performs energy transmission during complementary phases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If signal transmission considers energy transmission in a transformer, then dual functionality is achieved, but signal generation is limited causing high jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transformer's operational characteristics time-varying through alternating excitation signals. The primary winding's excitation state dynamically switches between active and inactive phases, creating time-dependent signal transmission paths. This dynamic operation allows the transformer to adapt its function moment-by-moment: during active excitation phases, it transmits signals from primary to secondary side; during inactive phases, it enables reverse signal transmission. This dynamic behavior resolves the conflict between dual functionality and signal precision by providing dedicated time slots for each transmission direction.
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
This approach enables more accurate and flexible signal transmission, reducing jitter and improving the stability of control loops, thereby extending the lifespan of power semiconductor switches and enhancing the overall efficiency of power converter systems.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer may be adapted for transferring electrical energy from a primary side control unit to a secondary side control unit
Implementation Method 2
A signal may be transferred from a primary side to a secondary side of the transformer via varying the length of amplitudes of an input voltage of the transformer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A method of transmitting energy and a data signal via a transformer (24) comprises: modulating an input voltage (vp) of the transformer (24), such that a binary primary side signal (s1,p) is encoded into rising edges (78) and falling edges (80) of the input voltage (vp); transforming the input voltage (vp) into an output voltage (vs) by the transformer; generating electrical power from an output voltage (vs) of the transformer (24) by rectifying the output voltage (vs); and detecting the rising edges (78) and the falling edges (80) in the output voltage (vs) for generating a secondary side signal (s1,s). A first value of the primary side signal (s1,p) is encoded with a rising edge (78) from a negative voltage level (n) to a positive voltage level (n) and a second value of the primary side signal (s1,p) is encoded with a falling edge (80) from the positive voltage level (p) to the negative voltage level (n). After a change of the primary side signal (s1,p) between the first value and the second value, a rising edge (78) or a falling edge (80) indicating the change of the primary side signal (s1,p) is delayed with respect to the change of the primary side signal (s1,s), such that the secondary side signal (s1,s) has a constant delay (td) with respect to the primary side signal (s1,p)