Transformerless Base Drive Control for Bipolar Power Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converter controllers using base drive transformers are limited by the size and cost of these transformers, which affect the efficiency and control of the power conversion process.
Innovation Solution
A controller for power converters that eliminates the need for a base drive transformer by using a timing circuit to control base current and short-circuit sequences between the base and emitter terminals of transistors, thereby reducing size and cost while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a base drive transformer is used to control bipolar switches in a half-bridge arrangement, then galvanic isolation and mutual coupling are provided, but the size and cost of the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the base drive transformer from the circuit by using a different switching control mechanism. The bipolar switches are controlled through direct base current control and emitter short-circuiting methods, removing the need for the transformer while maintaining switch control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism using timing circuits and control signals that directly manage the bipolar switch states without requiring galvanic isolation through a transformer. The control system uses voltage and current signals to coordinate switch operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a base drive transformer is used to control bipolar switches, then mutual coupling is provided, but the cost of the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive base drive transformer component and replaces it with simpler electronic control elements such as timing circuits, voltage sources, and switching devices that can be more easily manufactured and integrated into the power converter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses control windings on the main transformer to provide isolated control signals to the bipolar switches, effectively copying the isolation function of a dedicated base drive transformer through the existing transformer structure, thereby eliminating the need for a separate expensive component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a base drive transformer with control winding is used for frequency control, then regulation capability is provided, but the size and cost of the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the main transformer serve multiple functions by using its control windings for both power transfer and frequency control regulation. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated control components, reducing overall controller size while maintaining frequency control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the frequency control function from a separate base drive transformer and integrates it into the main transformer's control windings, thereby eliminating the need for additional size-increasing components while preserving regulation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a power converter having at least a first switch and a second switch. Each switch is a transistor with a collector terminal, an emitter terminal, and a base terminal. The controller is connectable to the base terminals of the first and second switches to provide a base current to the base terminals of the first and second switches, and connectable to the emitter terminals of the first and second switches to provide a short-circuit between the base and emitter terminals of the first and second switches. The controller also comprises a timing circuit for controlling the provision of the base current and the short-circuit in a sequence. An associated method is also provided.