Tunable Synchronous Rectifier Impedance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductive power transfer systems face challenges in maximizing power transfer efficiency due to unadjusted complex loads, leading to reduced power reception and potential instability, which causes undesirable ringing and limits system bandwidth.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an adjustable impedance system that dynamically controls power gain by adjusting inductive and capacitive components, allowing for tuning of resonance to optimize energy transfer and compensate for power losses, using a combination of inductive and capacitive values that can be adjusted via a digital-to-analog converter and feedback mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If coupled inductors are driven without adjusting the complex load, then the system structure remains simple, but power transfer efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a tunable synchronous rectifier with adjustable impedance that dynamically adapts to varying coupling conditions. The rectifier includes switches and controlled current sources that can be adjusted in real-time to optimize power transfer efficiency across different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the impedance parameters of the synchronous rectifier to match varying load conditions. By adjusting the complex load impedance dynamically, the system maximizes power transfer efficiency without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration of the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If too much energy is provided on the secondary side, then power delivery is increased, but system stability deteriorates causing ringing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the tunable synchronous rectifier that monitor secondary side conditions and adjust the rectifier operation accordingly. This feedback control prevents over-delivery of energy that would cause instability and ringing, while still maintaining high power delivery capability when conditions are favorable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronous rectifier dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time coupling conditions and load requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to deliver maximum power when conditions permit while automatically reducing power delivery when approaching stability limits, preventing ringing and instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed impedance is used in the inductive power device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system bandwidth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem bandwidthVSAvoidimpedance adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a tunable synchronous rectifier with adjustable impedance that adapts to varying coupling conditions. The rectifier includes switches and controlled current sources that can be adjusted in real-time to optimize power transfer efficiency across different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances power transfer efficiency, stabilizes the system, and expands bandwidth by automatically adjusting impedance to optimize power delivery to the load, providing robustness against temperature and component variations, and allowing for both transmit and receive configurations.

Implementation Method 1

A system for power transfer is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes an inductive power device, such as a device that transmits or receives power over an inductive coupling.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

adjusting inductive and capacitive components, allowing for tuning of resonance to optimize energy transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS9553457B2Tunable synchronous rectifier

Publication Date: 2017.01.24 TRIUNE SYST LLC

AI summary

A system for power transfer is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes an inductive power device, such as a device that transmits or receives power over an inductive coupling. For example, an adjustable impedance is coupled to the inductive power device, where the adjustable impedance is used for dynamically controlling the power gain in the inductive power device, such as by damping power generated by circuit impedances, such as inductances, capacitances or resistances, and combinations thereof.