Two-Phase Boost Converter Reduces Voltage Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-phase boost converters experience high voltage stress on transistors and require complex control circuits for current balancing, which complicates their design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase boost converter design that includes a first and second boost converter configuration with specific transistor and inductor arrangements, along with a control circuit that generates complementary and phase-shifted drive signals to reduce voltage stress and achieve inherent current balancing, utilizing MOSFET transistors and capacitors to manage voltage and current efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional two-phase boost converter topology is used, then output power and output current are increased, but voltage stress on transistor switches becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The boost converter is divided into two independent phases, each handling a portion of the total power conversion. This segmentation allows the voltage stress to be distributed across different transistor switches in each phase, rather than concentrating the full output voltage stress on single transistors. Each phase operates with its own transistor pair, reducing the voltage burden on individual switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension to the conventional boost converter topology by adding a floating node and inter-phase capacitor connection. This dimensional change creates new current paths and voltage distribution mechanisms, allowing transistors to experience reduced voltage stress while maintaining the required output power capability.
2Power
If conventional two-phase boost converter is used, then higher output power is achieved, but complex control circuits are required for current balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The converter achieves inherent current balancing through its symmetric two-phase topology and interleaved operation. The control circuit simply provides complementary drive signals to the two phases without requiring complex current sensing or balancing algorithms. Each phase naturally contributes equally to the output current due to the symmetric structure and 180-degree phase shift between phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the current balancing function into the basic operational structure of the converter. By interleaving the two phases 180 degrees out of phase and using a shared output node, the current contributions from both phases automatically balance each other, eliminating the need for separate current balancing control circuits.
3Power
If conventional two-phase boost converter is used, then output power is increased, but duty cycle becomes large resulting in higher switching losses
Solution Approach 1:
The two phases operate in an interleaved periodic manner, with each phase switching at half the frequency of the other. This periodic interleaved operation allows each transistor to switch at a lower effective duty cycle while maintaining the overall high power output capability. The switching losses are distributed across two phases operating at reduced duty cycles rather than one phase operating at high duty cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-phase boost converter is provided. The converter includes a first boost converter coupled between an input node and a common node; and a second boost converter coupled between the input node and an output node, wherein the second boost converter comprises: a first transistor coupled between ground and an internal node, an inductor coupled between the input node and the internal node, a capacitor coupled between the internal node and the common node, and a second transistor coupled between the common node and the output node.