Two-Stage Power Converter Frequency Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-stage power converters require capacitors with higher rated voltages and larger sizes due to varying DC bias voltage levels, leading to increased switching power loss and limited voltage conversion ratios, necessitating complex control mechanisms and larger capacitors.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage power converter with a resonant switched-capacitor converter and a voltage regulator, controlled by a communication interface and control circuit to synchronize resonant and switching frequencies, allowing for adjustable voltage conversion ratios and reduced resonant frequency, enabling the use of smaller capacitors and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional power converter topology is used, then voltage conversion is achieved, but capacitor size and rated voltage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is divided into two independent stages: a resonant switched-capacitor voltage conversion stage and a voltage regulator stage. This segmentation allows each stage to operate with optimized voltage stress distribution, reducing the DC bias voltage requirements for capacitors in the first stage and enabling smaller capacitor sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces synchronized frequency adjustment where the switching frequency of the voltage regulator is dynamically matched to the resonant frequency of the first stage. This dynamic frequency synchronization optimizes the operating conditions of capacitors, reducing voltage stress and enabling smaller capacitor sizes while maintaining stable operation.
2Power
If higher DC bias voltage is used, then voltage conversion ratio is improved, but switching power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts the switching frequency of the voltage regulator to synchronize with the resonant frequency of the switched-capacitor network. This dynamic frequency matching ensures optimal power transfer and minimizes switching losses while maintaining the desired voltage conversion ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the voltage regulator to match the resonant frequency of the first stage. This parameter adjustment optimizes the overall system efficiency by reducing switching power losses while maintaining the required voltage conversion capability.
3Device complexity
If fixed frequency operation is used, then control is simplified, but power conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit monitors the resonant frequency of the switched-capacitor network and adjusts the voltage regulator switching frequency accordingly. This feedback mechanism maintains frequency synchronization, optimizing power conversion efficiency while keeping the control structure relatively simple through automated frequency tracking.
4Volume of moving object
If capacitor size is reduced, then device volume is decreased, but voltage withstand capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power converter into two stages with a virtual ground reference, the patent reduces the voltage stress on individual capacitors in the first stage. This allows the use of smaller capacitors with lower voltage ratings while maintaining overall system reliability through the staged architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronized frequency operation dynamically optimizes the voltage stress distribution across capacitors, allowing smaller capacitors to operate within safe voltage limits while maintaining reliability. The frequency matching ensures stable operation that prevents excessive voltage excursions.
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 allows for flexible voltage conversion ratios, reduced power loss, and improved efficiency by synchronizing frequencies and using smaller capacitors, enhancing EMI filtering and achieving soft-switching modes like zero current or voltage switching.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant switched-capacitor converter (RSCC) configured to operably receive the input voltage and generate a first stage voltage
Implementation Method 2
a voltage regulator configured to operably receive the first stage voltage and generate the output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A two-stage power converter includes: a resonant switched-capacitor converter (RSCC) receiving an input voltage and generating a first stage voltage; a voltage regulator receiving the first stage voltage and generating an output voltage; and a communication interface and control circuit generating a charging operation signal, at least one discharging operation signal and a switching signal. The charging operation signal and the discharging operation signal are employed to control the RSCC to perform a charging process and at least one discharging process respectively, and the switching signal is employed to control the voltage regulator, so as to synchronize a resonant frequency of the RSCC and a switching frequency of the voltage regulator. The communication interface and control circuit adjusts a delay interval after the discharging process ends, and starts the charging process at an end time point of the delay interval.