VHF Resonant Synchronous Rectifier Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power converter topologies face challenges in increasing switching frequency without degrading efficiency, as power density only increases until an optimal frequency is reached, after which it decreases, failing to meet demands for higher power density and transient performance in applications like solid-state lighting and military radar.

Innovation Solution

A high-frequency switching power converter architecture using chip-scale components with soft-switchable power cells, switched capacitors, and resonant switching, allowing for efficient operation at very high frequencies (30-300 MHz) with reduced component count, size, and cost, while maintaining high efficiency and transient response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If switching frequency is increased using conventional power converter topologies, then power density increases, but efficiency significantly degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower densityVSAvoidefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power converter is divided into multiple modular power cells that can be independently controlled and operated. Each cell processes a portion of the input power, allowing the system to achieve high power density through parallel operation while maintaining efficiency by optimizing each individual cell's switching characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts switching frequencies and operates in different modes (continuous conduction mode, discontinuous conduction mode, and boundary conduction mode) based on load conditions. This dynamic operation allows the converter to maintain high efficiency across a wide operating range while achieving high power density at peak loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If switching frequency is increased beyond optimal point, then transient performance improves, but power density begins to decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransient performanceVSAvoidpower density

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes operating parameters including switching frequency, conduction mode, and cell configuration based on transient requirements. During transient events, the controller adjusts frequency and mode to optimize response time while maintaining high power density through coordinated operation of multiple cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If conventional power converter topologies are used, then design is simpler, but component count and volume are larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidconverter volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple power cells share common components including input capacitors, output capacitors, and control circuitry. This merging approach reduces overall component count and volume while maintaining the benefits of modular architecture for high power density and efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power cells are designed with universal characteristics allowing them to perform multiple functions - each cell can operate independently or in combination with others, providing both redundancy and scalability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If switching frequency is increased, then transient response improves, but efficiency degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransient responseVSAvoidefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The converter uses periodic switching at optimized frequencies for each power cell, with cells operating in alternating or coordinated sequences. This periodic action enables fast transient response through high-frequency operation while maintaining efficiency by ensuring each cell operates within its optimal efficiency range during steady-state conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 architecture achieves a significant reduction in volume, cost, and weight, enabling high power density and fast transient response, suitable for applications like LED drivers, solid-state lighting, and military radar, with improved reliability and efficiency across a wide range of frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

A method and system for very high frequency (VHF, 30-300 MHz) power conversion utilizing resonant switching and synchronous rectification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonant switching: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

utilizing resonant switching and synchronous rectification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSynchronous rectification:

Data Source

PatentUS8848399B2Very high frequency switching resonant synchronous rectification

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 FINSIX CORP

AI summary

A VHF switching power converter comprising one or more VHF switching frequency resonant synchronous rectifiers receives an output from an inverter and delivers a DC output to a load. The power converter includes a controller for controlling at least one of the one or more VHF switching frequency resonant synchronous rectifiers based on feedback derived from a waveform of at least one of the rectifiers. The controller controls a phase angle of at least one of the rectifiers with a delay locked loop. The power converter delivers a regulated DC output via adjustment of a phase shift between at least one of the one or more rectifiers and the inverter.