Voltage Conversion Apparatus Frequency Control via Delay Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonlinear control DC-DC converters used in wireless communication require a constant operating frequency, but existing solutions like PLL increase circuit size, and nonlinear control schemes do not inherently maintain a constant frequency.
Innovation Solution
A voltage conversion apparatus with a delay circuit that adjusts the delay time of a comparison signal based on a modulating signal, allowing the control circuit to tune the output voltage frequency to a predetermined value without the need for a large-sized PLL, using a simple circuit configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PLL is applied to the nonlinear control DC-DC converter to maintain constant operating frequency, then the operating frequency stability is improved, but the circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential frequency control function from the complete PLL circuit, implementing a simplified frequency control mechanism that uses a voltage-controlled delay element and comparator to generate timing signals. This extracted function maintains operating frequency stability without requiring the full PLL infrastructure, thereby reducing circuit size while preserving the critical frequency control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from phase detection (requiring full PLL) to delay time control. By using a voltage-controlled delay element where the delay time is adjusted based on feedback voltage, the system achieves frequency stabilization through parameter adjustment rather than complete phase-locked loop operation, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining frequency stability.
2Speed
If a nonlinear control scheme is used for the DC-DC converter, then the response speed is improved and circuit simplicity is maintained, but the operating frequency becomes non-constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback control into the nonlinear DC-DC converter by feeding back the output voltage (or a proportional signal) to control the delay time of the timing signal generation. This feedback mechanism adjusts the switching timing dynamically to maintain constant operating frequency while preserving the fast response characteristics of nonlinear control, effectively combining the advantages of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the delay time dynamic by controlling it with a voltage signal derived from feedback. Instead of fixed timing, the delay period adjusts automatically based on operating conditions, enabling the circuit to maintain constant frequency under varying loads while retaining the rapid response capability of nonlinear control schemes.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage conversion apparatus includes an output unit connected to an input voltage to output an output voltage according to a control signal. A comparator compares a reference voltage to a feedback voltage corresponding to the output voltage and outputs a comparison signal. A delay circuit outputs a delayed signal obtained by delaying either a rising timing or a falling timing of the comparison signal. The delay circuit varies a delay time of the delayed signal on basis of a modulating signal. A control circuit is configured to output the control signal to the output unit. The control signal is based on the delayed signal. The control circuit controls the output unit such that a frequency of the output voltage is tuned to a predetermined value set according to the modulating signal.