Voltage Converter Control System with Dual-Loop Dynamic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital control systems for voltage converters have fixed output voltages, limiting their application range and increasing hardware complexity, time delays, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a long-tail control loop with a signal processing circuit and a pulse width modulator, and a local pulse-squashing control loop with a nonlinear calibration circuit, dynamically adjusts output voltage by calibrating pulse widths based on detected characteristics, reducing power consumption and providing protective mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the output voltage of the voltage converter is made dynamically adjustable, then the adaptability of the digital control system is improved, but the hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where a single digital control system can generate multiple output voltages by dynamically adjusting PWM duty cycles. The voltage converter is designed to accept a range of duty cycle values (e.g., 10% to 90%) that correspond to different output voltages, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each voltage level. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware to serve multiple voltage requirements across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability by allowing the output voltage to be changed in real-time through software control of the PWM duty cycle. Instead of fixed voltage outputs requiring separate hardware switches or multiplexers, the system dynamically transitions between voltage levels by modifying the duty cycle parameter. This dynamic approach reduces static hardware complexity while maintaining adaptability across multiple voltage scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the output voltage of the voltage converter is made dynamically adjustable, then the adaptability is improved, but the time delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary calibration during the initialization phase where the system pre-establishes the relationship between duty cycle values and corresponding output voltages. Lookup tables or pre-computed calibration data are prepared in advance, storing the optimal duty cycle settings for various target voltages. When a voltage change is requested, the system simply retrieves the pre-calculated duty cycle value rather than computing it in real-time, significantly reducing the time delay for voltage transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the PWM duty cycle to extend beyond the minimal required range (e.g., using 10% to 90% instead of exactly 0% to 100%). This excessive action provides headroom and buffer zones that enable faster transitions between voltage levels by avoiding the extremes where transition time would be maximized. The system operates in the optimal mid-range portion of the duty cycle spectrum, reducing transition delays while maintaining full adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the output voltage of the voltage converter is made dynamically adjustable, then the adaptability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes power consumption by dynamically adjusting the PWM duty cycle parameter based on the required output voltage. The control algorithm calculates the minimum necessary duty cycle to achieve the target voltage and operates at that level rather than using fixed high-duty-cycle settings. This parameter optimization ensures that the voltage converter consumes only the energy needed for the current output requirement, reducing wasted power while maintaining the ability to adapt to different voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic PWM switching with optimized frequency and duty cycle variations to achieve different output voltages. By using periodic action rather than continuous analog adjustment, the system minimizes power loss during transitions. The periodic nature of PWM allows for efficient energy transfer through the voltage converter, reducing resistive losses and improving overall power efficiency across different output voltage settings while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for dynamically adjusting an output voltage of a voltage converter includes a signal calculation circuit, a pulse width modulator, a voltage converter, a nonlinear calibration circuit and a signal converter. The signal calculation circuit, the pulse width modulator, the voltage converter and the signal converter form a long-tail loop. The signal calculation circuit simultaneously receives a target value and a detection value from the signal converter to generate an error value for adjusting the output of the pulse width modulator. The voltage converter and the nonlinear calibration circuit form a local pulse-squashing loop. Pulse widths of an input signal to the voltage converter can be timely and effectively calibrated and controlled, thereby decreasing power consumption of the voltage converter and providing an effective protective mechanism.