Voltage Converter Simulating Inductor Current via Ramp Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage converters face inaccuracies in inductor current detection due to direct sensing methods, which can lead to physical distortions and decreased accuracy, especially under varying sensing impedance conditions.
Innovation Solution
A voltage converter design that simulates inductor current control using a non-sensing method, employing an inductor current ramp generator to produce accurate ramp signals based on operation signals, input voltage, and output voltage, eliminating the need for sensing circuits and reducing distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct sensing method is used to detect inductor current, then current detection can be implemented, but physical distortion occurs during signal conversion from current to voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates a ramp signal that copies the characteristics of the inductor current without physically sensing it. The ramp signal is generated based on the operating state of the power level circuit and has the same waveform characteristics as the inductor current, allowing indirect representation and control without direct electrical contact or signal conversion that would cause distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical sensing mechanism (current sensor converting current to voltage) with a signal generation mechanism. Instead of measuring the actual inductor current through physical sensing, the system generates an equivalent ramp signal through electronic circuitry, substituting a measurement-based approach with a generation-based approach that avoids sensing-induced distortion.
2Measurement precision
If current sensor is used to detect inductor current, then current information can be obtained, but sensing circuit complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp signal serves as a copy of the inductor current waveform, generated through simple electronic circuitry rather than complex sensing circuits. This copying approach eliminates the need for current sensors, signal amplifiers, and associated conditioning circuits, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining the functional equivalence of having actual current measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential functional requirement (having an accurate representation of inductor current for control purposes) and separates it from the physical sensing mechanism. By taking out the sensing circuit entirely and replacing it with a ramp signal generation approach, the system maintains current control capability while eliminating the complex sensing infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensing method is used, then inductor current can be detected, but accuracy decreases under varying sensing impedance conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp signal is generated to copy the inductor current characteristics without being affected by impedance variations. Since the ramp signal is generated electronically based on the power level circuit's operating state rather than sensed through impedance-affected pathways, it maintains accuracy across varying impedance conditions that would otherwise degrade sensing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the impedance-sensitive electrical sensing path with an impedance-insensitive signal generation path. The ramp signal generation depends on the control circuit's knowledge of the power level circuit state rather than on physical electrical measurements through varying impedances, making the system adaptable to varying impedance conditions without accuracy degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a voltage converter for simulating inductor current control, which simulates an inductor current of a power level circuit according to operation signals generated by a control circuit, an input voltage, and an output voltage, thereby achieving detection of the inductor current by using a non-sensing method. Therefore, compared to a conventional sensing method, the voltage converter of the present disclosure can reduce use of a sensing circuit to reduce costs, and an inductor current ramp generated thereby has no distortion. Accordingly, the voltage converter of the present disclosure can improve the accuracy of inductor current detection.