Transformer-Coupled Voltage Regulator for Ripple Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trans-inductor voltage regulators (TLVRs) generate ripple components in their output current at the switching frequency, necessitating large noise filters to suppress noise, which increases wiring resistance and power loss, hindering the downsizing of power supply circuits.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator design incorporating multiple chopper circuits in parallel with a transformer-based configuration, including a series connection of secondary windings and strategically placed inductors and capacitors to cancel out ripple components, reducing the need for large noise filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a large noise filter is used to suppress output current ripples, then noise propagation to CPU/GPU is reduced, but the power supply circuit size increases and wiring resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful ripple current into a beneficial effect by intentionally generating an equal and opposite ripple current through the transformer's secondary winding and compensation inductor. This opposing ripple current cancels the original ripple, eliminating noise without requiring large filtering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device between the chopper circuit and the load. The transformer's magnetic coupling and the compensation inductor create an intermediate loop circuit that generates the counteracting ripple current, serving as a mediator to eliminate noise without direct filtering.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a large noise filter is used to suppress output current ripples, then noise propagation to CPU/GPU is reduced, but wiring resistance increases causing voltage drop and power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful ripple current into a beneficial effect by intentionally generating an equal and opposite ripple current through the transformer's secondary winding and compensation inductor. This opposing ripple current cancels the original ripple, eliminating noise without requiring large filtering components.
3Volume of stationary object
If the size of noise filter is reduced for downsizing power supply circuit, then power loss is reduced, but output current ripples increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful ripple current into a beneficial effect by intentionally generating an equal and opposite ripple current through the transformer's secondary winding and compensation inductor. This opposing ripple current cancels the original ripple, eliminating noise without requiring large filtering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device between the chopper circuit and the load. The transformer's magnetic coupling and the compensation inductor create an intermediate loop circuit that generates the counteracting ripple current, serving as a mediator to eliminate noise without direct filtering.
4Speed
If trans-inductor voltage regulator is used for fast response to load fluctuation, then response speed is improved, but output current contains ripple component at switching frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful ripple current into a beneficial effect by intentionally generating an equal and opposite ripple current through the transformer's secondary winding and compensation inductor. This opposing ripple current cancels the original ripple, eliminating noise without requiring large filtering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device between the chopper circuit and the load. The transformer's magnetic coupling and the compensation inductor create an intermediate loop circuit that generates the counteracting ripple current, serving as a mediator to eliminate noise without direct filtering.
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 configuration effectively suppresses output current ripples, minimizing noise, size, weight, and cost of the power converter apparatus while maintaining high responsiveness to load fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding that are magnetically coupled with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator includes chopper circuits connected in parallel, and a second series circuit. Each of the chopper circuits switches an input voltage and outputs the input voltage via a first inductor of a primary winding of a transformer, which includes the primary and secondary windings magnetically coupled with each other. The second series circuit includes a first series circuit and a third inductor connected in series, the first series circuit is configured by connecting second inductors of the secondary windings of the respective transformers of the chopper circuits in series, and both ends of the second series circuit are connected to first and second connection points connected to each other. The voltage regulator includes a first capacitor inserted between the first connection point and the output terminal, and a fourth inductor inserted between the first connection point and one end of one of the second inductors connected closest thereto.