Voltage Supply Circuit with Dynamic Inductance Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-phase voltage suppliers face inefficiencies due to inappropriate inductance values of inductors, leading to significant power losses, particularly in varying loading states where AC and DC resistances dominate.
Innovation Solution
A voltage supply circuit with multiple inductors and driver circuits, where inductance values and switching frequencies are dynamically adjusted based on loading current thresholds to optimize efficiency by varying the number of active inductors and their resistance values, with specific ratios and frequency relationships to minimize power loss across different loading conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a multi-phase voltage supplier uses several inductors with fixed inductance values, then the circuit structure is simple and reliable, but power loss increases significantly in varying loading states due to inappropriate inductance values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inductance values adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically selects and switches between different inductors with different inductance values based on the detected loading state, allowing the system to adapt to varying load conditions and minimize power loss at different operating points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inductance parameter by providing multiple inductors with different inductance values (e.g., first inductance value for light load, second inductance value for heavy load). The controller switches between these inductors based on loading state, effectively changing the circuit parameter to optimize performance for each operating condition
2Loss of energy
If the inductance value is increased to reduce AC resistance loss in light-loading states, then efficiency improves at low load, but the inductor size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large inductor to cover all loading states, the system dynamically switches between a first inductor with a larger inductance value (for light load) and a second inductor with a smaller inductance value (for heavy load). This dynamic adjustment allows using smaller inductors overall while maintaining efficiency across different loading states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the inductor function by providing multiple inductors with different inductance values rather than using one oversized inductor. Each inductor is optimized for specific loading states, and the controller segments the operating range by switching between them based on detected load conditions
3Loss of energy
If the inductance value is decreased to reduce DC resistance loss in heavy-loading states, then efficiency improves at high load, but ripple current increases in light-loading states
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically switches between inductors with different inductance values based on loading state. During heavy loading, a inductor with smaller inductance value is used to minimize DC resistance loss. During light loading, a inductor with larger inductance value is switched in to reduce ripple current, thus dynamically addressing both concerns
4Loss of energy
If multiple inductors with different inductance values are used to optimize efficiency across loading states, then power loss is reduced, but the device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from the detected loading state to determine which inductor to switch in. By continuously monitoring the load conditions and adjusting the inductor selection accordingly, the system automatically optimizes efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated control algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage supply circuit is provided. The voltage supply circuit is capable of generating a loading current at an output node. The voltage supply circuit includes a plurality of inductors and a plurality of driver circuits. The plurality of inductors are coupled to the output node. Each inductor has an inductance value. The plurality of driver circuits are coupled to the plurality of inductors, respectively. The inductance values of at least two inductors among the plurality of inductors are greater than the inductance value of another inductor.