Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
  • H02M7/00—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output; Conversion of dc power input into ac power output
  • H02M7/42—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal
  • H02M7/44—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
  • H02M7/48—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
  • H02M7/53—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
  • H02M7/537—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters
  • H02M7/5387—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration
  • H02M7/53871—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration with automatic control of output voltage or current
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
  • H02M3/00—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output
  • H02M3/22—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac
  • H02M3/24—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters
  • H02M3/28—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac
  • H02M3/325—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
  • H02M3/335—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
  • H02M3/337—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only in push-pull configuration
  • H02M3/3376—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate ac using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only in push-pull configuration with automatic control of output voltage or current
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
  • H02M7/00—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output; Conversion of dc power input into ac power output
  • H02M7/42—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal
  • H02M7/44—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
  • H02M7/48—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
  • H02M7/53—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
  • H02M7/537—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters
  • H02M7/5387—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration
  • H02M7/53871—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration with automatic control of output voltage or current
  • H02M7/53878—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration with automatic control of output voltage or current by time shifting switching signals of one diagonal pair of the bridge with respect to the other diagonal pair
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
  • H02M7/00—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output; Conversion of dc power input into ac power output
  • H02M7/42—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal
  • H02M7/44—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
  • H02M7/48—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
  • H02M7/4815—Resonant converters
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B70/00—Technologies for an efficient end-user side electric power management and consumption
  • Y02B70/10—Technologies improving the efficiency by using switched-mode power supplies [SMPS], i.e. efficient power electronics conversion e.g. power factor correction or reduction of losses in power supplies or efficient standby modes

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to resonant power converters, and relates more particularly to resonant power converters that are controlled with a phase delay control configuration.
• PWM power converters operate by providing a pulse train, where the pulse width is adjusted according to the desired power to be supplied.
• PWM converters can typically switch at frequencies that provide increased efficiency, to permit a size reduction for the magnetic components, leading to smaller packaging.
• higher frequency switching in PWM converters results in increased switching losses and greater electromagnetic interference (EMI) being produced.
• EMI electromagnetic interference
• the switching losses occur because the switches are controlled to switch while conducting a current or bearing a voltage, resulting in "hard switchmg.” The hard switching losses in a typical PWM converter tend to increase with the switching frequency.
• EMI generated by hard switching can become a major factor that affects the efficiency of an input power supply through a reduced power factor.
• resonant converters have been used that have oscillatory waveforms that permit "soft switching," where either the current or voltage carried by a switch is close to zero.
• the switches in a resonant converter can turn on with zero current and turn off with zero voltage.
• the reduced switching losses and simplicity of implementation permits resonant converters to operate at typically much higher frequencies than is practical with PWM converters. Accordingly, a typical resonant converter can provide a great deal of efficiency with a high power density.
• the oscillatory nature of the input in a resonant converter permits a control scheme to shape the input current to match that of the voltage, resulting in a high power factor.
• a desired power output from a resonant converter is typically controlled by changing the switching frequency to regulate the output voltage.
• a typical series resonant inverter is illustrated in Figure 1, using a half bridge switching configuration in which the switches are operated complementary with regard to switching ON and OFF.
• Resonant converters can be operated in a number of modes, including conductive, capacitive and resistive.
• Figure 2 illustrates operational waveforms for an inductive mode of operation of the resonant converter depicted in Figure 1.
• Figure 3 illustrates operational waveforms for a capacitive mode of operation for the resonant converter depicted in Figure 1.
• Figure 4 illustrates the operational waveforms for a resistive mode of operation of the resonant converter depicted in Figure 1.
• the capacitive mode of operation shows a decreased switching frequency that is lower than that of the resonant frequency for the circuit.
• the series resonant converter illustrated in Figure 1 can operate in an open circuit mode, but not in a short circuit mode.
• the parallel resonant converter illustrated in Figure 5 can operate in a short circuit mode, but not in an open circuit mode.
• the LCC resonant converter illustrated in Figure 6 cannot operate in either short circuit or open circuit modes, and therefore preferably includes open and short circuit protection in practical operation.
• the LCC resonant converter has an increased overall efficiency and available output load range. The increased range and efficiency results from a decreased circulating current with a decreased load, so that an overall high efficiency range is maintained.
• output voltage is typically maintained and regulated as a function of switching frequency.
• An increase in the switching frequency permits greater power to be delivered to the load, thereby permitting an increased power output.
• this type of control can result in resonant currents and voltages that have high peak values, which leads to increased conduction losses as well as increased rating requirements for the power devices.
• variable switching frequency control typically makes the overall control more complicated, as well as adding to the complexity of filter design for the converter. This type of control typically relies on feedback from the output to regulate the switching frequency and maintain the desired power output level.
• the relationship between the output power and switching frequency is typically very non- linear, adding to the difficulty of realizing a robust control for the resonant power converter.
• a resonant power converter is provided that is controlled using a phase delay control to obtain improved feedback control while maintaining high efficiency.
• the resonant converter of the present invention can obtain high switching frequency, resulting in reduced component sizes, while limiting current or voltage surges experienced by the resonant converter components.
• the phase delay control incorporates a phase lock loop (PLL) to track the phase of an inductor in the resonant power converter against a reference phase signal.
• the phase delay is regulated by obtaining an error signal representing the difference between the phase of the output stage current and the reference phase signal.
• the error signal is supplied to a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to modify the operation frequency appropriate for the transfer function of the output stage.
• VCO voltage controlled oscillator
• the change in operational frequency tends to reduce the phase delay error signal to zero, resulting in a robust and simplified control.
• the present invention utilizes an integrated circuit (IC) that can be used to control a lamp ballast circuit, to obtain the desired control characteristics in a simplified approach.
• the operational characteristics of the IC are modified through selection of components and IC functions to implement the phase delay control. The result is a phase delay control with improved operating characteristics that can be implemented simply with available components.
• Figure 1 shows a conventional series resonant converter
• Figure 2 shows operational waveforms for the circuit of Figure 1 in an inductive mode
• Figure 3 shows operational waveforms for the circuit of Figure 1 operated in a capacitive mode
• Figure 4 shows operational waveforms for the circuit of Figure 1 operated in a resistive mode
• Figure 5 shows a conventional parallel resonant converter
• Figure 6 shows a conventional LCC resonant converter
• Figure 7 illustrates circuit parameters for an ideal resonant circuit
• Figure 8 is a graph illustrating the relationship between phase angle and output power for the circuit of Figure 5;
• Figure 9 is a graph of switching frequency versus power output for the circuit of Figure 5;
• Figure 10 is a graph illustrating phase angle versus power output for the circuit of Figure 1;
• Figure 11 is a graph illustrating switching frequency versus output power for the circuit of Figure 1;
• Figure 12 is a graph illustrating phase angle versus output power for the circuit of Figure 6;
• Figure 13 is a graph illustrating switching frequency versus output power for the circuit of Figure 6;
• Figure 14 is a block diagram of a phase delay control according to the present invention.
• Figure 15 is a graph illustrating frequency response for a phase delay control system
• Figure 16 is a block diagram illustrating the internal circuitry of an IC used to implement the phase delay control according to the present invention.
• Figure 17 is a state diagram illustrating the operation modes of the circuit in Figure 16;
• Figure 18 is a circuit for use with the IC illustrated in Figure 16 to select functions implemented by the IC;
• Figure 19 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the phase delay control according to the present invention.
• Figure 20 is a set of graphs illustrating operational characteristics of the phase delay control utilizing the IC according to the present invention.
• Figure 21 is a current sense circuit implemented using the IC
• Figure 22 is a graph illustrating a current sense blanking period
• Figure 23 is a circuit diagram showing component connection to the IC to realize the present invention.
• Figure 24 is a circuit diagram illustrating an LCC resonant converter with a resonant tank circuit
• Figure 25 is a graph illustrating a relationship between operating frequencies near resonant frequencies versus converter gain
• Figure 26 is a simulation circuit diagram of the circuit of Figure 24;
• Figure 27 is a circuit diagram of a power stage implementation in accordance with the present invention.
• Figure 28 is a circuit diagram illustrating selective function control of the IC for the resonant converter according to the present invention.
• Figure 29 shows graphs representing a relationship between output power, input voltage and output voltage for the resonant converter.
• the present invention provides a resonant converter with a phase delay control implemented in an IC to obtain high efficiency and broad output range while reducing EMI.
• the phase delay control is implemented with a feedback arrangement that provides a current sense to determine a phase angle error measurement.
• the phase angle error measurement derived from a comparison with a reference phase angle, is used to control a VCO that can modify a switching frequency to adjust the phase angle of the resonant tank voltage and current.
• FIGS 8-13 graphical illustrations of the relationship between power output, switching frequency and phase angle are provided for series, parallel and LCC resonant converters.
• the relationship between the output power and phase angle is substantially linear over a broad range of phase angles for each of the several types of resonant converters.
• Figures 9, 11 and 13 illustrate that the power output relationship with switching frequency is substantially non-linear and provides a relatively small dynamic range suitable for feedback control. Accordingly, a comparison of phase angle control and frequency control for the resonant converter clearly illustrates the advantages of phase angle control using a feedback configuration to control the output power.
• FIG. 7 a resonant circuit model is illustrated with the derivation of various operational parameters for the circuit.
• the phase angle as a function of frequency is described.
• This equation to obtain the phase angle for the various types of resonant converters is substantially linear over a broad range of output power for the circuit.
• Figure 7 indicates output power is defined as the magnitude of the output voltage squared over the output resistance. Accordingly, output power varies as a function of output voltage, which varies as a function of switching frequency. This relationship is illustrated in Figures 9, 11 and 13.
• phase delay control uses a phase angle reference value that is summed with a feedback phase angle value from the power control output.
• the difference between the phase angle reference and the phase angle feedback provides an error value indicating the difference between the desired phase and the actual phase.
• the summing junction can be implemented as a comparison function in the alternative.
• the error value for the phase delay is amplified and input to a VCO to generate an oscillatory signal with a specified frequency related to the VCO input.
• the oscillatory output is provided to the power control stage of the power converter, and the phase of the power control output signal is adjusted accordingly.
• the power control output is shown connected to a resonant tank circuit, which also has an impact on the phase angle feedback signal. Accordingly, the PLL described in Figure 14 can provide a soft switching control arrangement for a resonant power converter based on phase delay control.
• an open loop frequency response for the resonant converter with a phase delay control and a given power output is illustrated.
• the open loop frequency response indicates a 20 dB/dec decrease in gain due to the open loop integration characteristics of the system.
• the closed loop gain showing a pole at the filter frequency, decreases by another 20 dB/dec.
• FIG. 16 a block diagram of the phase delay control as realized on an IC is illustrated.
• This IC block diagram is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,008,593, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
• the design of the IC circuit is for a lamp ballast, but contains features and functions that can be used to realize the phase delay control for a resonant converter according to the present invention.
• the IC includes a VCO input on pin 2, along with a current sense input on pin 10 to realize the PLL phase delay control according to the present invention.
• FIG. 17 a diagram illustrating the state operation of the IC for a lamp ballast control is illustrated.
• the preheat and ignition modes are unnecessary and can be selectively eliminated using externally connected circuitry.
• the IC provides an under voltage lockout mode to insure proper input voltage for correct operation.
• the IC provides an overcurrent and an over temperature protection, as well as detection of hard switching. If the IC detects any of these or other faults, the outputs for driving the two half bridge switches are forced to an OFF, or safety, value.
• FIG. 18 a selective delay circuit externally connected to the IC is illustrated.
• the inputs to the to AND gates are the drive signals output from the IC, HO and LO.
• the circuit illustrated in Figure 18 provides a delay mechanism so that the driver outputs during preheat and ignition mode have no impact on the operation of the resonant converter.
• FIG 19 provides an illustration of how the phase delay control operates.
• the illustrated timing diagrams show the phase reference, phase feedback and phase error signals.
• the phase feedback is slightly out of alignment with the phase reference, as determined by the zero crossing of the current sense voltage V cs .
• the difference in phase generates a phase error signal that appears as a short spike, the duration of which indicates the phase error.
• the phase error signal is input into the voltage controlled oscillator, which is illustrated as having a voltage that increases slightly due to the phase error difference.
• the VCO output in turn adjusts the frequency of the resonant converter to drive the phase angle error to zero.
• a range of operation for the phase delay control is programmable through pins MLN and MAX.
• An external resistor on pin MAX sets the maximum output power for the resonant converter.
• the maximum output range corresponds to 5 volts on pin DIM.
• an external resistor coupled to pin MIN sets the maximum phase shift, or minimum output power for the resonant converter.
• the minimum output power for the resonant converter corresponds to 0.5 volts on pin DIM, as illustrated in Figure 20.
• These programmable ranges permit the user to set the reference phase angle in the range of 0 to -90°, as illustrated in Figure 20.
• the phase angle range of from 0 to -90° corresponds to bounded voltage on pin MIN between 1 and 3 volts.
• a current sense resistor RCS is used to derive a signal on pin CS, which can be used to detect zero crossings and over current conditions.
• the over current detection results in a fault indication that will place the half bridge driver in a safety shutdown mode.
• the safety shutdown mode persists, for example, until the over current condition is removed for a specified period of time, or until power to a circuit is cycled.
• the current sense signal is compared to a common signal reference on pin COM to determine a zero crossing.
• the feedback phase angle is obtained during the interval when the low side switch of the half bridge, driven by signal LO, is high. During this interval, the voltage on pin CS experiences a zero crossing that provides an indication of the phase angle to control the resonant circuit.
• FIG. 23 external circuitry connected to the IC implementing the phase delay control with an LCC resonant converter topology is illustrated.
• the LCC resonant converter topology is preferred to take advantage of the attendant efficiencies and load range provided with this resonant circuit configuration.
• the circuit illustrated in Figure 23 also provides over current and open circuit protection to prevent the circuit from operating in ranges that may result in damage to the components. As illustrated in Figure 17, if a fault is sensed by the IC, the HO and LO drive signals are driven to an OFF or safety state to provide the appropriate protection for the components in the resonant converter.
• phase delay control design according to the present invention was tested using an LCC resonant circuit simulation, as illustrated in Figure 26.
• the switches with inputs Ql and Q2 are models of power MOSFET switches used in the resonant converter. Accordingly, switch signals Ql and Q2 are driven by the
• IC are selectively removed from the circuit operation through the use of the delay circuit incorporating two AND gates.
• the control signals supplied by the AND gates are provided to a MOSFET driver that provides the signals to the MOSFET switches.
• Measurements of circuit parameters were obtained with the resonant converter operating at full load and 20% of full load. Measurements were obtained for the drain voltage of the high side switch, the drain current for the low side switch, the capacitor voltage, the inductor current and the voltage on the primary side of the transformer. It was observed that when a MOSFET switch in the circuit is turned on, the body diode is conducting, to permit the MOSFET to be turned on at zero voltage to avoid switching losses. However, higher voltage and current peak levels were observed on the components of the resonant converters that would be typical with a PWM converter. The change in the phase delay for the resonant converter is small, even when the load changes, because the ratio of the switching frequency and the resonant frequency experiences changes that are relatively small.
• the phase delay control of the present invention provides that the switching frequency of the power converter is above the resonant frequency, to achieve high performance and system protection. In addition, by programming the minimal phase, hard switching at light load conditions can be limited.
• the phase delay control provides an advantage over a variable frequency controller through realizing limited hard switching at light loads, which is much more difficult to achieve with traditional frequency control.
• the phase delay control of the present invention has improved linear output characteristics over that of frequency control as well.
• Another advantage of the present invention is that the current sensing resistor R ⁇ can have a dual function of both current sensing and over current protection. Accordingly, the need for additional components to carry out both functions is eliminated.
• phase delay control is independent of component tolerances and permits the stray inductance of the transformer to serve as the primary inductance for the LCC resonant converter topology.
• Many other types of topologies can be used with this control configuration, which through minimum phase limitations can desensitize the resonant circuit from component tolerances.
• the resonant converter of the present invention permits generally higher frequency ranges in comparison to PWM converters.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Power Engineering (AREA)
• Dc-Dc Converters (AREA)
• Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)
• Inverter Devices (AREA)

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• 2002
  • 2002-12-11 WO PCT/US2002/039558 patent/WO2003055052A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2002-12-11 CN CNA028247779A patent/CN1602580A/zh active Pending
  • 2002-12-11 AU AU2002351350A patent/AU2002351350A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2002-12-11 EP EP02787005A patent/EP1454408A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2002-12-11 JP JP2003555659A patent/JP2005514889A/ja active Pending

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