Abstract

A controller for a power converter. The power converter comprises an inverter for receiving a supply power and providing an inverter output at an inverter frequency. There is a primary inductance for receiving the inverter output and providing a primary output. There is at least one current sensor for sensing at least one output current and providing at least one output current signal based on the at least one output current. The controller is adapted to receive the at least one output current signal, and control the inverter frequency by providing a switch control signal to the inverter based on the at least one output current signal and a reference signal thereby providing a desired primary output corresponding to the reference signal.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 3/335 - 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
• H02M 1/00 - Details of apparatus for conversion
• H05B 45/305 - Frequency-control circuits
• H05B 47/24 - Circuit arrangements for protecting against overvoltage

Abstract

A power converter controller and methods for its operation are provided that can control a self-oscillating power converter that uses a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) as a switch by manipulating the current flowing in a control winding. The controller is able to determine the optimum time to remove a short circuit applied to the control winding, as well as being able to determine the optimum time to pass current through the control winding. The controller can further draw power from the power converter using the control winding. The controller is capable of maintaining the midpoint voltage of the power converter in the case that the converter has more than one switch. The controller estimates the output power of the converter without requiring a connection to the secondary side of the converter transformer. The controller further controls entry and exit into a low-power mode in which converter oscillations are suppressed.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 3/335 - 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
• H01F 38/20 - Instrument transformers
• H02M 3/338 - 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 a self-oscillating arrangement
• H02M 3/337 - 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
• H02M 1/08 - Circuits specially adapted for the generation of control voltages for semiconductor devices incorporated in static converters
• H03K 17/13 - Modifications for switching at zero crossing
• H02M 7/5383 - 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 self-oscillating arrangement
• H02M 1/00 - Details of apparatus for conversion

Abstract

A power converter controller and methods for its operation are provided that can control a self-oscillating power converter that uses a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) as a switch by manipulating the current flowing in a control winding. The controller is able to determine the optimum time to remove a short circuit applied to the control winding, as well as being able to determine the optimum time to pass current through the control winding. The controller can further draw power from the power converter using the control winding. The controller is capable of maintaining the midpoint voltage of the power converter in the case that the converter has more than one switch. The controller estimates the output power of the converter without requiring a connection to the secondary side of the converter transformer. The controller further controls entry and exit into a low-power mode in which converter oscillations are suppressed.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 7/5383 - 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 self-oscillating arrangement
• H02M 3/338 - 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 a self-oscillating arrangement
• H02M 3/337 - 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
• H03K 17/13 - Modifications for switching at zero crossing
• H01F 38/20 - Instrument transformers
• H02M 1/00 - Details of apparatus for conversion

Abstract

A circuit for controlling a power converter featuring BJTs, through use of a control winding on the transformer that provides the base drive for the BJTs is disclosed. This controller can control the control winding current, thus modifying the commutating of the current or stopping the oscillations. It can provide unidirectional shorts to prevent commutation and can also provide an initial power pulse to control the start or operation of the power converter.

IPC Classes  ?

• H05B 41/00 - Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
• H02M 7/537 - 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
• H05B 41/282 - Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from DC by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage DC using static converters with semiconductor devices