Dual input range power supply using two series or parallel connected converter sections with automatic power balancing

• US 20010048606A1
• Filed: 12/18/2000
• Published: 12/06/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bel Power Solutions Inc.
• Original Assignee: Power-One Incorporated (ABB Limited)
• Inventors: Mallory, William D.
• Granted Patent: US 6,370,047 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 363/65
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/10 Arrangements incorporating converting means for enabling loads to be operated at will from different kinds of power supplies, e.g. from ac or dc
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/4807 having a high frequency intermediate AC stage
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/493 the static converters being arranged for operation in parallel

Abstract

A power supply comprises a first power converter having respective input and output terminals, and a second power converter having respective input and output terminals. The output terminals of the first and second power converters are connected in series to provide a combined output voltage. A switch is connected to the input terminals of the first and second power converters. The switch has a first state by which the input terminals of the first and second power converters are connected in series, and a second state by which the input terminals of the first and second power converters are connected in parallel. A pulse width modulator (PWM) unit provides a drive signal to regulate current provided to the first and second power converters. A balance winding is coupled between the first and second power converters in order to share power between these two converters when their inputs are connected in series.

Claims

1. A power supply, comprising:

a first power converter having respective input and output terminals;

a second power converter having respective input and output terminals, said output terminals of each of said first power converter and said second power converter being connected in series to provide a combined output voltage;

a switch connected to said input terminals of said first power converter and said second power converter, said switch having a first state by which said input terminals of said first power converter and said second power converter are connected in series, and a second state by which said input terminals of said first power converter and said second power converter are connected in parallel; and

a balance winding coupled between said first power converter and said second power converter, said balance winding sharing power between said first power converter and said second power converter when said switch is in said second state.

2. The power supply of

claim 1

, wherein each of said first power converter and said second power converter further comprises a respective transformer having a primary side and a secondary side.

3. The power supply of

claim 2

, wherein said balance winding is further coupled between said primary sides of said respective transformers of said first and second power converters.

4. The power supply of

claim 2

, wherein said balance winding further comprises an additional transformer separated from said respective transformers of said first and second power converters.

5. The power supply of

claim 2

, wherein each of said first power converter and said second power converter further comprises plural respective field effect transistors (FETs) coupled to said primary side of said respective transformers, said plural FETs adapted to periodically apply at least a portion of an input voltage across said primary side.

6. The power supply of

claim 5

, further comprising a pulse width modulator (PWM) unit providing drive signals to said plural respective FETs of said first power converter and said second power converter.

7. The power supply of

claim 1

, wherein said switch further comprises a double pole, double throw switch.

8. The power supply of

claim 1

, wherein said switch further comprises a semiconductor device.

9. The power supply of

claim 1

, wherein said switch further comprises a removable plug.

10. The power supply of

claim 1

, further comprising a pulse width modulator (PWM) unit providing drive signals to said first power converter and said second power converter.

11. A power supply, comprising:

a first power converter having respective input and output terminals;

a second power converter having respective input and output terminals, said output terminals of each of said first power converter and said second power converter being connected in series to provide a combined output voltage;

means for connecting said input terminals of each of said first and second power connector to an input voltage source, said connecting means having a first state by which said input terminals of said first power converter and said second power converter are connected in series, and a second state by which said input terminals of said first power converter and said second power converter are connected in parallel; and

means for sharing power between said first power converter and said second power converter when said switch is in said second state.

12. The power supply of

claim 11

, wherein each of said first power converter and said second power converter further comprises a respective transformer having a primary side and a secondary side.

13. The power supply of

claim 12

, wherein said power sharing means further comprising a balance winding coupled between said primary sides of said respective transformers of said first and second power converters.

14. The power supply of

claim 12

, wherein said power sharing means further comprises a balance winding further having an additional transformer separated from said respective transformers of said first and second power converters.

15. The power supply of

claim 12

, wherein each of said first power converter and said second power converter further comprises plural respective field effect transistors (FETs) coupled to said primary side of said respective transformers, said plural FETs adapted to periodically apply at least a portion of an input voltage across said primary side.

16. The power supply of

claim 15

, further comprising a pulse width modulator (PWM) unit providing drive signals to said plural respective FETs of each said first power converter and said second power converter.

17. The power supply of

claim 11

, wherein said connecting means further comprises a double pole, double throw switch.

18. The power supply of

claim 11

, wherein said connecting means further comprises a semiconductor device.

19. The power supply of

claim 11

, wherein said connecting means further comprises a removable plug.

20. The power supply of

claim 11

, further comprising a pulse width modulator (PWM) unit providing drive signals to said first power converter and said second power converter.