Variable-frequency variable-input-voltage converter with minimum frequency limit
First Claim
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1. A power conversion method, comprising the steps of:
- (a.) repeatedly switching a transistor to switch an input voltage, which varies over a voltage range of at least 3;
1, onto an inductance, whilekeeping the frequency of said switching step substantially fixed whenever said input voltage falls within a first range of magnitudes, andvarying the frequency of said switching step in dependence on said input voltage, whenever said input voltage falls within a second range of magnitudes;
wherein said magnitudes of said second range are all greater than said magnitudes of said first range; and
(b.) coupling power out from said inductance to provide an output of converted power.
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Abstract
A variable-input-voltage variable-switching-frequency power converter with a minimum frequency limit. The switching frequency never goes below a certain minimum while the converter is on. Thus switching frequency is dependent on input voltage, for input voltages in one range, and is NOT dependent on input voltage, for input voltages in another range.
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Citations
41 Claims
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1. A power conversion method, comprising the steps of:
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(a.) repeatedly switching a transistor to switch an input voltage, which varies over a voltage range of at least 3;
1, onto an inductance, whilekeeping the frequency of said switching step substantially fixed whenever said input voltage falls within a first range of magnitudes, and varying the frequency of said switching step in dependence on said input voltage, whenever said input voltage falls within a second range of magnitudes;
wherein said magnitudes of said second range are all greater than said magnitudes of said first range; and(b.) coupling power out from said inductance to provide an output of converted power. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 12, 27, 28, 29)
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5. A power converter circuit, comprising:
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a transformer having primary and secondary windings; a controllable switch connected to vary current, from an input voltage connection, through said primary winding;
wherein said input voltage varies substantially continuously;a power output connection operatively connected to draw power from said secondary winding of said transformer; and control logic operatively connected to control switching of said switch in a control relationship wherein the frequency of said switching is substantially fixed whenever said input voltage falls within a first range of magnitudes, and the frequency of said switching is varied in dependence on said input voltage, whenever said input voltage falls within a second range of magnitudes;
wherein said magnitudes of said second range are all greater than said magnitudes of said first range. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, 30, 31, 32)
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8. A power converter circuit, comprising:
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a transformer having primary and secondary windings; a controllable switch connected to vary current, from an input voltage connection, through said primary winding;
wherein said input voltage varies substantially continuously;a power output connection operatively connected to draw power from said secondary winding of said transformer; and secondary-side control logic operatively connected to draw power from said secondary winding of said transformer, and configured to control switching of said switch in a control relationship wherein the frequency of said switching is substantially fixed whenever said input voltage falls within a first range of magnitudes, and the frequency of said switching is varied in dependence on said input voltage, whenever said input voltage falls within a second range of magnitudes;
wherein said magnitudes of said second range are all greater than said magnitudes of said first range. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 17, 18, 19, 33, 34, 35)
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11. A computer system, comprising:
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memory, and a microprocessor operatively connected to read and write said memory; a graphics controller connected to said microprocessor; a video display connected to said graphics controller; a transformer having primary and secondary windings; a controllable switch connected to vary current, from an input voltage connection, through said primary winding;
wherein said input voltage varies substantially continuously;a power output connection operatively connected to draw power from said secondary winding of said transformer; and control logic operatively connected to control switching of said switch in a control relationship wherein the frequency of said switching is substantially fixed whenever said input voltage falls within a first range of magnitudes, and the frequency of said switching is varied in dependence on said input voltage, whenever said input voltage falls within a second range of magnitudes;
wherein said magnitudes of said second range are all greater than said magnitudes of said first range. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 36, 37, 38)
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23. A power conversion circuit, comprising:
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means for repeatedly switching a transistor to switch an input voltage, which varies over a voltage range of at least 3;
1, onto an inductance, whilekeeping the frequency of said switching substantially fixed whenever said input voltage falls within a first range of magnitudes, and varying the frequency of said switching in dependence on said input voltage, whenever said input voltage falls within a second range of magnitudes;
wherein said magnitudes of said second range are all greater than said magnitudes of said first range; andmeans for coupling power out from said inductance to provide an output of converted power. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41)
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Specification