Power converter current sense fault detection
AssigneeCypress Semiconductor Corporation
InventorsArun Khamesra, Hariom Rai, Pulkit Shah
Life of this patent
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Abstract
One or more computing devices, systems, and/or methods are provided. In an example of the techniques presented herein, a method of operating a Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery (USB-PD) power converter is provided. The method includes generating a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal for controlling the power converter. An output current signal for the power converter is determined. The output current signal corresponds to an output current across an external sense resistor coupled in an output path of the USB-PD power converter. A fault condition is identified based on the PWM signal and the output current signal. Operation of the power converter is disabled responsive to identifying the fault condition.
Claims20
A secondary-side controller for a Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery (USB-PD) power converter, the secondary-side controller comprising:
- a driver configured to control a power-switch on a primary side of the USB-PD power converter based on a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal;
- a current sense amplifier configured to generate an output current signal corresponding to an output current provided by the USB-PD power converter across an external sense resistor;
- and
- a controller configured to:
- dynamically generate a PWM threshold based on at least one of a secondary-side line input voltage or a secondary-side output voltage;
- and
- identify a fault condition based on the PWM signal violating the PWM threshold and based on the output current signal.
A Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery (USB-PD) system comprising:
- a transformer including a primary side coupled to receive a rectified alternating current (AC) input voltage, and a secondary side connected to an output port to provide a direct current (DC) output voltage thereto;
- a primary-side controller coupled to a power switch to control operation of the transformer;
- a sense resistor coupled between the secondary side of the transformer and the output port;
- and
- a secondary-side controller coupled to the output port, the secondary-side controller including:
- a driver configured to provide a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to cause the primary-side controller to turn on and off the power switch;
- an analog-to-digital converter connected to receive an output current signal and generate an output current code based on the output current signal, wherein the output current signal corresponds to an output current across the sense resistor;
- and
- a controller configured to:
- dynamically generate a PWM threshold based on at least one of a secondary-side line input voltage or a secondary-side output voltage;
- and
- identify a fault condition based on the PWM signal violating the PWM threshold and based on the output current code.
A method of operating a Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery (USB-PD) power converter comprising:
- generating a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal for controlling the USB-PD power converter;
- determining an output current signal for the USB-PD power converter, wherein the output current signal corresponds to an output current across an external sense resistor coupled in an output path of the USB-PD power converter;
- dynamically generating a PWM threshold based on at least one of a secondary-side line input voltage or a secondary-side output voltage;
- identifying a fault condition based on the PWM signal violating the PWM threshold and based on the output current signal;
- and
- disabling operation of the USB-PD power converter responsive to identifying the fault condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.