US 6,151,226 A · Four quadrant power conversion topology

Abstract

A four quadrant power conversion topology comprising a multi-winding inductor, four switches, and four diodes is disclosed. The four quadrant power conversion is utilized in a number of power conversion devices such as a power efficient non-linear power amplifier that comprises the 4Q power conversion topology of the present invention and a switch-control-signal generator coupled to the 4Q power conversion topology. The switch-control-signal generator generates switch activation signals for driving the four switches of the 4Q power conversion topology. In one embodiment the switch-control-signal generator comprises a polarity detector for detecting the polarity of an input signal, a full wave rectifier for rectifying the input signal, a pulse width modulator which produces a pulse width modulated signal representative of the full wave rectified input signal, and steering logic that generates switch activation signals for driving the power conversion topology to produce an output representative of the input signal. The amplifier may optionally include switch drivers to condition the switch activation signals to drive the switches in the 4Q power conversion topology.

Claims52

Dependent claims

A power conversion topology having four quadrant power supplying capability comprising:

(a) a multi-winding inductor having a primary side and a secondary side, said primary side being coupled to an input terminal having a supply end and a return end, said secondary side being coupled to an output capactive device, said primary side having a first end, a center tap, and a second end, said secondary side having a first end and a second end;
(b) a first switch coupled between said return end of said input terminal and said first end of said primary side, said first switch including a first diode coupled across said first switch, said first diode having a cathode;
(c) a second switch coupled between said return end of said input terminal and said second end of said primary side, said second switch including a second diode coupled across said second switch, said second diode having a cathode;
(d) a third switch and a fourth switch coupled in a loop with said secondary side and said output capacitive device, said third switch including a third diode coupled across said third switch, said third diode having a cathode, said fourth switch including a fourth diode coupled across said fourth switch, said fourth diode having a cathode;
and
(e) whereby the topology is capable of bi-directional current output, the topology also being operable to alternatively generate a positive voltage a zero voltage level, or a negative voltage at said output capacitive device in response to the operation of a plurality of said switches.

3 more elements

A non-linear power amplifier having four quadrant power supplying capability comprising:

(a) a four quadrant power conversion topology comprising a multi-winding inductor having a primary side and a secondary side, a first switch coupled to said primary side and having a diode coupled across said switch, a second switch coupled to said primary side and having a diode coupled across said switch, a third switch coupled to said secondary side and an output capacitive device and having a diode coupled across said switch, and a fourth switch coupled to said secondary side and an output capacitive device and having a diode coupled across said switch, said topology being operable to generate a positive voltage at said output capacitive device in response to said third switch being driven to a closed state, one of said first and second switches being driven to an open state and the other of said first and second switches being driven approximately synchronously with said fourth switch to opposite and alternating states, said topology also being operable to generate a negative voltage at said output capacitive device in response to said fourth switch being driven to a closed state, one of said first and second switches being driven to an open state and the other of said first and second switches being driven approximately synchronously with said third switch to opposite and alternating states, said topology also being operable to generate a zero voltage level;
and
(b) a switch-control-signal generator coupled to said four quadrant power conversion topology, said switch-control-signal generator being configured to receive an input signal, said switch-control-signal generator being operative to generate in response to said input signal a first switch activation signal for driving said first switch, a second switch activation signal for driving said second switch, a third switch activation signal for driving said third switch, and a fourth switch activation signal for driving said fourth switch wherein said switch activation signals drives said topology to generate an output signal that amplifies said input signal.

A linear power amplifier having four quadrant power supplying capability comprising:

(a) a four quadrant power conversion topology comprising a multi-winding inductor having a primary side and a secondary side, a first switch coupled to said primary side and having a diode coupled across said switch, a second switch coupled to said primary side and having a diode coupled across said switch, a third switch coupled to said secondary side and an output capacitive device and having a diode coupled across said switch, and a fourth switch coupled to said secondary side and an output capacitive device and having a diode coupled across said switch, said topology being operable to generate a positive voltage at said output capacitive device in response to said third switch being driven to a closed state, one of said first and second switches being driven to an open state and the other of said first and second switches being driven approximately synchronously with said fourth switch to opposite and alternating states, said topology also being operable to generate a negative voltage at said output capacitive device in response to said fourth switch being driven to a closed state, one of said first and second switches being driven to an open state and the other of said first and second switches being driven approximately synchronously with said third switch to opposite and alternating states, said topology also being operable to generate a zero voltage level;
(b) a switch-control-signal generator coupled to said four quadrant power conversion topology, said switch-control-signal generator being configured to receive an input signal, said switch-control-signal generator being operative to generate in response to said input signal a first switch activation signal for driving said first switch, a second switch activation signal for driving said second switch, a third switch activation signal for driving said third switch, and a fourth switch activation signal for driving said fourth switch;
(c) an output monitor coupled to said four quadrant power conversion topology and configured to receive said output signal from said output of said four quadrant power conversion topology, said output monitor being operative to generate an output monitor signal in response to said output signal;
and
(d) an error amplifier coupled to said output monitor and configured to receive said output monitor signal, said error amplifier being operative to generate a correction signal in response to said output monitor signal.

2 more elements

A signal generator having four quadrant power supplying capability comprising:

(a) a waveform generator that is operable to generate a low power signal to be power amplified;
and
(b) a linear power amplifier having four quadrant power supplying capability coupled to said waveform generator and that is configured to receive said low power signal, said linear power amplifier comprising:
(1) a four quadrant power conversion topology comprising a multi-winding inductor having a primary side and a secondary side, a first switch coupled to said primary side and having a diode coupled across said switch, a second switch coupled to said primary side and having a diode coupled across said switch, a third switch coupled to said secondary side and an output capacitive device and having a diode coupled across said switch, and a fourth switch coupled to said secondary side and an output capacitive device and having a diode coupled across said switch, said topology being operable to generate a positive voltage at said output capacitive device in response to said third switch being driven to a closed state, one of said first and second switches being driven to an open state and the other of said first and second switches being driven approximately synchronously with said fourth switch to opposite and alternating states, said topology also being operable to generate a negative voltage at said output capacitive device in response to said fourth switch being driven to a closed state, one of said first and second switches being driven to an open state and the other of said first and second switches being driven approximately synchronously with said third switch to opposite and alternating states, said topology also being operable to generate a zero voltage level;
and
(2) a switch-control-signal generator coupled to said four quadrant power conversion topology, said switch-control-signal generator being configured to receive said low power signal, said switch-control-signal generator being operative to generate in response to said low power signal a first switch activation signal for driving said first switch, a second switch activation signal for driving said second switch, a third switch activation signal for driving said third switch, and a fourth switch activation signal for driving said fourth switch.

3 more elements

A signal generator comprising:

(a) a four quadrant power conversion topology comprising a multi-winding inductor having a primary side and a secondary side, a first switch coupled to said primary side and having a diode coupled across said switch, a second switch coupled to said primary side and having a diode coupled across said switch, a third switch coupled to said secondary side and an output capacitive device and having a diode coupled across said switch, and a fourth switch coupled to said secondary side and an output capacitive device and having a diode coupled across said switch said topology being operable to generate a positive voltage at said output capacitive device in response to said third switch being driven to a closed state, one of said first and second switches being driven to an open state and the other of said first and second switches being driven approximately synchronously with said fourth switch to opposite and alternating states, said topology also being operable to generate a negative voltage at said output capacitive device in response to said fourth switch being driven to a closed state, one of said first and second switches being driven to an open state and the other of said first and second switches being driven approximately synchronously with said third switch to opposite and alternating states, said topology also being operable to generate a zero voltage level;
and
(b) synthesizer logic coupled to said power conversion topology, said synthesizer logic being operable to generate a first switch activation signal for driving said first switch, a second switch activation signal for driving said second switch, a third switch activation signal for driving said third switch, and a fourth switch activation signal for driving said fourth switch to drive said power conversion topology to generate a desired output signal.

A non-linear power amplifier having four quadrant power supplying capability comprising:

(a) a four quadrant power conversion topology including a multi-winding inductor, a first switch with a diode coupled across said switch, a second switch with a diode coupled across said switch, a third switch with a diode coupled across said switch, and a fourth switch with a diode coupled across said switch;
(b) a switch-control-signal generator coupled to said four quadrant power conversion topology, said switch-control-signal generator being configured to receive an input signal, said switch-control-signal generator being operative to generate in response to said input signal a first switch activation signal for driving said first switch, a second switch activation signal for driving said second switch, a third switch activation signal for driving said third switch, and a fourth switch activation signal for driving said fourth switch, said switch-control-signal generator being configured to receive a switching frequency signal, said switch-control-signal generator being operable in response to said switching frequency signal;
(c) a switching frequency modulator, said switching frequency modulator being operable to supply said switching frequency signal to said switch-control-signal generator, said switching frequency modulator comprising a frequency modulated oscillator and an output current peak detector, said output current peak detector being configured to detect a current at said output of said four quadrant power conversion topology, said output current peak detector being operative to provide a signal to said frequency modulated oscillator indicative of the sensed output current, said frequency modulated oscillator being operable to change said switch frequency signal from a first frequency to a second frequency in response to said signal from said output current peak detector;
and
(d) whereby said four quadrant power conversion topology generates an output in response to actuation of at least one of said switches.

2 more elements

A non-linear power amplifier having four quadrant power supplying capability comprising:

(a) a four quadrant power conversion topology including a multi-winding inductor, a first switch with a diode coupled across said switch, a second switch with a diode coupled across said switch, a third switch with a diode coupled across said switch, and a fourth switch with a diode coupled across said switch;
(b) a switch-control-signal generator coupled to said four quadrant power conversion topology, said switch-control-signal generator being configured to receive an input signal, said switch-control-signal generator being operative to generate in response to said input signal a first switch activation signal for driving said first switch, a second switch activation signal for driving said second switch, a third switch activation signal for driving said third switch, and a fourth switch activation signal for driving said fourth switch, said switch-control-signal generator comprising:
a polarity detector configured to receive said input signal and being operable to detect the polarity of said input signal, said polarity detector being operable to produce a polarity signal in response to the detected polarity of said input signal;
a full-wave rectifier configured to receive said input signal, said full-wave rectifier being operable to full-wave rectify said input signal and to output a full-wave rectified signal;
a pulse-width-modulator coupled to said full-wave rectifier and being configured to receive said full-wave rectified signal, said pulse width modulator being operable to generate a pulse-width-modulated signal in response to said full-wave rectified signal;
and
steering logic coupled to said pulse-width modulator and said polarity detector, said steering logic being configured to receive said pulse-width-modulated signal and said polarity signal, said steering logic being operative to generate said switch activation signals in response to said pulse-width-modulated signal and said polarity signal;
and
(c) whereby said four quadrant power conversion topology generates an output in response to actuation of at least one of said switches.

6 more elements

A linear power amplifier having four quadrant power supplying capability comprising:

(a) a four quadrant power conversion topology including a multi-winding inductor, a first switch with a diode coupled across said switch, a second switch with a diode coupled across said switch, a third switch with a diode coupled across said switch, and a fourth switch with a diode coupled across said switch;
(b) a switch-control-signal generator coupled to said four quadrant power conversion topology, said switch-control-signal generator being configured to receive an input signal, said switch-control-signal generator being operative to generate in response to said input signal a first switch activation signal for driving said first switch, a second switch activation signal for driving said second switch, a third switch activation signal for driving said third switch, and a fourth switch activation signal for driving said fourth switch, said switch-control-signal generator being configured to receive a switching frequency signal, said switch-control-signal generator being operable in response to said switching frequency signal;
(c) whereby said four quadrant power conversion topology generates an output in response to actuation of at least one of said switches;
(d) an output monitor coupled to said four quadrant power conversion topology and configured to receive an output signal from said output of said four quadrant power conversion topology, said output monitor being operative to generate an output monitor signal in response to said output signal;
(e) an error amplifier coupled to said output monitor and configured to receive said output monitor signal, said error amplifier being operative to generate a correction signal in response to said output monitor signal;
and
(f) a switching frequency modulator, said switching frequency modulator being operable to supply said switching frequency signal to said switch-control-signal generator, said switching frequency modulator comprising a frequency modulated oscillator and an output current peak detector, said output current peak detector being configured to detect a current at said output of said four quadrant power conversion topology, said output current peak detector being operative to provide a signal to said frequency modulated oscillator indicative of the sensed output current, said frequency modulated oscillator being operable to change said switch frequency signal from a first frequency to a second frequency in response to said signal from said output current peak detector.

4 more elements

A linear power amplifier having four quadrant power supplying capability comprising:

(a) a four quadrant power conversion topology including a multi-winding inductor, a first switch with a diode coupled across said switch, a second switch with a diode coupled across said switch, a third switch with a diode coupled across said switch, and a fourth switch with a diode coupled across said switch;
(b) a switch-control-signal generator coupled to said four quadrant power conversion topology, said switch-control-signal generator being configured to receive an input signal, said switch-control-signal generator being operative to generate in response to said input signal a first switch activation signal for driving said first switch, a second switch activation signal for driving said second switch, a third switch activation signal for driving said third switch, and a fourth switch activation signal for driving said fourth switch, said switch-control-signal generator comprising:
a polarity detector configured to receive said input signal and being operable to detect the polarity of said input signal, said polarity detector being operable to produce a polarity signal in response to the detected polarity of said input signal;
a full-wave rectifier configured to receive said input signal, said full-wave rectifier being operable to full-wave rectify said input signal and to output a full-wave rectified signal;
a pulse-width-modulator coupled to said full-wave rectifier and being configured to receive said full-wave rectified signal, said pulse width modulator being operable to generate a pulse-width-modulated signal in response to said full-wave rectified signal;
and
steering logic coupled to said pulse-width modulator and said polarity detector, said steering logic being configured to receive said pulse-width-modulated signal and said polarity signal, said steering logic being operative to generate said switch activation signals in response to said pulse-width-modulated signal and said polarity signal;
(c) whereby said four quadrant power conversion topology generates an output in response to actuation of at least one of said switches;
(d) an output monitor coupled to said four quadrant power conversion topology and configured to receive an output signal from said output of said four quadrant power conversion topology, said output monitor being operative to generate an output monitor signal in response to said output signal;
and
(e) an error amplifier coupled to said output monitor and configured to receive said output monitor signal, said error amplifier being operative to generate a correction signal in response to said output monitor signal.

8 more elements

A power conversion topology having four quadrant power supplying capability comprising:

(a) a multi-winding inductor having a primary side and a secondary side, said primary side being coupled to an input terminal having a return end, said secondary side being coupled to an output capacitive device, said primary side having a first end, a center tap, and a second end, said secondary side having a first end and a second end;
(b) a first switch coupled between said return end of said input terminal and said first end of said primary side, said first switch including a first diode coupled across said first switch, said first diode having a cathode;
(c) a second switch coupled between said return end of said input terminal and said second end of said primary side, said second switch including a second diode coupled across said second switch, said second diode having a cathode;
(d) a third switch and a fourth switch coupled in a loop with said secondary side and said output capacitive device, said third switch including a third diode coupled across said third switch, said third diode having a cathode, said fourth switch including a fourth diode coupled across said fourth switch, said fourth diode having a cathode;
and
(e) the topology being capable of bi-directional current output, the topology also being operable to generate a positive voltage at said output capacitive device in response to said third switch being driven to a closed state, one of said first and second switches being driven to an open state and the other of said first and second switches being driven approximately synchronously with said fourth switch to opposite and alternating states, the topology also being operable to generate a negative voltage at said output capacitive device in response to said fourth switch being driven to a closed state, one of said first and second switches being driven to an open state and the other of said first and second switches being driven approximately synchronously with said third switch to opposite and alternating states.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Four quadrant power conversion topology

Life of this patent

Four quadrant power conversion topology

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims52