US20130070483A1 - Controlling Method, Power Supply, Power Controller, and Power Controlling Method - Google Patents

Controlling Method, Power Supply, Power Controller, and Power Controlling Method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20130070483A1
US20130070483A1 US13/236,667 US201113236667A US2013070483A1 US 20130070483 A1 US20130070483 A1 US 20130070483A1 US 201113236667 A US201113236667 A US 201113236667A US 2013070483 A1 US2013070483 A1 US 2013070483A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
signal
operating frequency
power supply
loading state
frequency
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/236,667
Inventor
Yu-Yun Huang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Leadtrend Technology Corp
Original Assignee
Leadtrend Technology Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Leadtrend Technology Corp filed Critical Leadtrend Technology Corp
Priority to US13/236,667 priority Critical patent/US20130070483A1/en
Assigned to LEADTREND TECHNOLOGY CORP. reassignment LEADTREND TECHNOLOGY CORP. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HUANG, YU-YUN
Publication of US20130070483A1 publication Critical patent/US20130070483A1/en
Priority to US14/568,124 priority patent/US9405354B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/32Means for saving power
    • G06F1/3203Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
    • G06F1/3234Power saving characterised by the action undertaken
    • G06F1/324Power saving characterised by the action undertaken by lowering clock frequency
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/32Means for saving power
    • G06F1/3203Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
    • G06F1/3234Power saving characterised by the action undertaken
    • G06F1/3296Power saving characterised by the action undertaken by lowering the supply or operating voltage
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02MAPPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M3/00Conversion of dc power input into dc power output
    • H02M3/22Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac
    • H02M3/24Conversion of dc power input into dc power output with intermediate conversion into ac by static converters
    • H02M3/28Conversion 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
    • H02M3/325Conversion 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
    • H02M3/335Conversion 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
    • H02M3/33507Conversion 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 with automatic control of the output voltage or current, e.g. flyback converters
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02MAPPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M1/00Details of apparatus for conversion
    • H02M1/32Means for protecting converters other than automatic disconnection

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to an overloading limitation of a switched-mode power supply (SMPS).
  • SMPS switched-mode power supply
  • a power supply is a kind of power management device that transforms power from a power source to provide transformed power to an electronic device or component.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates conventional power supply 60 , which employs a flyback topology.
  • bridge rectifier 62 is utilized for rectifying AC power V AC to provide input power V IN to transformer 64 .
  • primary winding L P of transformer 64 is charged.
  • secondary winding L s of transformer 64 discharges to load capacitor 69 via rectifier 66 to generate output power V OUT .
  • Error amplifier EA compares voltage levels of output power V OUT and target voltage V TARGET to generate a compensation signal V COM .
  • Controller 74 controls switch 72 with the aid of control signal V GATE according to both compensation signal V COM and current detection signal V CS , which correspond to inductive current flowing through primary winding L P .
  • Over-voltage protection OVP
  • OTP over-temperature protection
  • OTP overload protection
  • Overload protection is used when output current loading of power supply 60 is too high, and when the power supply provides power exceeding a predetermined output power level.
  • Overload protection may be implemented by limiting output current, or by limiting the inductive current flowing through primary winding L P . Both implementations are intended to prevent power outputted by the power supply from exceeding a certain level.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional power supply acquiring a flyback topology.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates part of the controller and the external capacitor shown in FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a correspondence between the operating frequency generated by the clock generator and the compensation signal.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates power supply 90 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar reference numerals are used in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to indicate same elements, same devices, or same signals, and are not described repeatedly for brevity. Embodiments generated by using elements the same as or similar to elements shown in FIG. 1 should be regarded as embodiments of the present invention. Scope of the present invention should also follow claims of the present invention.
  • controller 73 shown in FIG. 2 is implemented by a single integrated circuit.
  • controller 73 and switch 72 are implemented in a single integrated circuit.
  • a difference between controllers 73 and 74 lies in addition of pin CT of controller 73 shown in FIG. 2 , where controller 73 is coupled to external capacitor 75 via pin CT.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates part of controller 73 and external capacitor 75 shown in FIG. 2 .
  • Comparator 82 is utilized for providing over-current protection, and is a peak limiter for preventing any peak of current detection signal V CS from exceeding voltage V CS -LIMIT .
  • a peak of the inductive current flowing through the primary winding L P is also prevented from exceeding peak current I CS — LIMIT V CS-LIMIT /R CS ), where R CS indicates resistance of resistor CS.
  • Comparator 84 controls an approximate peak of the inductive current flowing through primary winding L P according to compensation signal V COM .
  • Voltage level of compensation signal V COM corresponds to power required for sustaining a current output voltage or a loading state related to the current output voltage.
  • Compensation signal V COM also determines output operating frequency of clock generator 96 , i.e. operating frequency of switch 72 shown in FIG. 2 .
  • a low voltage level of compensation signal V COM indicates a light loading state or a no-loading state, so that a corresponding operating frequency may be equal to 20 kHz.
  • a high voltage level of compensation signal V COM indicates a heavy loading state, so that a corresponding operating frequency may be equal to 65 kHz.
  • the heavy loading state, the light loading state, and the no-loading state are all regarded as normal loading states.
  • Current supplier 85 provides a charge/discharge current to external capacitor 75 via pin CT.
  • a combination of current supplier 85 and external capacitor 75 may be regarded as a clock oscillator, i.e. forming a clock oscillator.
  • comparator 94 determines that the output of counter 92 fulfills a predetermined condition, indicating the overload event has continued past a tolerable duration, comparator 94 begins outputting an overload limiting signal for triggering overload protection, and logic control unit 86 keeps switch 72 turned off to stop power transformation and power transmission. If the compensation signal V COM drops below the critical voltage V OLP before the tolerable duration is exceeded, i.e. when power supply 90 leaves the overloaded state, counter 92 is reset, and switch 72 continues to be operated at the operating frequency provided by clock generator 96 .
  • a combination of current provider 85 , comparator 88 , counter 92 , and comparator 94 may be regarded as an overload limiter. In another embodiment of the present invention, comparator 94 is omitted, and whether to trigger overload protection or not is determined directly according to an output bit having value of logical 0 or logical 1.
  • the tolerable duration indicates a maximum duration tolerable for power supply 90 to be in the overloaded state, where the tolerable duration is determined according to both the frequency provided by the clock oscillator, which includes at least current provider 85 and external capacitor 75 , and a predetermined condition defined by comparator 94 .
  • the tolerable duration is independent of variation of the operating frequency generated by clock generator 96 .
  • comparator 94 is built in an integrated circuit so that external factors cannot change settings of comparator 94 , and the frequency of the clock oscillator can be determined according to capacitance of external capacitor 75 . Therefore, the tolerable duration can be easily adjusted by selecting an appropriate capacitance for external capacitor 75 .
  • overload protection is de-asserted once compensation signal V COM drops below critical voltage VOLP, so that power transformation and power transmission are restored. In another embodiment of the present invention, overload protection is de-asserted only when the AC power source of controller 73 is removed and restarted.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a correspondence between the operating frequency generated by clock generator 96 and the compensation signal V COM .
  • V CS-LIMIT voltage level of compensation signal
  • the operating frequency is adjusted to be heavy-loading frequency f HEAVY , which may be 65 kHz in one embodiment of the present invention.
  • V OLP critical voltage
  • the operating frequency is adjusted to be overloaded frequency f OverLoad , which may be 130 kHz in one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the operating frequency is at least heavy-loading frequency f HEAVY .
  • the peak of the inductive current is approximately controlled to be fixed to I CS — LIMIT , because of the restriction provided by comparator 82 .
  • the operating frequency is equal to overloaded frequency f OverLoad , instead of heavy-loading frequency f HEAVY , where overloaded frequency f OverLoad is higher than heavy-loading frequency f HEAVY .
  • overloaded frequency f OverLoad can be double or triple heavy-loading frequency f HEAVY .
  • transformer 64 is prevented from saturating.
  • the current I CS — LIMIT can be set to a maximum current before the transformer 64 saturates. Therefore, as long as transformer 64 does not saturate, the output power of power supply 90 can be temporarily raised merely by raising the operating frequency of controller 73 to the overloaded frequency f OverLoad .
  • the tolerable duration can be adjusted externally. As mentioned before, the tolerable duration is independent of the operating frequency, and is determined by the clock oscillator formed by both current supply 85 and external capacitor 75 . Therefore, the tolerable duration can be determined easily by appropriately choosing the capacitance of external capacitor 75 . However, if the tolerable duration is a few seconds, the clock oscillator will introduce large integrated circuit area if completely formed by integrated circuits. Thus, use of external capacitor 75 to adjust the tolerable duration saves significant circuit layout area.
  • the switched-mode power supply is described for flyback topology, but the embodiments of the present invention can also be utilized in down-converting and up-converting switched-mode power supplies.

Abstract

A power supply has an inductor and determines loading state of the power supply according to a compensation signal. When the loading state is determined to be a light loading state or a no-loading state, a switch is operated at a low operating frequency. When the loading state is determined to be a heavy loading state, the switch is operated at a high operating frequency. If the compensation signal exceeds a critical value, it is determined that the loading state is an overloaded state. When the overloaded state continues past a tolerable duration, the switch is turned off. The tolerable duration is determined by an external capacitor and is independent of the operating frequency.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The present invention is related to an overloading limitation of a switched-mode power supply (SMPS).
  • 2. Description of the Prior Art
  • A power supply is a kind of power management device that transforms power from a power source to provide transformed power to an electronic device or component. FIG. 1 illustrates conventional power supply 60, which employs a flyback topology. In FIG. 1, bridge rectifier 62 is utilized for rectifying AC power VAC to provide input power VIN to transformer 64. When switch 72 is close-circuited, primary winding LP of transformer 64 is charged. When switch 72 is open-circuited, secondary winding Ls of transformer 64 discharges to load capacitor 69 via rectifier 66 to generate output power VOUT. Error amplifier EA compares voltage levels of output power VOUT and target voltage VTARGET to generate a compensation signal VCOM. Controller 74 controls switch 72 with the aid of control signal VGATE according to both compensation signal VCOM and current detection signal VCS, which correspond to inductive current flowing through primary winding LP.
  • Many types of protection may be added to power supply 60, including over-voltage protection (OVP), over-temperature protection (OTP), and overload protection (OLP). Overload protection is used when output current loading of power supply 60 is too high, and when the power supply provides power exceeding a predetermined output power level.
  • Overload protection may be implemented by limiting output current, or by limiting the inductive current flowing through primary winding LP. Both implementations are intended to prevent power outputted by the power supply from exceeding a certain level.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional power supply acquiring a flyback topology.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates part of the controller and the external capacitor shown in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a correspondence between the operating frequency generated by the clock generator and the compensation signal.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Please refer to FIG. 2, which illustrates power supply 90 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar reference numerals are used in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to indicate same elements, same devices, or same signals, and are not described repeatedly for brevity. Embodiments generated by using elements the same as or similar to elements shown in FIG. 1 should be regarded as embodiments of the present invention. Scope of the present invention should also follow claims of the present invention.
  • In an embodiment, controller 73 shown in FIG. 2 is implemented by a single integrated circuit. In another embodiment, controller 73 and switch 72 are implemented in a single integrated circuit. A difference between controllers 73 and 74 lies in addition of pin CT of controller 73 shown in FIG. 2, where controller 73 is coupled to external capacitor 75 via pin CT.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates part of controller 73 and external capacitor 75 shown in FIG. 2. Comparator 82 is utilized for providing over-current protection, and is a peak limiter for preventing any peak of current detection signal VCS from exceeding voltage VCS -LIMIT. A peak of the inductive current flowing through the primary winding LP is also prevented from exceeding peak current ICS LIMIT VCS-LIMIT/RCS), where RCS indicates resistance of resistor CS. Comparator 84 controls an approximate peak of the inductive current flowing through primary winding LP according to compensation signal VCOM. Voltage level of compensation signal VCOM corresponds to power required for sustaining a current output voltage or a loading state related to the current output voltage. Compensation signal VCOM also determines output operating frequency of clock generator 96, i.e. operating frequency of switch 72 shown in FIG. 2. For example, a low voltage level of compensation signal VCOM indicates a light loading state or a no-loading state, so that a corresponding operating frequency may be equal to 20 kHz. A high voltage level of compensation signal VCOM indicates a heavy loading state, so that a corresponding operating frequency may be equal to 65 kHz. The heavy loading state, the light loading state, and the no-loading state are all regarded as normal loading states.
  • Current supplier 85 provides a charge/discharge current to external capacitor 75 via pin CT. A combination of current supplier 85 and external capacitor 75 may be regarded as a clock oscillator, i.e. forming a clock oscillator. When the compensation signal VCOM is higher than critical voltage VOLP for overload protection, i.e. when an overload event occurs, power supply 90 is determined to begin operating in an overloaded state, and comparator 88 starts counter 92 counting according to a clock signal outputted by the clock oscillator. Once comparator 94 determines that the output of counter 92 fulfills a predetermined condition, indicating the overload event has continued past a tolerable duration, comparator 94 begins outputting an overload limiting signal for triggering overload protection, and logic control unit 86 keeps switch 72 turned off to stop power transformation and power transmission. If the compensation signal VCOM drops below the critical voltage VOLP before the tolerable duration is exceeded, i.e. when power supply 90 leaves the overloaded state, counter 92 is reset, and switch 72 continues to be operated at the operating frequency provided by clock generator 96. A combination of current provider 85, comparator 88, counter 92, and comparator 94 may be regarded as an overload limiter. In another embodiment of the present invention, comparator 94 is omitted, and whether to trigger overload protection or not is determined directly according to an output bit having value of logical 0 or logical 1.
  • It can be seen from the illustration of controller 73 shown in FIG. 3 that the tolerable duration indicates a maximum duration tolerable for power supply 90 to be in the overloaded state, where the tolerable duration is determined according to both the frequency provided by the clock oscillator, which includes at least current provider 85 and external capacitor 75, and a predetermined condition defined by comparator 94. The tolerable duration is independent of variation of the operating frequency generated by clock generator 96. For example, in design, comparator 94 is built in an integrated circuit so that external factors cannot change settings of comparator 94, and the frequency of the clock oscillator can be determined according to capacitance of external capacitor 75. Therefore, the tolerable duration can be easily adjusted by selecting an appropriate capacitance for external capacitor 75.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, after overload protection is triggered, overload protection is de-asserted once compensation signal VCOM drops below critical voltage VOLP, so that power transformation and power transmission are restored. In another embodiment of the present invention, overload protection is de-asserted only when the AC power source of controller 73 is removed and restarted.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a correspondence between the operating frequency generated by clock generator 96 and the compensation signal VCOM. When the voltage level of compensation signal VCOM reaches voltage VCS-LIMIT, i.e. when heavy loading occurs, the operating frequency is adjusted to be heavy-loading frequency fHEAVY, which may be 65 kHz in one embodiment of the present invention. When the voltage level of compensation signal VCOM reaches critical voltage VOLP for overload protection, i.e. when the overloaded state is triggered, the operating frequency is adjusted to be overloaded frequency fOverLoad, which may be 130 kHz in one embodiment of the present invention. When the peak of the inductive current flowing through primary winding LP is roughly equal to ICS LIMIT, the operating frequency is at least heavy-loading frequency fHEAVY. During the tolerable duration, i.e. when compensation signal VCOM is higher than critical voltage VOLP for overload protection, the peak of the inductive current is approximately controlled to be fixed to ICS LIMIT, because of the restriction provided by comparator 82. However, the operating frequency is equal to overloaded frequency fOverLoad, instead of heavy-loading frequency fHEAVY, where overloaded frequency fOverLoad is higher than heavy-loading frequency fHEAVY. For example, overloaded frequency fOverLoad can be double or triple heavy-loading frequency fHEAVY.
  • The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention provide two advantages. First, transformer 64 is prevented from saturating. The current ICS LIMIT can be set to a maximum current before the transformer 64 saturates. Therefore, as long as transformer 64 does not saturate, the output power of power supply 90 can be temporarily raised merely by raising the operating frequency of controller 73 to the overloaded frequency fOverLoad. Second, the tolerable duration can be adjusted externally. As mentioned before, the tolerable duration is independent of the operating frequency, and is determined by the clock oscillator formed by both current supply 85 and external capacitor 75. Therefore, the tolerable duration can be determined easily by appropriately choosing the capacitance of external capacitor 75. However, if the tolerable duration is a few seconds, the clock oscillator will introduce large integrated circuit area if completely formed by integrated circuits. Thus, use of external capacitor 75 to adjust the tolerable duration saves significant circuit layout area.
  • The switched-mode power supply is described for flyback topology, but the embodiments of the present invention can also be utilized in down-converting and up-converting switched-mode power supplies.
  • Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention.

Claims (17)

What is claimed is:
1. A controlling method utilized in a power supply comprising a switch and an inductive element, the controlling method comprising:
detecting an inductive current flowing through the inductive element;
determining the power supply under a normal loading state or an overloaded state according to a feedback signal;
controlling a peak of the inductive current to be smaller than or equal to a constant magnitude and controlling the switch to be operated in a first frequency when the power supply is operated under the normal loading state;
controlling the peak of the inductive current to be approximately the constant magnitude and controlling the switch to be operated in a second frequency when the power supply is operated under the overloaded state, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency;
calculating a duration during which the power supply is operated under the overloaded state; and
stopping the inductive current when the duration exceeds a tolerable duration;
wherein the tolerable duration is independent of variation of the operating frequency.
2. The controlling method of claim 1 further comprising:
adapting the operating frequency according to the feedback signal.
3. The controlling method of claim 1 further comprising:
resetting a counter for calculating the duration when the power supply leaves the overloaded state.
4. The controlling method of claim 1 further comprising:
providing a clock generator to generate the operating frequency;
wherein the tolerable duration is independent of the operating frequency.
5. A power supply comprising:
a controller, for controlling an inductive current flowing through an inductive element, the controller comprising:
a clock generator for generating an operating frequency;
a current limiter for controlling a peak of the inductive current to be approximately a constant magnitude, wherein when the current limiter controls the peak to be approximately the constant magnitude, the operating frequency is lower than or equal to a first frequency; and
an overloading limiter comprising:
an overloading identifier for identifying whether the power supply should enter an overloaded state according to a feedback signal, wherein when the power supply is operated in the overloaded state, the operating frequency is a second frequency higher than the first frequency; and
a current supply, for providing a charging/discharging current to an external capacitor and for calculating a duration during which the power supply is operated in the overloaded state;
wherein when the duration exceeds a tolerable duration, the controller stops the inductive current, and the tolerable duration is independent from variation of the operating frequency.
6. A power controller utilized for a power supply comprising an inductive element and a switch, the power controller comprising:
a first comparator, for receiving a compensation signal and a current detection signal to control the switch, wherein the current detection signal corresponds to an inductive current flowing through the inductive element, the compensation signal corresponds to a loading state of the power supply, and the first comparator is utilized for approximately determining a peak of the inductive current according to the compensation signal;
a clock generator, for roughly providing an operating frequency of the switch according to the compensation signal, wherein the operating frequency is a high operating frequency when the loading state is a heavy loading state and the operating frequency is a low operating frequency when the loading state is a light loading state or a no-loading state; and
an overloading limiter, comprising a charge/discharge device coupled to an external capacitor, for detecting the compensation signal to determine whether an overload event occurs, and for outputting an overload limiting signal to turn off the switch when a tolerable duration is exceeded after the overload event occurs;
wherein the external capacitor and the charge/discharge device forming a clock oscillator, and the tolerable duration is determined by the external capacitor and independent of the clock oscillator.
7. The power controller of claim 6 wherein the overloading limiter further comprises:
a second comparator, for comparing the feedback signal with a critical signal and outputting an overload signal indicating the overload event occurred if the compensation signal is higher than the critical signal; and
a counter coupled to the second comparator, for receiving a clock signal and starting to count when the comparator outputs the overload signal;
wherein the overload limiting signal is outputted after an the overload signal outputted from the counter fulfills a condition.
8. The power controller of claim 7, wherein a frequency of the clock signal is determined by both the external capacitor and the charge/discharge device, and the tolerable duration is related to both the condition and the frequency of the clock signal.
9. The power controller of claim 6, wherein the clock oscillator determines the operating frequency to be an overloaded frequency higher than the high operating frequency within the tolerable duration after the occurrence of the overloading event.
10. The power controller of claim 6 further comprising:
a peak limiter, for detecting the current detection signal and outputting a peak limiting signal to control the switch, and thereby approximately limiting the peak of the inductive current to be a limit peak.
11. The power controller of claim 10, wherein the peak of the inductive current is the limit peak within the tolerable duration after the occurrence of the overload event.
12. A power controlling method utilized for a power supply, the power supply comprising an inductive element and a switch, the power controlling method comprising:
determining a loading state of the power supply according to a compensation signal, controlling the switch to be operated under a high operating frequency when the loading state is a heavy loading state, and controlling the switch to be operated under a low operating frequency when the loading state is a light loading state or a no-loading state; and
determining the loading state to be an overloaded state when the compensation signal exceeds a critical value, and turning off the switch when the overloaded state lasts beyond a tolerable duration;
wherein the tolerable duration is determined according to an external capacitor and is independent of both the high and low operating frequencies for operating the switch.
13. The power controlling method of claim 12 wherein the switch is controlled to be operated under an overloaded frequency higher than the high operating frequency within the tolerable duration when the loading state is the overloaded state.
14. The power controlling method of claim 12 further comprising:
detecting an inductive current flowing through the inductive element for generating a current detection signal; and
roughly determining a peak of the inductive current according to both the compensation signal and the current detection signal.
15. The power controlling method of claim 14 further comprising:
providing a limit signal for limiting a peak of the inductive current to approximately be a limit peak;
wherein the peak of the inductive current is limited to be the limit peak within the tolerable duration after the compensation signal exceeds the critical value.
16. A power controlling method utilized for a power supply, the power supply comprising an inductive element and being controlled by a switch to charge or discharge for generating an output power, the power controlling method comprising:
providing a clock generator for roughly providing an operating frequency of the switch;
detecting a loading state of the power supply;
adjusting the operating frequency according to the loading state, wherein the operating frequency is a first frequency when the loading state is a heavy loading state;
controlling the operating frequency to approximately be a second frequency higher than the first frequency within a tolerable duration when the loading state is an overloaded state; and
ceasing operations of the switch after the tolerable duration is exceeded;
wherein the tolerable duration is independent of a clock oscillator.
17. The power controlling method of claim 16 further comprising:
providing a compensation signal according to a voltage level of the output power;
wherein detecting the loading state of the power supply comprises:
comparing the compensation signal with a critical signal, and determining the loading state to be the overloaded state when the compensation signal is higher than the critical signal.
US13/236,667 2011-09-20 2011-09-20 Controlling Method, Power Supply, Power Controller, and Power Controlling Method Abandoned US20130070483A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/236,667 US20130070483A1 (en) 2011-09-20 2011-09-20 Controlling Method, Power Supply, Power Controller, and Power Controlling Method
US14/568,124 US9405354B2 (en) 2011-09-20 2014-12-12 Controlling method, power controller, and power controlling method

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/236,667 US20130070483A1 (en) 2011-09-20 2011-09-20 Controlling Method, Power Supply, Power Controller, and Power Controlling Method

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/568,124 Continuation US9405354B2 (en) 2011-09-20 2014-12-12 Controlling method, power controller, and power controlling method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20130070483A1 true US20130070483A1 (en) 2013-03-21

Family

ID=47880522

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/236,667 Abandoned US20130070483A1 (en) 2011-09-20 2011-09-20 Controlling Method, Power Supply, Power Controller, and Power Controlling Method
US14/568,124 Active US9405354B2 (en) 2011-09-20 2014-12-12 Controlling method, power controller, and power controlling method

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/568,124 Active US9405354B2 (en) 2011-09-20 2014-12-12 Controlling method, power controller, and power controlling method

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US20130070483A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150155786A1 (en) * 2013-12-02 2015-06-04 Grenergy Opto Inc. Controllers and Related Control Methods for Generating Signals Representing an Output Current to a Load in a Switched Mode Power Supply

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10554237B1 (en) * 2019-06-21 2020-02-04 Motorola Solutions, Inc. Apparatus and method for accessory detection in a portable communication device

Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6294904B1 (en) * 1999-08-04 2001-09-25 Hewlett-Packard Company Multiple frequency switching power supply and methods to operate a switching power supply
US20050258812A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2005-11-24 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Dc-dc converter
US20080025054A1 (en) * 2006-07-31 2008-01-31 System General Corp. Method and apparatus providing protection for power converter
US7522431B2 (en) * 2007-04-23 2009-04-21 Active-Semi International, Inc. Constant current and voltage controller in a four-pin package with dual-use pin
US20090201705A1 (en) * 2008-02-07 2009-08-13 Panasonic Corporation Energy converting apparatus, and semiconductor device and switching control method used therein
US20090206814A1 (en) * 2008-02-18 2009-08-20 On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Method and system for efficient power control with multiple modes
US7643313B2 (en) * 2007-05-22 2010-01-05 System General Corporation Power converter for compensating maximum output power and PWM controller for the same
US7782638B2 (en) * 2005-09-22 2010-08-24 Panasonic Corporation Switching power supply device, semiconductor device, and control method
US7906943B2 (en) * 2007-12-20 2011-03-15 Microsemi Corporation Boost converter with adaptive coil peak current
US20110103101A1 (en) * 2007-02-19 2011-05-05 Fuji Electric Device Technology Co., Ltd Integrated control circuit for controlling a switching power supply, switching power supply incorporating the same, and a method of controlling a switching power supply
US20110182089A1 (en) * 2010-01-22 2011-07-28 Genannt Berghegger Ralf Schroeder Controller for a Power Converter and Method of Operating the Same
US8009445B2 (en) * 2007-10-18 2011-08-30 Sanken Electric Co., Ltd. Switching power source apparatus
US8085558B2 (en) * 2008-01-31 2011-12-27 Fairchild Korea Semiconductor, Ltd. Resonant converter
US8089781B2 (en) * 2005-07-08 2012-01-03 Power Integrations, Inc. Method and apparatus to limit maximum switch current in a switching power supply
US8102679B2 (en) * 2008-08-15 2012-01-24 Infineon Technologies Ag Utilization of a multifunctional pin to control a switched-mode power converter
US8289732B2 (en) * 2008-12-23 2012-10-16 Iwatt Inc. Controller for switching power converter driving BJT based on primary side adaptive digital control
US20130033905A1 (en) * 2011-08-04 2013-02-07 On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Systems and methods for flyback power converters with switching frequency and peak current adjustments based on changes in feedback signals
US20130033902A1 (en) * 2011-08-02 2013-02-07 Power Integrations, Inc. Smooth mode transition plateau for a power supply controller
US8391028B2 (en) * 2009-06-19 2013-03-05 Leadtrend Technology Corp. Control methods for switching power supplies

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20050048692A (en) * 2002-10-21 2005-05-24 어드밴스드 파워 테크놀로지 인코포레이티드 Ac-dc power converter having high input power factor and low harmonic distortion
TWI277854B (en) 2005-02-21 2007-04-01 System General Corp Switching controller having output power limitation and brownout protection
TWI269508B (en) 2005-04-11 2006-12-21 System General Corp An over-power protection apparatus
TWI306187B (en) 2005-10-13 2009-02-11 System General Corp An over-power protection apparatus with programmable over-current threshold for a power converter
US8089791B2 (en) 2006-12-14 2012-01-03 System General Corp. Compensation circuit and compensation method for current mode power converters
TW201134073A (en) * 2010-03-22 2011-10-01 Skynet Electronic Co Ltd Series resonant converter with overload delay and short circuit protection mechanism
US8755199B2 (en) * 2012-06-20 2014-06-17 Semiconductor Components Industries, Llc Control circuit for a resonant converter or the like and method therefor

Patent Citations (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6294904B1 (en) * 1999-08-04 2001-09-25 Hewlett-Packard Company Multiple frequency switching power supply and methods to operate a switching power supply
US20050258812A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2005-11-24 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Dc-dc converter
US8089781B2 (en) * 2005-07-08 2012-01-03 Power Integrations, Inc. Method and apparatus to limit maximum switch current in a switching power supply
US20130058138A1 (en) * 2005-07-08 2013-03-07 Alex B. Djenguerian Method and apparatus to limit maximum switch current in a switching power supply
US7782638B2 (en) * 2005-09-22 2010-08-24 Panasonic Corporation Switching power supply device, semiconductor device, and control method
US20080025054A1 (en) * 2006-07-31 2008-01-31 System General Corp. Method and apparatus providing protection for power converter
US20110103101A1 (en) * 2007-02-19 2011-05-05 Fuji Electric Device Technology Co., Ltd Integrated control circuit for controlling a switching power supply, switching power supply incorporating the same, and a method of controlling a switching power supply
US7522431B2 (en) * 2007-04-23 2009-04-21 Active-Semi International, Inc. Constant current and voltage controller in a four-pin package with dual-use pin
US7643313B2 (en) * 2007-05-22 2010-01-05 System General Corporation Power converter for compensating maximum output power and PWM controller for the same
US8009445B2 (en) * 2007-10-18 2011-08-30 Sanken Electric Co., Ltd. Switching power source apparatus
US7906943B2 (en) * 2007-12-20 2011-03-15 Microsemi Corporation Boost converter with adaptive coil peak current
US8085558B2 (en) * 2008-01-31 2011-12-27 Fairchild Korea Semiconductor, Ltd. Resonant converter
US20090201705A1 (en) * 2008-02-07 2009-08-13 Panasonic Corporation Energy converting apparatus, and semiconductor device and switching control method used therein
US20090206814A1 (en) * 2008-02-18 2009-08-20 On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Method and system for efficient power control with multiple modes
US8102679B2 (en) * 2008-08-15 2012-01-24 Infineon Technologies Ag Utilization of a multifunctional pin to control a switched-mode power converter
US8289732B2 (en) * 2008-12-23 2012-10-16 Iwatt Inc. Controller for switching power converter driving BJT based on primary side adaptive digital control
US8391028B2 (en) * 2009-06-19 2013-03-05 Leadtrend Technology Corp. Control methods for switching power supplies
US20110182089A1 (en) * 2010-01-22 2011-07-28 Genannt Berghegger Ralf Schroeder Controller for a Power Converter and Method of Operating the Same
US20130033902A1 (en) * 2011-08-02 2013-02-07 Power Integrations, Inc. Smooth mode transition plateau for a power supply controller
US20130033905A1 (en) * 2011-08-04 2013-02-07 On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Systems and methods for flyback power converters with switching frequency and peak current adjustments based on changes in feedback signals

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150155786A1 (en) * 2013-12-02 2015-06-04 Grenergy Opto Inc. Controllers and Related Control Methods for Generating Signals Representing an Output Current to a Load in a Switched Mode Power Supply
US9190918B2 (en) * 2013-12-02 2015-11-17 Grenergy Opto Inc. Controllers and related control methods for generating signals representing an output current to a load in a switched mode power supply

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US9405354B2 (en) 2016-08-02
US20150100807A1 (en) 2015-04-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8009445B2 (en) Switching power source apparatus
US9124184B2 (en) DC/DC converter
JP5056055B2 (en) Integrated circuit for switching power supply control and switching power supply device
US7375987B2 (en) Resonant switching power source apparatus
US8054600B2 (en) Switching power supply device
TWI393333B (en) Controller chip and protection method for a power converter
JP5707797B2 (en) Integrated circuit device for switching power supply control
US20120014145A1 (en) Startup circuit
US20110110125A1 (en) Method and apparatus to limit maximum switch current in a switching power supply
US9735684B2 (en) Controllers, power supplies and control methods
TWI451652B (en) Power controllers and power management control methods
EP2278698A2 (en) Protecting switching power supply from fault condition
US7826239B2 (en) Overload protection delay circuit for switching power supply
US7978487B2 (en) Switching power supply and over-temperature protection method
US9106140B2 (en) DC/DC converter
US20160315541A1 (en) Control circuit and method of a power converter
US9385614B2 (en) Switching power supply
JP5176551B2 (en) AC detection circuit and DC power supply device
US9405354B2 (en) Controlling method, power controller, and power controlling method
US20100149712A1 (en) Digital Overcurrent Protection Device for a Power Supply Device and Related Power Supply Device
TWI427884B (en) Control methods, power control methods, power supplies, controllers and power supply controllers
JP6842252B2 (en) Insulation synchronous rectification type DC / DC converter, its protection method, power adapter and electronic equipment
JP2018113811A (en) Switching power source apparatus
KR101984313B1 (en) Circuit for sensing overload and short, circuit and method for protecting converter
JP2001016863A (en) Electric power unit

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: LEADTREND TECHNOLOGY CORP., TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HUANG, YU-YUN;REEL/FRAME:026930/0508

Effective date: 20110919

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION