Clamped-inductance power converter apparatus with transient current limiting capability and operating methods therefor
US6606259B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S323/908
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power converter apparatus, such as a DC—DC converter, includes a switch that controls current transfer between an input port and an inductance. A control circuit is operative, while current is being transferred between the inductance and a clamping circuit, to control the switch responsive to a current in the inductance. For example, the control circuit may include a current sensor configured to be coupled in series with the inductance and a switch control circuit operative to control the first switch responsive to a current sense signal generated by the current sensor. The switch control circuit may be operative to prevent transition of the switch from the first state to the second state until the current sense signal meets a predetermined criterion, e.g., a signal state indicative of a desired current condition, such as a current approximating zero or a current reversal. Related operating methods are also discussed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.