Patents by Inventor Marc Fahlenkamp
Marc Fahlenkamp has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20240007000Abstract: An asymmetric half bridge flyback converter, comprising a first primary side switching device and a second primary side switching device coupled in series between a supply voltage and a reference potential, a transformer, wherein one end of a primary side winding of the transformer is coupled to a node between the first primary side switching device and the second primary side switching device, a capacitor, wherein a resonant circuit including at least the primary side winding and the capacitor is coupled in parallel to the second primary side switching device, and a controller controlling the switches devices. The second primary side switching device is configured to prevent or reduce current flow in both directions when switched off.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Alfredo Medina-Garcia, Martin KRÜGER, Marc FAHLENKAMP
-
Patent number: 11404962Abstract: Disclosed is a power converter circuit and a method for operating the power converter circuit. The power converter circuit includes at least one converter stage and a control circuit. The at least one converter stage includes an input configured to receive an input power, an output configured to supply an output power, a first electronic switch, and a first inductor coupled to the first electronic switch. The control circuit includes a hysteresis controller configured to drive the first electronic switch based on a current measurement signal representing a current through the inductor, a first threshold signal, and a second threshold signal, and an operating point controller configured to detect an operating point of the converter stage to generate the first threshold signal and the second threshold signal based on the detected operating point.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AGInventors: Dominik Neumayr, Dominik Bortis, Gerald Deboy, Marc Fahlenkamp, Johann Kolar, Martin Krueger, Anthony Sanders
-
Patent number: 10892687Abstract: Power converter controller, asymmetric power converter and method for operating a power converter. Power converter controllers, power converters and method are provided. In some configurations, first and second primary side switches of the power converter are controlled, in each switching cycle such that first a first switch is closed, then a second switch is closed and then again a first switch is closed.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AGInventors: Marc Fahlenkamp, Alfredo Medina-Garcia
-
Patent number: 10879806Abstract: Voltage converter controllers, voltage converter systems and corresponding methods are provided. In normal operation, a voltage converter stage of the system is controlled based on a feedback voltage from an output. In a low power mode, the system is controlled based on a supply voltage provided to a controller of the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AGInventors: Marc Fahlenkamp, Martin Krueger
-
Patent number: 10727751Abstract: A switched-mode power supply includes: a switching converter converts an input voltage into an output voltage in accordance with a switching signal, wherein the switching converter includes a transformer providing galvanic isolation between a primary side and a secondary side of the switching converter; and a wake-up circuit connected to the secondary side of the switching converter, the wake-up circuit coupled to the secondary side of the switching converter and operable to generate a feedback signal that indicates whether the output voltage is greater than or equal to a threshold value. A primary side regulator generates a control signal depending on a reference value and a measured value (VAUX) representing the output voltage. Primary side logic generates the switching signal depending on the control signal. A tracking unit receives the feedback signal via a galvanically isolating component and adjusts the reference voltage based on the feedback signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AGInventors: Marc Fahlenkamp, Torsten Hinz
-
Publication number: 20200112257Abstract: Power converter controller, asymmetric power converter and method for operating a power converter. Power converter controllers, power converters and method are provided. In some configurations, first and second primary side switches of the power converter are controlled, in each switching cycle such that first a first switch is closed, then a second switch is closed and then again a first switch is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: April 9, 2020Inventors: Marc Fahlenkamp, Alfredo Medina-Garcia
-
Patent number: 10547243Abstract: A flyback converter includes a primary-side switch connected to a primary-side winding of a transformer and a secondary-side switch connected to a secondary-side winding of the transformer. The flyback converter is operated by controlling the primary-side switch to store energy in the transformer during ON periods of the primary-side switch, switching on the secondary-side switch synchronously with switching off the primary-side switch to transfer energy from the transformer to the secondary side, determining an off time of the secondary-side switch based on a reflected input voltage measured at the secondary-side winding when the primary-side switch is on, accounting for a settling time of the reflected input voltage when determining the off time of the secondary-side switch so that the settling time has little or no effect on the off time, and switching off the secondary-side switch based on the off time.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AGInventors: Xiaowu Gong, Marc Fahlenkamp, Anthony Sanders
-
Publication number: 20190348916Abstract: Disclosed is a power converter circuit and a method for operating the power converter circuit. The power converter circuit includes at least one converter stage and a control circuit. The at least one converter stage includes an input configured to receive an input power, an output configured to supply an output power, a first electronic switch, and a first inductor coupled to the first electronic switch. The control circuit includes a hysteresis controller configured to drive the first electronic switch based on a current measurement signal representing a current through the inductor, a first threshold signal, and a second threshold signal, and an operating point controller configured to detect an operating point of the converter stage to generate the first threshold signal and the second threshold signal based on the detected operating point.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Inventors: Dominik Neumayr, Dominik Bortis, Gerald Deboy, Marc Fahlenkamp, Johann Kolar, Martin Krueger, Anthony Sanders
-
Publication number: 20190341852Abstract: A switched-mode power supply includes: a switching converter converts an input voltage into an output voltage in accordance with a switching signal, wherein the switching converter includes a transformer providing galvanic isolation between a primary side and a secondary side of the switching converter; and a wake-up circuit connected to the secondary side of the switching converter, the wake-up circuit coupled to the secondary side of the switching converter and operable to generate a feedback signal that indicates whether the output voltage is greater than or equal to a threshold value. A primary side regulator generates a control signal depending on a reference value and a measured value (VAUX) representing the output voltage. Primary side logic generates the switching signal depending on the control signal. A tracking unit receives the feedback signal via a galvanically isolating component and adjusts the reference voltage based on the feedback signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: Marc Fahlenkamp, Torsten Hinz
-
Patent number: 10404171Abstract: Disclosed is a power converter circuit and a method for operating the power converter circuit. The power converter circuit includes at least one converter stage and a control circuit. The at least one converter stage includes an input configured to receive an input power, an output configured to supply an output power, a first electronic switch, and a first inductor coupled to the first electronic switch. The control circuit includes a hysteresis controller configured to drive the first electronic switch based on a current measurement signal representing a current through the inductor, a first threshold signal, and a second threshold signal, and an operating point controller configured to detect an operating point of the converter stage to generate the first threshold signal and the second threshold signal based on the detected operating point.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AGInventors: Dominik Neumayr, Dominik Bortis, Gerald Deboy, Marc Fahlenkamp, Johann Kolar, Martin Krueger, Anthony Sanders
-
Publication number: 20190115837Abstract: Voltage converter controllers, voltage converter systems and corresponding methods are provided. In normal operation, a voltage converter stage of the system is controlled based on a feedback voltage from an output. In a low power mode, the system is controlled based on a supply voltage provided to a controller of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2018Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Marc Fahlenkamp, Martin Krueger
-
Publication number: 20190115846Abstract: A flyback converter includes a primary-side switch connected to a primary-side winding of a transformer and a secondary-side switch connected to a secondary-side winding of the transformer. The flyback converter is operated by controlling the primary-side switch to store energy in the transformer during ON periods of the primary-side switch, switching on the secondary-side switch synchronously with switching off the primary-side switch to transfer energy from the transformer to the secondary side, determining an off time of the secondary-side switch based on a reflected input voltage measured at the secondary-side winding when the primary-side switch is on, accounting for a settling time of the reflected input voltage when determining the off time of the secondary-side switch so that the settling time has little or no effect on the off time, and switching off the secondary-side switch based on the off time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2018Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Xiaowu Gong, Marc Fahlenkamp, Anthony Sanders
-
Publication number: 20180367052Abstract: A flyback converter includes a primary-side switch connected to a primary-side winding of a transformer and a secondary-side switch connected to a secondary-side winding of the transformer. The flyback converter is operated by controlling the primary-side switch to store energy in the transformer during ON periods of the primary-side switch, switching on the secondary-side switch synchronously with switching off the primary-side switch to transfer energy from the transformer to the secondary side, determining an off time of the secondary-side switch based on a reflected input voltage measured at the secondary-side winding when the primary-side switch is on, accounting for a settling time of the reflected input voltage when determining the off time of the secondary-side switch so that the settling time has little or no effect on the off time, and switching off the secondary-side switch based on the off time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2017Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: Xiaowu Gong, Marc Fahlenkamp, Anthony Sanders
-
Patent number: 10158297Abstract: A flyback converter includes a primary-side switch connected to a primary-side winding of a transformer and a secondary-side switch connected to a secondary-side winding of the transformer. The flyback converter is operated by controlling the primary-side switch to store energy in the transformer during ON periods of the primary-side switch, switching on the secondary-side switch synchronously with switching off the primary-side switch to transfer energy from the transformer to the secondary side, determining an off time of the secondary-side switch based on a reflected input voltage measured at the secondary-side winding when the primary-side switch is on, accounting for a settling time of the reflected input voltage when determining the off time of the secondary-side switch so that the settling time has little or no effect on the off time, and switching off the secondary-side switch based on the off time.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AGInventors: Xiaowu Gong, Marc Fahlenkamp, Anthony Sanders
-
Publication number: 20180337600Abstract: Disclosed is a power converter circuit and a method for operating the power converter circuit. The power converter circuit includes at least one converter stage and a control circuit. The at least one converter stage includes an input configured to receive an input power, an output configured to supply an output power, a first electronic switch, and a first inductor coupled to the first electronic switch. The control circuit includes a hysteresis controller configured to drive the first electronic switch based on a current measurement signal representing a current through the inductor, a first threshold signal, and a second threshold signal, and an operating point controller configured to detect an operating point of the converter stage to generate the first threshold signal and the second threshold signal based on the detected operating point.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2018Publication date: November 22, 2018Inventors: Dominik Neumayr, Dominik Bortis, Gerald Deboy, Marc Fahlenkamp, Johann Kolar, Martin Krueger, Anthony Sanders
-
Patent number: 10135272Abstract: A switched mode power supply circuit includes a switching converter receiving an input voltage and generating an output voltage from the input voltage in accordance with a switching signal. A switching controller unit is configured to generate the switching signal in accordance with a control parameter set such that the output voltage matches a set-point.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AGInventors: Marc Fahlenkamp, Martin Krueger, Doris Keitel-Schulz, Sergio Rossi, Christian Wald
-
Patent number: 9973094Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method includes disabling a first electronic switch connected in series with a primary winding of a transformer in a power converter circuit if an auxiliary voltage across an auxiliary winding of the transformer is outside a predefined voltage range. The power converter circuit further includes a secondary winding of the transformer, and a rectifier circuit connected between the secondary winding and an output, where the rectifier circuit comprises a second electronic switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AGInventors: Marc Fahlenkamp, Martin Krueger
-
Publication number: 20180115174Abstract: A switched mode power supply circuit includes a switching converter receiving an input voltage and generating an output voltage from the input voltage in accordance with a switching signal. A switching controller unit is configured to generate the switching signal in accordance with a control parameter set such that the output voltage matches a set-point.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Marc Fahlenkamp, Martin Krueger, Doris Keitel-Schulz, Sergio Rossi, Christian Wald
-
Patent number: 9941798Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a switched-mode power converter includes defining at least one of a minimum switching frequency threshold and a maximum switching frequency threshold; detecting valleys occurring in a voltage over the switching element when the switching element is in an off-state; and either in a quasi-resonant mode, switching the switching element on when an nth consecutive valley occurs, n being an integer equal to or greater than one, so that the actual switching frequency is at least one of: below the maximum switching frequency threshold and above the minimum switching frequency threshold, or in a forced switching frequency mode, switching the switching element on so that the actual switching frequency is the maximum or the minimum switching frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AGInventors: Martin Krueger, Marc Fahlenkamp, Torsten Hinz
-
Patent number: 9893602Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a switched-mode power converter includes driving a switching element in successive drive cycles, in which the switching element is driven to switch on for an on-period and subsequently driven to switch off for an off-period; sampling a feedback signal two or more times during the drive cycles, where the feedback signal includes a signal representative of an operation parameter of the switched-mode power converter and noise. The method further includes filtering the sampled feedback signal to extract the signal representative of the operation parameter from the sampled feedback signal and controlling the switching element according to the filtered feedback signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AGInventors: Martin Krueger, Marc Fahlenkamp, Torsten Hinz