{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853547","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853547","title":"Methods and apparatus for adaptive timing for zero voltage transition power converters","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-12-31T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H02M","H02M","H02M"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"An example apparatus includes a first switch having a control terminal, coupled to a voltage source and coupled to a switch node; a second switch having a control terminal, coupled to the switch node and to a voltage reference; a first inductor coupled to the switch node and to a load; a third switch having a control terminal, coupled to the voltage source and to an auxiliary node; a fourth switch having a control terminal, coupled to the auxiliary node and to the voltage reference; a second inductor coupled to the switch node and the auxiliary node; a fifth switch having a control terminal, coupled to the switch node and to the auxiliary node; and timing circuitry configured to output signals to the control terminals of the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, the fourth switch and the fifth switch to supply current to the load."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Methods and Apparatus for Adaptive Timing for Zero Voltage Transition Power Converters patent introduces a novel approach to enhancing power conversion efficiency by dynamically optimizing switch timing in power converters. The core innovation lies in its ability to adaptively adjust the timing of switches, minimizing the overlap of voltage and current during switching events, thereby reducing power loss. This technology addresses the long-standing problem of switching losses in power converters, which significantly limit overall system efficiency. The system employs sophisticated control circuitry to analyze the converter's operating conditions and adjust the switching timing accordingly. This adaptive approach ensures that the voltage and current are nearly zero during switching, minimizing energy dissipation. The business value of this patent is substantial. Reduced switching losses translate to higher overall efficiency, lower operating temperatures, and increased reliability. This technology is particularly relevant in high-frequency power converters, where switching losses are a major source of inefficiency. The market opportunity for this innovation is vast, encompassing industries such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and data centers. These sectors are increasingly reliant on efficient power conversion to maximize energy harvesting, improve battery life, and reduce energy consumption. The Methods and Apparatus for Adaptive Timing for Zero Voltage Transition Power Converters patent represents a significant advancement in power electronics technology, offering a pathway to more efficient and reliable power conversion systems.","layman_explanation":"The Methods and Apparatus for Adaptive Timing for Zero Voltage Transition Power Converters patent addresses a fundamental challenge in power electronics: how to minimize energy loss during the switching process in power converters. Power converters are essential components in many devices and systems, from laptops and smartphones to electric vehicles and renewable energy installations. These converters transform electrical power from one form to another, such as converting AC voltage to DC voltage. However, a significant amount of energy is often lost during the switching process, when the converter's switches turn on and off. Existing solutions to this problem have limitations. Traditional power converters often rely on fixed switching frequencies and timing, which may not be optimal for all operating conditions. This can lead to increased switching losses, reduced efficiency, and higher operating temperatures. The Methods and Apparatus for Adaptive Timing for Zero Voltage Transition Power Converters patent offers a more sophisticated and adaptive approach. Instead of relying on fixed timing, this technology dynamically adjusts the timing of the switches based on real-time operating conditions. This adaptive approach ensures that the voltage and current are nearly zero during switching, minimizing energy dissipation. The innovation works by employing sophisticated control circuitry to monitor the converter's operating conditions and adjust the switching timing accordingly. This circuitry analyzes the voltage and current waveforms and calculates the optimal timing for the switches to turn on and off. This technology matters because it has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of power converters in a wide range of applications. By reducing switching losses, this technology can lead to lower energy consumption, longer battery life, and reduced operating costs. The market impact of this technology is substantial. As the demand for energy efficiency continues to grow, the Methods and Apparatus for Adaptive Timing for Zero Voltage Transition Power Converters patent offers a compelling solution for industries seeking to reduce their energy footprint. Future applications of this technology include integration into electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and data centers. The market adoption timeline for this technology is expected to be relatively rapid, as the benefits of improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption are readily apparent. Investment implications include opportunities for venture capital firms and strategic investors to capitalize on the growth of the efficient power conversion market.","technical_analysis":"The Methods and Apparatus for Adaptive Timing for Zero Voltage Transition Power Converters patent details a system designed to minimize switching losses in power converters through adaptive timing control. The technical architecture involves a sophisticated control loop that monitors voltage and current levels and dynamically adjusts the switching timing of power transistors. This is achieved by implementing a zero-voltage transition (ZVT) technique, ensuring that the switches turn on or off when the voltage across them is near zero. The implementation details include the use of high-speed comparators, microcontrollers, and gate drivers to achieve precise timing control. The algorithm specifics involve predictive control methods, where the system anticipates the voltage and current waveforms and adjusts the switching timing accordingly. Integration patterns include the use of pulse-width modulation (PWM) techniques to control the duty cycle of the switches. The performance characteristics of the system are characterized by reduced switching losses, improved efficiency, and lower electromagnetic interference (EMI). The code-level implications involve the development of firmware for the microcontroller that implements the adaptive timing control algorithm. This firmware must be optimized for real-time performance and accuracy. The Methods and Apparatus for Adaptive Timing for Zero Voltage Transition Power Converters patent provides a significant improvement in power converter efficiency by minimizing switching losses through adaptive timing control. The system's sophisticated control loop and predictive control methods enable precise timing control, resulting in improved performance and reduced EMI.","business_analysis":"The Methods and Apparatus for Adaptive Timing for Zero Voltage Transition Power Converters patent presents a significant market opportunity within the power electronics industry. The core value proposition is the reduction of switching losses in power converters, leading to increased efficiency, lower operating temperatures, and improved reliability. The market opportunity size is substantial, encompassing industries such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and data centers. These sectors are increasingly reliant on efficient power conversion to maximize energy harvesting, improve battery life, and reduce energy consumption. The competitive advantages of this technology include its ability to adaptively adjust the timing of switches, ensuring that the voltage and current are nearly zero during switching. This adaptive approach results in significantly lower switching losses compared to conventional power converters. The revenue potential for this technology is high, as it can be licensed to power converter manufacturers and integrated into a wide range of products. The business models for this technology include licensing, product integration, and service offerings. The strategic positioning of this technology is in the high-efficiency power conversion market, where it can compete with existing technologies based on its superior performance and reliability. The ROI projections for this technology are favorable, as the reduced switching losses translate to significant energy savings and improved system performance. The Methods and Apparatus for Adaptive Timing for Zero Voltage Transition Power Converters patent offers a compelling business opportunity for companies seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient power conversion technologies.","faqs":null,"topics":["adaptive timing","power converters","zero voltage transition","switching losses","power electronics","methods","apparatus","adaptive"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Adaptive Timing Power Converters - Patent US-9853547","description":"Discover how this adaptive timing power converter patent reduces switching losses and improves efficiency. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["adaptive timing","power converters","zero voltage transition","switching losses","power electronics","efficiency","patent","patent US-9853547"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853547","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853547","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Methods and apparatus for adaptive timing for zero voltage transition power converters\" (US-9853547). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853547","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853547","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853547","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T12:35:23.551Z"}