The InnoSwitch4 controller with ClampZero functions as an active clamp Flyback power supply allowing zero voltage switching operation for improved efficiency and higher power density. To ensure optimal operation of such a power supply, it is critical to account for the system parasitic elements to achieve the design targets. PI Expert uses a simulation engine that has been developed specifically to aid the intricate design process for the InnoSwitch4 family.
The designer can perform one of the following actions to evaluate their design.
The ‘Simulate’ button simulates the power supply design without changing any components. Once simulation is complete, PI Expert will evaluate the design and list any issues that it detected in the audit window.
The 'Synthesize' button attempts to provide the user with a valid design based on the specifications and other key parameters. Since design key parameters such as controller’s switching frequency, VOR, etc. are required to initialize the design and pick components, they remain unchanged during synthesis. It initializes the design based on calculations and empirical data and validates it using simulation. If its first iteration is not successful, the algorithm repeats the process up to 5 times, attempting to produce a valid design. Any remaining design violations will be displayed in the audit window.
‘Optimize’ is based on ‘Synthesize’, except that it selects the key parameters to produce a valid design based on the score function in the optimization dialog. It achieves this by considering possible valid combinations of key parameters and the corresponding designs based on numerical calculations and estimates. Potentially valid designs are included in the ‘Initial Solution Set’. These designs are then ordered based on the score function, simulated, and re-scored to create a list of optimal designs that can be evaluated by the designer.
PI Expert will display a ‘Simulation Required’ message if the design specifications, key parameters, or component selection have been modified. This will require a re-simulation of the circuit so that the resulting design parameters can be determined. In such cases the designer will have to either Simulate, Synthesize or Optimize the design.