/Patent Tracker
SamsungGranted patentChips & hardwareInterest 2/10

Samsung patents power supply circuit that fixes timing delays in AC to DC conversion

Samsung has been granted a patent for a power supply design that converts alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet into direct current (DC) for electronics. The circuit uses two switching components that turn on and off in a specific sequence to manage the flow of electricity through an inductor. This timing helps ensure the system operates efficiently when the electrical current momentarily drops to zero.

Why it mattersThis is a technical improvement to internal power management that could help make chargers and power adapters slightly more efficient or stable, though it is unlikely to be visible to end users.

In the filing’s own words

The present disclosure provides power supply apparatuses and controlling methods thereof. In some embodiments, a power supply apparatus includes a power factor correction (PFC) circuit, and a control circuit configured to control the PFC circuit. The PFC circuit includes a power inputter configured to receive alternating current voltage to be rectified, an inductor having an end coupled to an end of the power inputter, a first switching element configured to be turned on and off according to a first control signal, a second switching element configured to be turned on and off according to a second control signal, and an outputter configured to output a direct current voltage through an output capacitor. The control circuit is further configured to respectively apply the first and second control signals to the first and second switching elements such that the first and the second switching elements are alternately turned on.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A power supply apparatus, comprising: a power factor correction (PFC) circuit; and a control circuit configured to control an operation of the PFC circuit, wherein the PFC circuit comprises: a power inputter configured to receive alternating current (AC) voltage to be rectified; an inductor having a first end coupled to a first end of the power inputter; a first switching element configured to be turned on and turned off, according to a first control signal, and having a first end coupled to a second end of the inductor; a second switching element configured to be turned on and turned off, according to a second control signal, and having a first end commonly coupled to the second end of the inductor and the first end of the first switching element; and an outputter configured to output a direct current (DC) voltage through an output capacitor, and having a first end coupled to a second end of the second switching element and a second end coupled to a second end of the first switching element, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: apply the first control signal to the first switching element and the second control signal to the second switching element such that the first switching element and the second switching element are alternately turned on, turn off the first switching element through the first control signal based on a predetermined time being elapsed from a time point when the first switching element is turned on while a sensing voltage is less than a control voltage, and turn off the second switching element through the second control signal after a predetermined delay time from a time point when a current of the inductor becomes zero such that the current of the inductor becomes negative to provide energy for zero voltage switching of the first switching element.

Facts

Company
Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
Official title
Power factor correction circuit accounting for zero crossing delay
Patent number
US12749967B2
Application number
18237122
Filed
Aug 23, 2023
Granted
Sep 29, 2026
Inventors
5
Claims
17

Classified under

H02M 1/4225 Electricity & electronicsH02M 1/385 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

More from Samsung in Chips & hardware

Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.