Inverting switching voltage regulator using a charge pump and its operation method

Abstract

An inverting switching regulator and its operation method are provided. The inverting switching regulator is used to generate a negative output voltage based on a positive input voltage. The inverting switching regulator includes: an inductor configured to allow inductor current to flow from a first terminal to a second terminal; a flying capacitor connected to the second terminal of the inductor; and a plurality of switches configured to apply a negative voltage to the second terminal of the inductor by charging the flying capacitor with a positive input voltage during a first phase and by connecting the flying capacitor in series with a ground node and the inductor during a second phase.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0100532, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 16, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The apparatus and method according to the embodiments relate to the generation of negative power supply voltage, and more specifically, to an inverting switching regulator using a charge pump and a method of operating the same. Background Technology

[0004] A power supply voltage can be generated to power electronic components or loads. A switching regulator that generates the power supply voltage based on the input voltage provided by a battery can be used. Additionally, some loads require both negative and positive power supply voltages. Therefore, an inverting switching regulator that generates a negative power supply voltage from a positive input voltage can be used. When generating a large voltage swing using an inverting switching regulator, devices with large breakdown voltages may be required. However, these devices may be inefficient due to high parasitic components, may occupy a large area, and may not be easily integrated with other devices into the same integrated circuit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more embodiments provide an inverting switching regulator and a method of operating thereof, which includes devices that have high efficiency due to low voltage swing.

[0006] According to one aspect of the embodiments, an inverting switching regulator is provided that generates a negative output voltage based on a positive input voltage. The inverting switching regulator includes: an inductor configured to allow inductor current to flow from a first terminal to a second terminal; a flying capacitor connected to the second terminal of the inductor; and a plurality of switches configured to charge the flying capacitor with a positive input voltage during a first phase and to apply a negative voltage to the second terminal of the inductor by connecting the flying capacitor in series with a ground node and the inductor during a second phase.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiments, an inverting switching regulator that generates a negative output voltage based on a positive input voltage is provided. The inverting switching regulator includes: an inductor configured to allow inductor current to flow from a first terminal of the inductor to a second terminal of the inductor; and a flying capacitor configured to be charged by a positive input voltage during a first phase and to induce a negative voltage at the second terminal of the inductor based on the stored charge during a second phase. The inductor current flows to a ground node during the first phase and to the flying capacitor during the second phase.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiments, a method for providing a negative output voltage based on a positive input voltage is provided, the method comprising: charging a flying capacitor with a positive input voltage during a first phase; manipulating an inductor current to sequentially flow through a first terminal and a second terminal of an inductor to a ground node during the first phase; applying a negative voltage to a second terminal of an inductor according to the charge stored in the flying capacitor during a second phase; and manipulating an inductor current to sequentially flow through the first terminal and the second terminal of an inductor to the flying capacitor during the second phase. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an inverting switching regulator according to an embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of an inverting switching regulator according to an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 2 The circuit diagram of the equivalent circuit of the inverting switching regulator;

[0013] Figure 4 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 2 Timing diagram of an example operation of an inverting switching regulator;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of an inverting switching regulator according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 6 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 5 Timing diagram of an example operation of an inverting switching regulator;

[0016] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 5 The circuit diagram of the equivalent circuit of the inverting switching regulator;

[0017] Figure 8 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 5 Timing diagram of an example operation of an inverting switching regulator;

[0018] Figure 9 This is a circuit diagram of an inverting switching regulator according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 10 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 9 The circuit diagram of the equivalent circuit of the inverting switching regulator;

[0020] Figure 11 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 9 Timing diagram of an example operation of an inverting switching regulator;

[0021] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for converting a positive input voltage to a negative output voltage according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for converting a positive input voltage to a negative output voltage according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for converting a positive input voltage to a negative output voltage according to an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for converting a positive input voltage to a negative output voltage according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 16A , Figure 16B and Figure 16C This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for converting a positive input voltage to a negative output voltage according to an embodiment; and

[0026] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an inverting switching regulator 10 according to an embodiment. The inverting switching regulator 10 can receive an input voltage V as a positive voltage through the input node IN. IN Furthermore, the output voltage V, which can be output as a negative voltage, can be output through the output node OUT. OUT Output voltage V OUT It can be used as a power supply voltage for other electronic components or loads. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the inverting switching regulator 10 may include a switching circuit 12, a switching controller 14, and a flying capacitor C. F Inductor L and output capacitor C O In some embodiments, two or more of the components included in the inverting switching regulator 10 may be included in a single package. For example, the switching circuit 12 and the switching controller 14 may be integrated in a single die and may be included in the same semiconductor package. In some embodiments, the inverting switching regulator 10 may include a printed circuit board (PCB), and at least two of the components of the inverting switching regulator 10 may be mounted in the PCB as separate packages.

[0028] Inverting switching regulator 10 refers to generating output voltage V by turning the device on / off. OUT The electronic circuitry. For example, the switching circuit 12 of the inverting switching regulator 10 may include multiple switches, and at least one switch included in the switching circuit 12 can be turned on / off according to the switching control signal C_SW provided by the switching controller 14. Therefore, the inductor current I passing through the inductor L can be manipulated. L The path to generate the output voltage V OUT In this document, a switch may be referred to as being in the ON state when its two ends are electrically connected to each other, and a switch may be referred to as being in the OFF state when its two ends are electrically disconnected from each other (e.g., electrically isolated). Furthermore, two or more components electrically connected by a switch in the ON state may be referred to as a connection, and two or more components that are always electrically connected by a wire may be referred to as a link.

[0029] Please refer to later. Figure 2 Described as an example of the inverting switching regulator 10, the inverting DC-DC converter can be based on the positive input voltage V. IN Generate negative output voltage V OUT For example, an inverting buck converter can generate a voltage higher than the input voltage V. IN The inverted version has a higher output voltage V. OUT (-V IN ≤V OUT ≤0). The inverting boost converter can generate a voltage higher than the input voltage V. IN The inverting version has a low output voltage V OUT (V OUT ≤-V IN ≤0). An inverting buck-boost converter can generate a voltage higher than the input voltage V. IN The inverting version has a low or high output voltage V OUT In some embodiments, the inverting buck-boost converter can be configured to generate a voltage higher than the input voltage V. IN The inverted version has a higher output voltage V. OUT Inverse buck mode (-V IN <V OUT <0), generating a ratio of input voltage V IN The inverting version has a low output voltage V OUT Inverting boost mode (V OUT <-V IN <0) and generate with input voltage V IN The inverted version has a similar level of output voltage V. OUT Inverted buck-boost mode (-V IN ≈V OUTOne of the following. In this document, the inverting buck converter, inverting boost converter, and inverting buck-boost converter may be referred to as buck converter, boost converter, and buck-boost converter, respectively, and the inverting buck mode, inverting boost mode, and inverting buck-boost mode may also be referred to as buck mode, boost mode, and buck-boost mode, respectively. Hereinafter, the inverting switching regulator 10 will be described primarily with reference to a DC-DC converter. However, it will be understood that the embodiments can also be applied to another type of inverting switching regulator, such as an inverting AC-DC converter.

[0030] The switching circuit 12 can receive a switching control signal C_SW from the switching controller 14. The switching circuit 12 may include at least one switch that is turned on / off according to the switching control signal C_SW. Each switch included in the switching circuit 12 may have a structure in which both ends are electrically connected or disconnected according to the switching control signal C_SW provided by the switching controller 14. In some embodiments, the switch may include an n-channel field-effect transistor (NFET) or a p-channel field-effect transistor (PFET) having a gate that receives the switching control signal C_SW. In some embodiments, the switch may include at least one NFET and / or at least one PFET connected in series or in parallel. Additionally, in some embodiments, the switch may include at least one different type of transistor, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT).

[0031] In some embodiments, according to the switch control signal C_SW, the switch circuit 12 can form a first circuit in a first stage P1 and a second circuit in a second stage P2. The first circuit may include a flying capacitor C. F Inductor L and output capacitor C O The second circuit may include a flying capacitor C. F Inductor L and output capacitor C O For example, the first circuit can be connected via input voltage V. IN For flying capacitor C F Charging is performed, and the inductor current I is allowed. L The current flows to ground node GND. In the second circuit, the flying capacitor C... F It can be connected in series with ground node GND and inductor L, and inductor L can be connected according to the storage of flying capacitor C. F The charge in the flying capacitor C F A negative voltage is generated at the first node N1 where the inductor L is connected, allowing the inductor current I to flow. L Flow to flying capacitor C FAt the nodes of the first and second circuits, the voltage swing can be limited. Therefore, the switching circuit 12 can include devices with low breakdown voltage, high efficiency, and reduced area, such as transistors fabricated using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Figure 1 As shown, the positive output current I D The current can flow from the output node OUT to the switching circuit 12, and correspondingly, an output voltage V can be generated at the output node OUT. OUT An example of the switching circuit 12 will be provided later. Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 describe.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the flying capacitor C F The inductor L can be connected at the first node N1. In the first circuit, the first node N1 can be connected to the ground node GND so that the flying capacitor C... F From the input voltage V IN Charging and inductor current I L The current flows to the ground node GND. On the other hand, in the second circuit, the first node N1 can be disconnected from the ground node GND, so that the first node N1 flows according to the flying capacitor C stored in the second circuit. F The charge in the middle has a negative voltage -V IN Output capacitor C O It can be connected to the output node OUT and the ground node GND, and can be charged or discharged to make the output voltage V OUT It can remain constant. In some embodiments, the flying capacitor C F The capacitor, the inductor L, and the output capacitor C O The capacitance can be based on the input voltage V IN Output voltage V OUT Switching frequency and / or load current I O To determine. Additionally, in some embodiments, the flying capacitor C F Inductor L and / or output capacitor C O It can be a discrete device.

[0033] The switch controller 14 can be based on the reference voltage V REF and output voltage V OUT This is used to generate the switch control signal C_SW. For example, the switch controller 14 can generate the signal based on the output voltage V. OUT To generate a feedback voltage, and this feedback voltage can be compared with a reference voltage V. REF A comparison is made to generate a switch control signal C_SW to control the feedback voltage to equalize the reference voltage V. REF Therefore, the output voltage V OUTThe level can be determined by the reference voltage V. REF The level is determined and can be changed by altering the reference voltage V. REF The level is used to change the output voltage V OUT The level. In some embodiments, the switch controller 14 may sense one or more currents (e.g., inductor current I). L Output current I D and load current I O The switch controller 14 can generate a switch control signal C_SW based on the magnitude of the sensed current. In some embodiments, the switch controller 14 may include at least one comparator and at least one logic gate.

[0034] In some embodiments, the output voltage V can be used as a reference. OUT The target level sets the inverting switching regulator 10 to one of three modes: buck, buck-boost, and boost. For example, the switching controller 14 can be based on the input voltage V. IN and reference voltage V REF This is used to set the mode of the inverting switching regulator 10, and a switching control signal C_SW can be generated according to the set mode. In some embodiments, when the output voltage V OUT The target level is higher than that achieved by increasing the input voltage V. IN The negative voltage -V obtained by inversion IN When the voltage is approximately 90% of the rated voltage, the switching controller 14 can set the inverting switching regulator 10 to buck mode, when the output voltage V... OUT The target level is lower than that achieved by input voltage V IN The negative voltage -V obtained by inversion IN When the voltage is approximately 110% of the rated voltage, the switching controller 14 can set the inverting switching regulator 10 to boost mode, when the output voltage V... OUT The target level is not greater than the input voltage V IN The negative voltage -V obtained by inversion IN Approximately 90% and not less than the negative voltage -V IN When the voltage reaches approximately 110%, the switch controller 14 can set the inverting switch regulator 10 to buck-boost mode.

[0035] Switch controller 14 can generate a switch control signal C_SW to cause the flying capacitor C to switch. F The switching circuit 12 serves as a charge pump to generate a negative voltage, and can apply the negative voltage generated by the charge pump to the inductor L when some phases included in the switching cycle begin. In some embodiments, the negative voltage applied to the inductor L may correspond to the input voltage V. IN The negative voltage -V obtained by inversion INTherefore, the voltage applied to each device (i.e., the switch included in the switching circuit 12) can be limited. As a result, the inverting switching regulator 10 can include devices with high efficiency.

[0036] The output voltage V generated by the inverting switching regulator 10 OUT This voltage can be used as a power supply voltage to power electronic components. These electronic components can be referred to as the load of the inverting switching regulator 10. For example, the output voltage V OUT It can be provided to digital circuits for processing digital signals, analog circuits for processing analog signals, and / or RF circuits for processing radio frequency (RF) signals.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of the inverting switching regulator 20 according to an embodiment. In detail, Figure 2 The circuit diagram shows an inverting switching regulator 20 used as an inverting buck converter. (Refer to the above...) Figure 1 The described inverting switching regulator 20 may include a switching circuit 22 and a flying capacitor C. F Inductor L and output capacitor C O .

[0038] The switching circuit 22 may include a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, and a third switch SW3. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the first switch SW1 can be connected to the input node IN and the second node N2, the second switch SW2 can be connected to the ground node GND and the first node N1, and the third switch SW3 can be connected to the second node N2 and the ground node GND. (Refer to the above.) Figure 1 As described, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3 can be turned on or off based on the switch control signal C_SW provided by the switch controller 14.

[0039] Flying capacitor C F The second switch SW2 and inductor L can be connected at the first node N1, and the first switch SW1 and third switch SW3 can be connected at the second node N2. (See later...) Figure 3A As described, when the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are turned on and the third switch SW3 is turned off, the flying capacitor C... F It can be determined by the input voltage V IN Charging. On the other hand, as will be discussed later... Figure 3B As described, when the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are off and the third switch SW3 is on, the flying capacitor C... F A negative voltage can be generated at the first node N1.

[0040] The inductor L may have a first terminal T1 connected to the output node OUT and a second terminal T2 connected to the first node N1, and the inductor current I L The current can flow from the first terminal T1 to the second terminal T2. The inductor L is connected to the output terminal OUT, therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the output transmission current I D It can be equal to the inductor current I L (I L =I D (See below for further details) Figure 3A As described, when the second switch SW2 is turned on, the inductor current I... L It can flow to the ground node GND. On the other hand, as will be discussed later... Figure 3B As described, when the second switch SW2 is turned off, the inductor current I... L It can flow to the flying capacitor C F .

[0041] Output capacitor C O An inductor L can be connected to the output node OUT, and it can also be connected to the ground node GND. Therefore, the output capacitor C O Can receive load current I O Part of it, or it can provide output current I D Part of it.

[0042] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 2 The circuit diagram of the equivalent circuit of the inverting switching regulator 20. Figure 4 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 2 A timing diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the inverting switching regulator 20. In detail, Figure 3A The circuit diagram shows the equivalent circuit 30a of the inverting switching regulator 20 during the first stage P1 and the inductor current I. L The path, Figure 3B The circuit diagram shows the equivalent circuit 30b of the inverting switching regulator 20 during the second stage P2 and the inductor current I. L The path. In the accompanying drawings, for convenience, the duration of the stages included in the switching cycle is shown as the same. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and according to one or more embodiments, the duration of the stages may differ from one another. Hereinafter, reference will be made to... Figure 2 To describe Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 .

[0043] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 4During the first phase P1, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 can be turned on and the third switch SW3 can be turned off to form a [phase / condition]. Figure 3A The equivalent circuit is 30a. For example... Figure 4 As shown, during the first phase P1, the voltage V at the second node N2 is... N2 It can be equal to the input voltage V IN And the voltage V of the first node N1 N1 It can be equal to ground potential. Therefore, the input voltage V IN Can be applied to flying capacitor C F And flying across capacitor C F It can be determined by the input voltage V IN Charging. Additionally, as... Figure 3A As shown, the inductor current I L The current can flow from the output node OUT to the ground node GND through the inductor L. Therefore, as... Figure 4 As shown, due to the ground potential, the inductor current I L It can be gradually reduced.

[0044] Reference Figure 3B and Figure 4 During the second phase P2, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 can be turned off and the third switch SW3 can be turned on, thus forming... Figure 3B The equivalent circuit 30b. For example... Figure 4 As shown, during the second phase P2, the voltage V at the second node N2 is... N2 It can be equal to ground potential, and when the second stage P2 begins, the voltage V of the first node N1 is... N1 It can be equal to the input voltage V IN The voltage obtained by inversion -V IN Therefore, when the second stage P2 begins, the negative voltage -V IN It can be applied to the second terminal T2 of inductor L. Additionally, as... Figure 3B As shown, the inductor current I L The current can flow from the output node OUT to the flying capacitor C through the inductor L. F Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, the inductor current I L Due to negative voltage -V IN And gradually increase. According to some embodiments, during the second phase P2, the voltage V of the first node N1... N1 Due to the inductor current I L And it gradually increases.

[0045] Assuming an inverting switching regulator 20 has one terminal of inductor L connected to ground node GND and the other terminal of inductor L alternately connected to input node IN and output node OUT, the output current I is supplied between the phase when inductor L is connected to input node IN and the phase when inductor L is connected to output node OUT. D It may be discontinuous. The output current I may be discontinuous. D This may lead to an output voltage V OUT The large ripple in the output results in discontinuous output current I. D This may prevent the generation of the desired output voltage V. OUT Furthermore, due to the alternating application of the input voltage V, which is a positive voltage... IN and the output voltage V as a negative voltage OUT Therefore, the node connected to inductor L may experience a large voltage swing. Consequently, devices connected to the corresponding node may have a large breakdown voltage, low efficiency, and a large area. On the other hand, as mentioned above... Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 Described, in Figure 2 In the inverting switching regulator 20, during the second stage P2, a negative voltage -V can be generated at the second terminal T2 of the inductor L. IN And therefore, the inductor current I L Continuously drive the output current I D Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, it runs through the first stage P1 and the second stage P2, and is related to the inductor current I. L Equal output current I D It can be continuous. As a result, the output voltage V OUT It can have reduced ripple. Reduced ripple allows the use of small inductors L and small output capacitors C. O Additionally, the voltage applied to the devices included in the inverting switching regulator 20 can be limited. For example, throughout the first stage P1 and the second stage P2, a voltage greater than |V| can be avoided across any device included in the inverting switching regulator 20. IN |or|V OUT | voltage.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of the inverting switching regulator 50 according to an embodiment. In detail, Figure 5 The circuit diagram shows an inverting switching regulator 50 used as an inverting buck-boost converter. The inverting switching regulator 50 can be seen as described later. Figure 6 The setting is for buck mode, or as will be described later. Figure 8 The setting is for boost mode. See above for reference. Figure 1The described inverting switching regulator 50 may include a switching circuit 52 and a flying capacitor C. F Inductor L and output capacitor C O .

[0047] The switching circuit 52 may include a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, a fourth switch SW4, and a fifth switch SW5. Figure 2 Similar to the inverting switching regulator 20, the first switch SW1 can be connected to the input node IN and the second node N2, the second switch SW2 can be connected to the ground node GND and the first node N1, and the third switch SW3 can be connected to the second node N2 and the ground node GND. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the fourth switch SW4 can be connected to the ground node GND and the third node N3, and the fifth switch SW5 can be connected to the third node N3 and the output node OUT. (Refer to the above...) Figure 1 As described, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, and the fifth switch SW5 can be turned on or off based on the switch control signal C_SW provided by the switch controller 14.

[0048] Flying capacitor C F The second switch SW2 and inductor L can be connected at the first node N1, and the first switch SW1 and third switch SW3 can be connected at the second node N2. (Refer to the above.) Figure 3A and Figure 4 As described, when the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are turned on and the third switch SW3 is turned off, the flying capacitor C... F It can be determined by the input voltage V IN Charging. On the other hand, as referred to above... Figure 3B and Figure 4 As described, when the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are off and the third switch SW3 is on, the flying capacitor C... F A negative voltage can be generated at the first node N1.

[0049] The inductor L may have a first terminal T1 connected to the third node N3 and a second terminal T2 connected to the first node N1, and the inductor current I L The current can flow from the first terminal T1 to the second terminal T2. Due to the fifth switch SW5, the inductor current I... L It can be connected to the output current I D Same or different. For example, see later. Figure 7A As described, when the third switch SW3 is off and the fifth switch SW5 is on, the inductor current I... L It can be equal to the output transmission current I D And it flows to the ground node GND. On the other hand, as will be discussed later... Figure 7B As described, when the third switch SW3 is turned on and the fifth switch SW5 is turned off, the inductor current I... L It can be different from the output current I D And it can flow to the flying capacitor C F .

[0050] Output capacitor C O The fifth switch SW5 can be connected to the output node OUT and also to the ground node GND. Therefore, when the fifth switch SW5 is turned on, the output capacitor C... O Can receive load current I O Part of it or can provide output transmission current I D Part of it. On the other hand, when the fifth switch SW5 is turned off, the output capacitor C... O It can receive and output current I D The following will be referred to later. Figure 6 , Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 8 As described, throughout the first stage P1 and the second stage P2, it is possible to apply a voltage greater than |V| across any device included in the inverting switching regulator 50. IN |or|V OUT | voltage.

[0051] Figure 6 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 5 A timing diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the inverting switching regulator 50. In detail, Figure 6 The timing diagram illustrates the operation of the inverting switching regulator 50 set to buck mode. The following will refer to... Figure 5 To describe Figure 6 .

[0052] In some embodiments, Figure 5 The inverting switching regulator 50 can be set to buck mode. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, through the first stage P1 and the second stage P2, the fourth switch SW4 can be turned off and the fifth switch SW5 can be turned on. Therefore, the inverting switching regulator 50 can have the same characteristics as used as a buck converter. Figure 2 The reverse switching regulator 50 has the same structure as the inverting switching regulator 20. That is, the inverting switching regulator 50 can correspond to the first stage P1. Figure 3A The equivalent circuit 30a, and can be corresponding to the second stage Figure 3B The equivalent circuit 30b.

[0053] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 During the first phase P1, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 can be turned on, and the third switch SW3 can be turned off. For example... Figure 6 As shown, during the first phase P1, the voltage V at the second node N2 is... N2 It can be equal to the input voltage V IN And the voltage V of the first node N1 N1 It can be equal to ground potential. Therefore, the input voltage V IN Can be applied to flying capacitor C F And flying across capacitor C F It can be determined by the input voltage V IN Charging. Additionally, the inductor current I... L The current can flow from the output node OUT to the ground node GND through the inductor L, and as... Figure 6 As shown, it can gradually decrease due to the ground potential.

[0054] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 During the second phase P2, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 can be turned off and the third switch SW3 can be turned on. For example... Figure 6 As shown, during the second phase P2, the voltage V at the second node N2 is... N2 It can be equal to ground potential, and when the second stage P2 begins, the voltage V of the first node N1 is... N1 It can be equal to the input voltage V IN The voltage obtained by inversion -V IN Therefore, when the second stage P2 begins, the negative voltage -V IN It can be applied to the second terminal T2 of inductor L. Additionally, the inductor current I... L The current can flow from the output node OUT to the flying capacitor C through the inductor L. F And as Figure 6 As shown, this can be due to the negative voltage -V IN And gradually increase. According to some embodiments, during the second phase P2, the voltage V of the first node N1... N1 Due to the inductor current I L And it gradually increases.

[0055] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 5 The circuit diagram of the equivalent circuit of the inverting switching regulator 50. Figure 8 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 5 A timing diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the inverting switching regulator 50. In detail, Figure 7A The circuit diagram shows the equivalent circuit 70a of the inverting switching regulator 50 in boost mode during the first stage P1 and the inductor current I. L The path. Figure 7BThe circuit diagram shows the equivalent circuit 70b of the inverting switching regulator 50 in boost mode during the second stage P2 and the inductor current I. L The path. Figure 8 The timing diagram illustrates an example of the operation of the inverting switching regulator 50 in boost mode. In some embodiments, Figure 5 The inverting switching regulator 50 can be set to boost mode. For example... Figure 8 As shown, throughout the first stage P1 and the second stage P2, not only can the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3 switch be switched between on and off, but also the fourth switch SW4 and the fifth switch SW5 switch can be switched between on and off. The following will refer to... Figure 5 To describe Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 8 .

[0056] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 8 During the first stage P1, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the fifth switch SW5 can be turned on, and the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 can be turned off. Therefore, a [condition] can be formed. Figure 7A The equivalent circuit is 70a. For example... Figure 8 As shown, during the first phase P1, the voltage V at the second node N2 is... N2 It can be equal to the input voltage V IN And the voltage V of the first node N1 N1 It can be equal to ground potential. Therefore, the input voltage V IN Can be applied to flying capacitor C F And flying across capacitor C F It can be determined by the input voltage V IN Charging. Additionally, the voltage V at the third node N3... N3 It can be equal to the output voltage V OUT .like Figure 7A As shown, the inductor current I L The current can flow from the output node OUT to the ground node GND through the inductor L. Therefore, as... Figure 8 As shown, the inductor current I L It can gradually decrease due to the ground potential.

[0057] Reference Figure 7B and Figure 8 During the second stage P2, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the fifth switch SW5 can be turned off, and the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 can be turned on. Therefore, a [condition] can be formed. Figure 7B The equivalent circuit 70b. For example... Figure 8 As shown, during the second phase P2, the voltage V at the second node N2 is... N2It can be equal to ground potential, and when the second stage P2 begins, the voltage V of the first node N1 is... N1 It can be equal to the input voltage V IN The voltage obtained by inversion -V IN Therefore, when the second stage P2 begins, the negative voltage -V IN It can be applied to the second terminal T2 of inductor L. Additionally, the voltage V at the third node N3... N3 It can be equal to the ground potential. For example... Figure 7B As shown, the inductor current I L The current can flow from the ground node GND through the inductor L to the flying capacitor C. F Therefore, as Figure 8 As shown, the inductor current I L Due to negative voltage -V IN And gradually increase. According to some embodiments, during the second phase P2, the voltage V of the first node N1... N1 Due to the inductor current I L And it gradually increases.

[0058] Figure 9 This is a circuit diagram of the inverting switching regulator 90 according to an embodiment. In detail, Figure 9 The circuit diagram shows an inverting switching regulator 90 used as an inverting buck-boost converter. The inverting switching regulator 90 can be referenced above. Figure 6 The setting is to buck mode, or as can be seen later. Figure 10 The setting is configured for boost mode. In some embodiments, in boost mode... Figure 9 The output voltage V generated by the inverting switching regulator 90 OUT Can be lower than Figure 5 The output voltage V generated by the inverting switching regulator 50 OUT .therefore, Figure 9 The boost mode of the inverting switching regulator 90 can be called wide inverting boost mode or wide boost mode. (Refer to the above...) Figure 1 The described inverting switching regulator 90 may include a switching circuit 92 and a flying capacitor C. F Inductor L and output capacitor C O .

[0059] The switching circuit 92 may include a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, a fourth switch SW4, and a fifth switch SW5. Figure 5Similar to the inverting switching regulator 50, the first switch SW1 can be connected to the input node IN and the second node N2, the second switch SW2 can be connected to the ground node GND and the first node N1, the third switch SW3 can be connected to the second node N2 and the ground node GND, and the fifth switch SW5 can be connected to the third node N3 and the output node OUT. Figure 9 As shown, the fourth switch SW4 can be connected to the input node IN and the third node N3. (Refer to the above...) Figure 1 As described, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, and the fifth switch SW5 can be turned on or off based on the switch control signal C_SW provided by the switch controller 14.

[0060] Flying capacitor C F The second switch SW2 and inductor L can be connected at the first node N1, and the first switch SW1 and third switch SW3 can be connected at the second node N2. (Refer to the above.) Figure 7A and Figure 8 As described, when the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are turned on and the third switch SW3 is turned off, the flying capacitor C... F It can be determined by the input voltage V IN Charging. On the other hand, as referred to above... Figure 7B and Figure 8 As described, when the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are off and the third switch SW3 is on, the flying capacitor C... F A negative voltage can be generated at the first node N1.

[0061] The inductor L may have a first terminal T1 connected to the third node N3 and a second terminal T2 connected to the first node N1. The inductor current I... L The current can flow from the first terminal T1 to the second terminal T2. Due to the fifth switch SW5, the inductor current I... L It can be connected to the output current I D Same or different. Output capacitor C O The fifth switch SW5 can be connected to the output node OUT and also to the ground node GND. Therefore, when the fifth switch SW5 is turned on, the output capacitor C... O Can receive load current I O Part of it or can provide output transmission current I D Part of it, when the fifth switch SW5 is turned off, can receive the output transmission current I. D .

[0062] In some embodiments, the inverting switching regulator 90 can be configured in buck mode. For example, in buck mode, the fourth switch SW4 can always be off and the fifth switch SW5 can always be on. Therefore, the inverting switching regulator 90 can correspond to the first stage P1. Figure 3A The equivalent circuit 30a, and can correspond to the second stage P2. Figure 3B The equivalent circuit 30b. Therefore, as Figure 5 The inverting switching regulator 50 operates in buck mode as described above. Figure 9 The inverting switching regulator 90 can be referred to above. Figure 6 The operation is in buck mode.

[0063] Figure 10 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 9 The circuit diagram of the equivalent circuit 100 of the inverting switching regulator 90. Figure 11 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 9 A timing diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the inverting switching regulator 90. In detail, Figure 10 The circuit diagram shows the equivalent circuit 100 of the inverting switching regulator 90 in boost mode (or wide boost mode) during the second stage P2 and the inductor current I. L The path, Figure 11 The timing diagram illustrates an example of the operation of the inverting switching regulator 90 in boost mode. The following will refer to... Figure 9 To describe Figure 10 and Figure 11 .

[0064] Figure 9 The inverting switching regulator 90 can correspond to the voltage regulator in boost mode during the first stage P1. Figure 7A The equivalent circuit is the same as that of 70a. (Refer to...) Figure 11 In boost mode, during the first stage P1, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the fifth switch SW5 can be turned on, and the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 can be turned off. For example... Figure 11 As shown, during the first phase P1, the voltage V at the second node N2 is... N2 It can be equal to the input voltage V IN And the voltage V of the first node N1 N1 It can be equal to ground potential. Therefore, the input voltage V IN Can be applied to flying capacitor C F And flying across capacitor C F It can be determined by the input voltage V IN Charging. Additionally, the voltage V at the third node N3... N3 It can be equal to the output voltage V OUT .like Figure 7A As shown, the inductor current IL The current can flow from the output node OUT to the ground node GND through the inductor L. Therefore, as... Figure 11 As shown, the inductor current I L It can gradually decrease due to the ground potential.

[0065] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 During the second phase P2, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the fifth switch SW5 can be turned off, and the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 can be turned on. Therefore, a [condition / condition] can be formed. Figure 10 The equivalent circuit is 100. (And...) Figure 7B Compared to the equivalent circuit 70b, in Figure 10 In the equivalent circuit 100, the third node N3 can be connected to the input node IN, rather than the ground node GND. Therefore, compared to the applied... Figure 7B The equivalent circuit 70b has a high voltage that can be applied to the two terminals of the inductor L. Figure 10 The two terminals of the inductor L. Therefore, in the second stage P2, a high inductor current I can be generated. L As a result, a lower output voltage V can be generated. OUT .

[0066] Reference Figure 11 During the second phase P2, the voltage V at the second node N2 N2 It can be equal to ground potential, and when the second stage P2 begins, the voltage V of the first node N1 is... N1 It can be equal to the input voltage V IN The voltage obtained by inversion -V IN Therefore, when the second stage P2 begins, the negative voltage -V IN It can be applied to the second terminal T2 of inductor L. Additionally, the voltage V at the third node N3... N3 It can be equal to the input voltage V IN .like Figure 10 As shown, the inductor current I L The current can flow from the input node IN to the flying capacitor C through the inductor L. F Therefore, as Figure 11 As shown, the inductor current I L Due to negative voltage -V IN And gradually increase. According to some embodiments, during the second phase P2, the voltage V of the first node N1... N1 Due to the inductor current I L And it gradually increases.

[0067] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for converting a positive input voltage to a negative output voltage according to an embodiment. Figure 12As shown, the method for converting an input voltage to an output voltage may include operations S100 and S200. Operation S100 may be executed in a first stage P1, and operation S200 may be executed in a second stage P2. In some embodiments, Figure 12 The method can be derived from Figure 1 The method of operating the inverting switching regulator 10 is as follows. Referring hereafter... Figure 1 To describe Figure 12 .

[0068] Reference Figure 12 Operation S100 may include operations S120 and S140, which can be executed in parallel. In operation S120, operations can be performed via input voltage V. IN For flying capacitor C F The charging operation is performed. For example, as described above with reference to the attached diagram, the flying capacitor C F It can be connected to the input node IN during the first stage P1 and can be charged with the input voltage V. IN and flying capacitor C F The capacitance is proportional to the charge. (See later...) Figure 13 An example of operation S120 is described. Additionally, in operation S140, the inductor current I can be manipulated. L The operation flows to the ground node GND. For example, as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the inductor L can be connected to the ground node GND during the first stage P1 and the inductor current I... L It can flow to the ground node GND. See below for details. Figure 14A and Figure 14B Describe an example of operation S140.

[0069] Operation S200 may include operations S220 and S240, which can be executed in parallel. In operation S220, the operation of applying a negative voltage to the inductor L can be performed. For example, as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, due to the voltage stored in the flying capacitor C... F The charge in the inductor, a negative voltage, can be applied to the inductor L during the second stage P2. (See later...) Figure 15 An example of operation S220 is described. Additionally, in operation S240, the inductor current I can be manipulated. L Flow to flying capacitor C F The operation. For example, as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the inductor L can be connected to the flying capacitor C during the second stage P2. F And the inductor current I L It can flow to the flying capacitor C F Please refer to later. Figure 16A , Figure 16B and Figure 16C Describe an example of operation S240.

[0070] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for converting a positive input voltage to a negative output voltage according to an embodiment. In detail, Figure 13 The flowchart shows Figure 12 An example of operation S120. See above for reference. Figure 12 Described, Figure 13 Operation S120' can be performed during the first stage P1, and in operation S120', the input voltage V can be used to perform the operation. IN For flying capacitor C F The charging operation is performed. In some embodiments, operation S120' may be performed by... Figure 2 The inverting switching regulator 20 is executed. The following... Figure 13 Reference Figure 2 and Figure 12 To describe.

[0071] Reference Figure 13 Operation S120' may include operations S122 and S124. In some embodiments, operations S122 and S124 may be performed in accordance with... Figure 13 The different sequences shown are executed. In operation S122, the flying capacitor C can be executed. F The first terminal is connected to the ground node GND for operation. For example, flying capacitor C F The first terminal can refer to the terminal connected to the first node N1, and the first node N1 can be connected to the ground node GND by turning on the second switch SW2. Additionally, in operation S124, the flying capacitor C can be switched... F The second terminal is connected to the input node IN for operation. For example, the flying capacitor C F The second terminal can refer to the terminal connected to the second node N2, and the second node N2 can be connected to the input node IN by turning on the first switch SW1 and turning off the third switch SW3.

[0072] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for converting a positive input voltage to a negative output voltage according to an embodiment. In detail, Figure 14A The flowchart shows the process of... Figure 2 The inverting switching regulator 20 performs Figure 12 Example of operation S140, Figure 14B The flowchart shows the process of... Figure 5 50 or inverting switching regulator Figure 9 The inverting switching regulator 90 performs Figure 12 An example of operation S140. See above for reference. Figure 12 Described, Figure 14A and Figure 14B Operations S140a and S140b can be performed during the first stage P1, and in operations S140a and S140b, the inductor current I can be manipulated. L The operation of flowing to the ground node GND. The following will refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 To describe Figure 14A and Figure 14B .

[0073] Reference Figure 14A Operation S140a may include operations S142a and S144a. In some embodiments, operations S142a and S144a may be performed in accordance with... Figure 14A The different sequences shown are executed. In operation S142a, the operation of connecting the first terminal T1 of inductor L to the output node OUT can be performed. In some embodiments, with Figure 2 Unlike in some embodiments, when inductor L is not connected to output node OUT and is connected to output node OUT via at least one switch by turning on at least one switch between inductor L and output node OUT, the first terminal T1 of inductor L can be connected to output node OUT. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, when inductor L is connected to output node OUT, operation S142a can be omitted. Alternatively, in operation S144a, the operation of connecting the second terminal T2 of inductor L to ground node GND can be performed. For example, the second terminal T2 of inductor L can be connected to the first node N1, and by turning on the second switch SW2, the first node N1 can be connected to ground node GND. Therefore, the inductor current I... L The current can flow from the output node OUT to the ground node GND through the inductor L.

[0074] Reference Figure 14B Operation S140b may include operations S142b, S144b, and S146b. In some embodiments, with Figure 14B Unlike other operations, operation S146b can be performed before operation S142b, or it can be performed in parallel with operations S142b and S144b. In operation S142b, the operation of disconnecting the first terminal T1 of inductor L from ground node GND or input node IN can be performed. In some embodiments, in Figure 5 In the inverting switching regulator 50, by turning off the fourth switch SW4, the first terminal T1 of the inductor L can be disconnected from the ground node GND. In some embodiments, Figure 9In the inverting switching regulator 90, by turning off the fourth switch SW4, the first terminal T1 of the inductor L can be disconnected from the input node IN. Alternatively, in operation S144b, the first terminal T1 of the inductor L can be connected to the output node OUT. For example, the inductor L can be connected to the third node N3, and by turning off the fourth switch SW4... Figure 5 or Figure 9 When the fifth switch SW5 is turned on, the third node N3 can be connected to the output node OUT. Additionally, in operation S146b, the operation of connecting the second terminal T2 of inductor L to the ground node GND can be performed. For example, the second terminal T2 of inductor L can be connected to the first node N1, and by making... Figure 5 or Figure 9 With the second switch SW2 turned on, the first node N1 can be connected to the ground node GND. Therefore, the inductor current I... L The current can flow from the output node OUT to the ground node GND through the inductor L.

[0075] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for converting a positive input voltage to a negative output voltage according to an embodiment. In detail, Figure 15 The flowchart shows Figure 12 An example of operation S220. See above for reference. Figure 12 As described, operation S220' can be performed during the second stage P2, and in operation S220', the operation of applying a negative voltage to the inductor L can be performed. In some embodiments, operation S220' can be performed by... Figure 2 The inverting switching regulator 20 is used for operation. The following will refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 12 To describe Figure 15 .

[0076] Reference Figure 15 Operation S220' may include operations S222, S224, and S226. In some embodiments, operations S222, S224, and S226 may be performed in accordance with... Figure 15 The different sequences shown are executed. In operation S222, the flying capacitor C can be executed. F The operation of disconnecting the first terminal from the ground node GND. For example, the flying capacitor C F The first terminal can be the terminal connected to the first node N1, and by turning off the second switch SW2, the first node N1 can be disconnected from the ground node GND. Additionally, in operation S224, the flying capacitor C can be switched... F The first terminal is connected to the inductor L for operation. In some embodiments, with Figure 2 Unlike in the case of capacitor C, when flying across capacitor C F Not connected to inductor L and by making the flying capacitor CF When at least one switch between the capacitor and inductor L is turned on to connect to inductor L via at least one switch, in operation S222, the flying capacitor C, which is disconnected from ground node GND, F The first terminal can be connected to the inductor L. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the flying capacitor C F When connected to inductor L, operation S224 can be omitted. Alternatively, in operation S226, the flying capacitor C can be connected... F The second terminal is connected to the ground node GND for operation. For example, the flying capacitor C F The second terminal can be connected to the terminal of the second node N2, and by turning off the second switch SW2 and turning on the third switch SW3, the second node N2 can be connected to the ground node GND. Therefore, due to the storage in the flying capacitor C F The charge in the first node N1 can generate a voltage drop at the first node N1 corresponding to the voltage drop generated at the second node N2. As a result, a negative voltage can be generated at the first node N1, for example, by changing the input voltage V. IN The voltage obtained by inversion -V IN .

[0077] Figure 16A , Figure 16B and Figure 16C This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for converting a positive input voltage to a negative output voltage according to an embodiment. In detail, Figure 16A The flowchart illustrates the operation performed by a buck converter or a buck-boost converter in buck mode. Figure 12 Example of operation S240, Figure 16B and Figure 16C The flowchart illustrates the operation performed by a boost converter or a buck-boost converter in boost mode. Figure 12 An example of operation S240. See above for reference. Figure 12 Described, Figure 16A Operation S240a, Figure 16B Operation of S240b and Figure 16C Operation S240c can be performed during the second stage P2, and in operations S240a, S240b, and S240c, the inductor current I can be manipulated. L Flow to flying capacitor C F In some embodiments, the operation. Figure 16A The operation of S240a can be performed by Figure 2 The inverting switching regulator 20 is activated. Figure 16B The operation of S240b can be performed by Figure 5 The inverting switching regulator 50 is executed. Figure 16C The operation of S240c can be performed by Figure 9The inverting switching regulator 90 is used for execution. The following will refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 To describe Figure 16A , Figure 16B and Figure 16C Previous reference Figure 16A , Figure 16B and Figure 16C The description will be omitted.

[0078] Reference Figure 16A Operation S240a may include operations S242a and S244a. In some embodiments, operations S242a and S244a may be performed in accordance with... Figure 16A The different sequences shown can be executed. In operation S242a, the operation of disconnecting the second terminal T2 of inductor L from the ground node GND can be performed. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the second terminal T2 of inductor L can be connected to the first node N1, and by turning off the second switch SW2, the first node N1 can be disconnected from the ground node GND. Additionally, in operation S244a, the second terminal T2 of inductor L can be connected to the flying capacitor C. F The operation. In some embodiments, with Figure 2 Unlike in the case where inductor L is not connected to flying capacitor C F And by making the inductor L and the flying capacitor C F At least one switch between them is turned on to connect to the flying capacitor C via at least one switch. F During operation S242a, the second terminal T2 of the inductor L, which is disconnected from the ground node GND, can be connected to the flying capacitor C. F In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the inductor L and the flying capacitor C F When connecting, operation S242a can be omitted.

[0079] Reference Figure 16B Operation S240b may include operations S242b, S244b, S246, and S248b. In some embodiments, operations S242b, S244b, S246, and S248b may be performed in accordance with... Figure 16B The different orders shown are used for execution. Figure 16A Similar to operations S242a and S244a, in operation S242b, the second terminal T2 of inductor L can be disconnected from the ground node GND, and in operation S244b, the second terminal T2 of inductor L can be connected to the flying capacitor C. F The operation.

[0080] In operation S246b, the operation of disconnecting the first terminal T1 of inductor L from the output node OUT can be performed. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the first terminal T1 of inductor L can be connected to the third node N3, and by turning off the fifth switch SW5, the third node N3 can be disconnected from the output node OUT. Additionally, in operation S248b, the operation of connecting the first terminal T1 of inductor L to the ground node GND can be performed. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the fourth switch SW4 can be connected to ground node GND and the third node N3, and by turning on the fourth switch SW4, the third node N3 can be connected to ground node GND. Therefore, the inductor current I... L The current can flow from the ground node GND through the inductor L to the flying capacitor C. F .

[0081] Reference Figure 16C Operation S240c may include operations S242c, S244c, S246c, and S248c. In some embodiments, operations S242c, S244c, S246c, and S248c may be performed in accordance with... Figure 16C The different orders shown are used for execution. Figure 16A Similar to operations S242a and S244a, in operation S242c, the second terminal T2 of inductor L can be disconnected from the ground node GND, and in operation S244c, the second terminal T2 of inductor L can be connected to the flying capacitor C. F The operation.

[0082] In operation S246c, the operation of disconnecting the first terminal T1 of inductor L from the output node OUT can be performed. For example, as... Figure 9 As shown, the first terminal T1 of inductor L can be connected to the third node N3, and by turning off the fifth switch SW5, the third node N3 can be disconnected from the output node OUT. Additionally, in operation S248c, the operation of connecting the first terminal T1 of inductor L to the input node IN can be performed. For example, as... Figure 9 As shown, the fourth switch SW4 can be connected to the input node IN and the third node N3, and by turning on the fourth switch SW4, the third node N3 can be connected to the input node IN. Therefore, the inductor current I... L The current can flow from the ground node GND through the inductor L to the flying capacitor C. F Therefore, the inductor current I L Can be greater than passing Figure 16B The inductor current I obtained by operating S240b L And the output voltage V OUT Can be lower than passing Figure 16BThe output voltage V obtained by operating S240b OUT .

[0083] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication device 200 according to an embodiment. In detail, Figure 17 A user equipment (UE) (or terminal) powered by battery 150 is shown. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 200 may be included in a wireless communication system using a cellular network such as fifth-generation (5G) or Long Term Evolution (LTE), or may be included in a wireless personal area network (WPAN) system or another wireless communication system. In the wireless communication device 200, an inverting switching regulator according to an embodiment may be used to provide a second output voltage V as a negative voltage to transceiver 110. OUT2 .like Figure 17 As shown, the wireless communication device 200 may include a transceiver 110, a baseband processor 120, an antenna 130, a power supply circuit 140, and a battery 150.

[0084] Transceiver 110 may include: antenna interface (IF) circuitry 111; a receiver including input circuitry 112, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 113, and a receive (RX) circuitry 114; and a transmitter including transmit (TX) circuitry 115, a power amplifier (PA) 116, and an output circuitry 117. The antenna interface circuitry 111 may connect the transmitter or receiver to antenna 130 depending on the transmit or receive mode. In some embodiments, input circuitry 112 may include matching circuitry or a filter, low-noise amplifier 113 may amplify the output signal of input circuitry 112, and receive circuitry 114 may include a mixer for down-conversion. In some embodiments, transmit circuitry 115 may include a mixer for up-conversion, power amplifier 116 may amplify the output signal of transmit circuitry 115, and output circuitry 117 may include matching circuitry or a filter.

[0085] The baseband processor 120 can transmit baseband signals to and receive baseband signals from the transceiver 110, and can perform modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, and channel estimation. In some embodiments, the baseband processor 120 may be referred to as a communication processor or a modem.

[0086] The power supply circuit 140 can receive an input voltage V from the battery 150. IN It can also generate a first output voltage V provided to transceiver 110. OUT1 Second output voltage V OUT2 For example, power supply circuit 140 may include a DC-DC converter to convert the input voltage V, which is a positive voltage, into a DC-DC converter. IN Generate the first output voltage V as a positive voltage. OUT1Additionally, the power supply circuit 140 may include the inverting switching regulator described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to draw voltage from the input voltage V, which is a positive voltage. IN Generate a second output voltage V as a negative voltage. OUT2 Therefore, the power supply circuit 140 can be highly efficient and have a small area, and can be integrated into the same die along with another component of the wireless communication device 200 (e.g., transceiver 110).

[0087] Although embodiments have been specifically shown and described with reference to them, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An inverting switching regulator that generates a negative output voltage based on a positive input voltage, the inverting switching regulator comprising: An inductor configured to allow inductor current to flow from a first terminal to a second terminal; A flying capacitor is connected to the second terminal of the inductor; A load capacitor is connected to the output node, and the negative output voltage is output to the output node; as well as Multiple switches are configured to charge the flying capacitor by the positive input voltage during a first phase and to apply a negative voltage to the second terminal of the inductor by connecting the flying capacitor in series with the ground node and the inductor during a second phase. The plurality of switches include: a first switch configured to connect a first terminal of the inductor to the output node during the first phase, and a second switch configured to connect the first terminal of the inductor to the ground node during the second phase.

2. The inverting switching regulator according to claim 1, wherein, The inductor current flows to the ground node during the first phase and to the flying capacitor during the second phase.

3. The inverting switching regulator according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of switches further includes: a third switch configured to provide the positive input voltage to the flying capacitor during the first phase, and a fourth switch connecting the flying capacitor to the ground node during the second phase.

4. The inverting switching regulator according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of switches further includes a fifth switch configured to connect the second terminal of the inductor to the ground node during the first phase and disconnect the second terminal of the inductor from the ground node during the second phase.

5. The inverting switching regulator according to claim 1, wherein, In reverse boost mode, the inductor current flows through the inductor from the output node to the ground node during the first phase, and flows through the inductor from the ground node to the flying capacitor during the second phase.

6. An inverting switching regulator that generates a negative output voltage based on a positive input voltage, the inverting switching regulator comprising: An inductor configured to allow inductor current to flow from a first terminal to a second terminal; A flying capacitor is connected to the second terminal of the inductor; A load capacitor is connected to the output node, and the negative output voltage is output to the output node; as well as Multiple switches are configured to charge the flying capacitor by the positive input voltage during a first phase and to apply a negative voltage to the second terminal of the inductor by connecting the flying capacitor in series with the ground node and the inductor during a second phase. The plurality of switches include: a first switch configured to connect a first terminal of the inductor to the output node during the first phase, and a second switch configured to apply the positive input voltage to the first terminal of the inductor during the second phase.

7. The inverting switching regulator according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of switches are configured to: in reverse boost mode, control the inductor current to flow through the inductor from the output node to the ground node during the first phase, and to flow through the inductor from the input node to the flying capacitor where the positive input voltage is applied during the second phase.

8. An inverting switching regulator that generates a negative output voltage based on a positive input voltage, the inverting switching regulator comprising: An inductor configured to allow inductor current to flow from a first terminal of the inductor to a second terminal of the inductor; A flying capacitor is configured to be charged by the positive input voltage during a first phase and to induce a negative voltage at the second terminal of the inductor during a second phase based on the stored charge. A load capacitor is connected to the output node, and the negative output voltage is output to the output node; as well as Multiple switches, including a first switch and a second switch, Wherein, the first switch is configured to connect the first terminal of the inductor to the output node during the first phase, and control the inductor current to flow from the output node to the ground node through the inductor. The second switch is configured to connect the first terminal of the inductor to the ground node during the second phase and control the inductor current to flow from the ground node to the flying capacitor through the inductor.

9. The inverting switching regulator according to claim 8, wherein, The plurality of switches are configured as follows: During the first phase, the first terminal of the flying capacitor is connected to the input node to which the positive input voltage is applied; During the second phase, the first terminal of the flying capacitor is connected to the ground node; During the first phase, the second terminal of the flying capacitor is connected to the ground node; as well as During the second phase, the second terminal of the flying capacitor is isolated from the ground node and the second terminal of the flying capacitor is connected to the second terminal of the inductor.

10. The inverting switching regulator according to claim 8, wherein, The plurality of switches are configured to connect the second terminal of the inductor to the ground node during the first phase, and to provide the negative voltage, which is inverse of the positive input voltage, when the second phase begins.

11. An inverting switching regulator that generates a negative output voltage based on a positive input voltage, the inverting switching regulator comprising: An inductor configured to allow inductor current to flow from a first terminal of the inductor to a second terminal of the inductor; A flying capacitor is configured to be charged by the positive input voltage during a first phase and to induce a negative voltage at the second terminal of the inductor during a second phase based on the stored charge. A load capacitor is connected to the output node, and the negative output voltage is output to the output node; as well as Multiple switches, including a first switch and a second switch, Wherein, the first switch is configured to connect the first terminal of the inductor to the output node during the first phase, and control the inductor current to flow from the output node to the first terminal of the inductor, and The second switch is configured to connect the first terminal of the inductor to the input node during the second phase and control the inductor current to flow from the input node to the first terminal of the inductor where the positive input voltage is applied.

12. A method for providing a negative output voltage to an output node based on a positive input voltage, the method comprising the steps of: During the first phase, the flying capacitor is charged by the positive input voltage; During the first phase, by connecting the first terminal of the inductor to the output node, the inductor current is manipulated to flow sequentially from the output node through the first terminal of the inductor and the second terminal of the inductor to the ground node; During the second phase, a negative voltage is applied to the second terminal of the inductor based on the charge stored in the flying capacitor; as well as During the second phase, by connecting the first terminal of the inductor to the ground node, the inductor current is manipulated to flow sequentially from the ground node through the first terminal and the second terminal of the inductor to the flying capacitor.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The step of charging the flying capacitor with the positive input voltage during the first stage includes: Connect the first terminal of the flying capacitor to the ground node; and Connect the second terminal of the flying capacitor to the input node where the positive input voltage is applied.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The step of applying the negative voltage to the second terminal of the inductor includes: Disconnect the first terminal of the flying capacitor from the ground node; Connect the first terminal of the flying capacitor to the second terminal of the inductor; and Connect the second terminal of the flying capacitor to the ground node.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps of manipulating the inductor current flow to the ground node include: Connect the second terminal of the inductor to the ground node.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps of manipulating the current flow from the inductor to the flying capacitor include: Disconnect the second terminal of the inductor from the ground node; and Connect the second terminal of the inductor to the flying capacitor.

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