Voltage generating device and method for generating the same

Abstract

A voltage generating device and a voltage generating method are provided. The voltage generating device includes a first voltage generator, a second voltage generator, a third voltage generator, and an output voltage generator. The first voltage generator to the third voltage generator generate a first voltage to a third voltage, respectively. The output voltage generator generates an output voltage at an output terminal according to the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage. When the output voltage is converted between the first voltage and the second voltage, in a first time interval, the first voltage generator provides the first voltage to a first capacitor, and the third voltage generator changes the output voltage from the second voltage to the third voltage. In a second time interval, the first voltage generator and the first capacitor change the output voltage from the third voltage to the first voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a voltage generating device and a method thereof, and more particularly to a voltage generating device and a method thereof that can reduce surge current. Background Technology

[0002] In voltage generating devices, when the output voltage changes significantly, a large instantaneous surge current can occur due to the limitations of the external capacitor load and switching time. This surge current can easily cause damage to the voltage generating device and the entire system due to the current surge, thereby reducing its lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a voltage generating device and a voltage generating method, which can reduce surge current.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a voltage generating device includes a first voltage generator, a second voltage generator, a third voltage generator, and an output voltage generator. The first to third voltage generators respectively generate a first voltage to a third voltage. The first voltage is different from the second voltage, and the third voltage is between the first and second voltages. The output voltage generator generates an output voltage at an output terminal based on the first, second, and third voltages. When the output voltage transitions between the first and second voltages, in a first time interval, the first voltage generator provides the first voltage to a first capacitor, and the third voltage generator changes the output voltage from the second voltage to the third voltage; in a second time interval, the first voltage generator and the first capacitor change the output voltage from the third voltage back to the first voltage.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a voltage generation method includes: providing a first voltage generator to generate a first voltage; providing a second voltage generator to generate a second voltage, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage are not the same; providing a third voltage generator to provide a third voltage, wherein the third voltage is between the first voltage and the second voltage; providing an output voltage generator to generate an output voltage at an output terminal based on the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage; when the output voltage switches between the first voltage and the second voltage, in a first time interval, causing the first voltage generator to provide the first voltage to a first capacitor, and providing the third voltage generator to change the output voltage from the second voltage to the third voltage; and in a second time interval, providing the first voltage generator and the first capacitor to change the output voltage from the third voltage to the first voltage.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the voltage generating device first provides or draws current from a corresponding first capacitor during a first time interval in which the output voltage changes, and simultaneously adjusts the output voltage to a third voltage of intermediate value. Then, during a second time interval, the first voltage generator and the corresponding first capacitor work together to adjust the output voltage to a target voltage value. In this way, the inrush current generated during the voltage adjustment process can be effectively reduced, minimizing potential interference and damage. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings are included to further illustrate the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a voltage generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a voltage generating device and its operation according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 3 This is a waveform diagram of the operation of the voltage generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 4 This is an operation waveform diagram of another embodiment of the voltage generating device of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the first voltage generator in the voltage generating device of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a voltage generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Explanation of icon numbers

[0015] 100, 200: Voltage generating device;

[0016] 110~130, 210~230, 510: Voltage generator;

[0017] 140, 240: Output voltage generator;

[0018] 241, 521: Controller;

[0019] 242: Voltage-driven buffer;

[0020] CH, CL, CO: Capacitors;

[0021] CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4: Control signals;

[0022] IH, IL, ICH: Current;

[0023] I1, I2: Current values;

[0024] GND: Reference ground terminal;

[0025] SW1, SW2: Switches;

[0026] VREF: Reference voltage;

[0027] VH, VL, VM: Voltage;

[0028] VHH, VLL: Voltage values;

[0029] VO: Output voltage;

[0030] T1, T2: Time intervals;

[0031] S610~S650: Steps. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same element references are used in the drawings and description to denote the same or similar parts.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a voltage generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The voltage generating device 100 includes voltage generators 110-130, an output voltage generator 140, switches SW1 and SW2, and capacitors CH, CL, and CO. Voltage generator 110 generates voltage VH; voltage generator 120 generates voltage VL. Output voltage generator 140 is coupled to voltage generators 110 and 120 and receives voltages VH and VL generated by voltage generators 110 and 120 respectively, wherein the voltage values ​​of voltage VH and voltage VL are different. Output voltage generator 140 generates an output voltage VO at the output terminal OE of voltage generating device 100 based on voltages VH and VL.

[0034] Additionally, voltage generator 130 is coupled to output terminal OE and used to generate voltage VM, wherein the voltage value of voltage VM is between the voltage values ​​of voltage VH and voltage VL.

[0035] In this embodiment, switch SW1 is coupled between output voltage generator 140 and output terminal OE. Switch SW2 is coupled between voltage generator 130 and output terminal OE. Switch SW1 can be turned on or off according to control signal CT1. Switch SW2 can be turned on or off according to control signal CT2. Control signals CT1 and CT2 can be provided by output voltage generator 140. Furthermore, switches SW1 and SW2 cannot be turned on simultaneously.

[0036] On the other hand, capacitor CH is coupled between the terminal of voltage generator 110 that generates voltage VH and the reference ground terminal GND. Capacitor CL is coupled between the terminal of voltage generator 120 that generates voltage VL and the reference ground terminal GND. Capacitor CO is coupled between the output terminal OE and the reference ground terminal GND. Taking a voltage VH greater than VL as an example, when voltage generator 110 generates voltage VH, capacitor CH can receive voltage VH and charge; when voltage generator 120 generates voltage VL, capacitor CL can receive voltage VL and charge or discharge. Capacitor CO can then serve as a voltage regulator for the output voltage VO.

[0037] In this embodiment, the voltage value of voltage VH can be higher than the voltage value of voltage VM, and the voltage value of voltage VM is higher than the voltage value of voltage VL.

[0038] In terms of operational details, taking the initial output voltage VO equal to voltage VL as an example, when the output voltage VO changes, during the first time interval, switch SW1 is open and switch SW2 is open. Simultaneously, voltage generator 110 provides voltage VH to capacitor CH, charging capacitor CH. Voltage generator 130 simultaneously generates voltage VM, changing the output voltage VO from voltage VL to voltage VM via switch SW2. Then, in the second time interval following the first time interval, switch SW1 is open and switch SW2 is open. Voltage generator 110 and capacitor CH provide current to change the output voltage VO from voltage VM to voltage VH via switch SW2.

[0039] On the other hand, taking the initial output voltage VO equal to voltage VH as an example, when the output voltage VO changes, in the first time interval, switch SW1 is open and switch SW2 is open. Simultaneously, voltage generator 120 provides voltage VL to capacitor CL and draws current from capacitor CL. Voltage generator 130 simultaneously generates voltage VM, changing the output voltage VO from voltage VH to voltage VM via switch SW2. Then, in the second time interval following the first time interval, switch SW1 is open and switch SW2 is open. Voltage generator 120 and capacitor CL can draw current from capacitor VO via switch SW2, changing the output voltage VO from voltage VM to voltage VL.

[0040] As can be seen from the above description, when the generated output voltage VO changes, the voltage generating device 100 of this embodiment can first adjust the output voltage VO to a voltage VM between intermediate voltage values, and then adjust it to the target voltage VH or VL. Furthermore, the voltage generating device 100 of this embodiment can cooperate with capacitor CH or CL to perform pre-charging or discharging operations to assist the output voltage VO adjustment operation performed by the voltage generating device 100 in the second time interval, which can effectively reduce the value of the generated surge current.

[0041] Please refer to the following: Figure 2A , Figure 2B as well as Figure 3 ,in, Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a voltage generating device and its operation according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a waveform diagram of the operation of the voltage generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A In this embodiment, the voltage generating device 200 includes voltage generators 210-230, an output voltage generator 240, switches SW1 and SW2, and capacitors CH, CL, and CO. In this embodiment, the output voltage generator 240 includes a controller 241 and a voltage drive buffer 242. The controller 241 and the voltage drive buffer 242 are coupled to each other, and the voltage drive buffer 242 can generate an output voltage VO at the output terminal OE according to the control signal CT3 based on either voltage VH or voltage VL. The controller 241 generates control signals CT1-CT3, which control the on / off states of switches SW1 and SW2, respectively.

[0042] In this embodiment, the controller 241 can be constructed using any form of digital circuitry and can generate control signals CT1~CT3 according to voltage switching commands. The voltage switching commands can be provided by external electronic devices.

[0043] In the operational details, when the output voltage VO needs to be changed from a relatively low voltage VL to a relatively high voltage VH, please refer to the following: Figure 2A as well as Figure 3 During the first time interval T1, controller 241 generates control signals CT1 and CT2 to open switch SW1 and turn on switch SW2. Simultaneously, controller 241 uses control signal CT3 to deactivate voltage drive buffer 242 to save power. Also during the first time interval T1, voltage generator 230 is activated and provides voltage VM to output terminal OE, causing output voltage VO to rise from voltage VL to voltage VM. Output voltage VO can be equal to voltage VM for a certain duration.

[0044] On the other hand, during the first time interval T1, the voltage generator 210 is activated and charges the capacitor CH by providing a current IH equal to the current value I1. Based on the charging action of the capacitor CH, the voltage value VH generated by the voltage generator 210 can be linearly increased to the voltage value VHH.

[0045] After the first time interval T1, the second time interval T2 can be entered. Please refer to the following: Figure 2B as well as Figure 3 During the second time interval T2, controller 241 generates control signals CT1 and CT2 to turn on switch SW1 and turn off switch SW2. Simultaneously, controller 241 activates voltage drive buffer 242 via control signal CT3. At this time, voltage generator 210 and capacitor CH provide currents IH and ICH, respectively, equal to the current value I1, to voltage drive buffer 242. Voltage drive buffer 242 then transfers currents IH and ICH to capacitor CO to charge capacitor CO and generate output voltage VO.

[0046] It is worth mentioning that in this embodiment, the voltage across capacitor CH can rise linearly during the first time interval T1, and decrease linearly during the second time interval T2. Furthermore, regardless of whether it is time interval T1 or time interval T2, the current IH provided by voltage generator 210 can remain equal to the current value I1. The relationship between the current value I1 and the voltage value VHH, voltage VH, capacitor CH, and the first time interval T1 is: I1 = CH (VHH-VH) / T1. The relationship between the current value I1 and the voltage values ​​VHH, VM, VH, capacitance CO, and the second time interval T2 is: I1 = [CO (VH-VM) – CH [(VHH – VH)] / T2. The relationship between the current value I1 and the total time T (= first time interval T1 + second time interval T2) can be expressed as: I1 = CO (VH -VM) / T.

[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, the voltage generator 210 can continuously provide current IH in the first time interval T1 and the second time interval T2 as the basis for boosting the output voltage VO. In this way, the voltage generator 210 can reduce the current value I1 of the required current IH, effectively reducing the magnitude of the surge current.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4This is an operational waveform diagram of another embodiment of the voltage generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 In the process, the output voltage VO generated by voltage generator 200 decreases from a relatively high voltage VH to a relatively low voltage VL. During time interval T1, switch SW1 is open and switch SW2 is open. Voltage generator 220 draws a current IL of current value I2 from capacitor CL, while voltage generator 230 provides voltage VM to pull the output voltage VO down from voltage VH to voltage VM. Based on the current draw operation of voltage generator 220, the voltage VL on capacitor CL can decrease linearly to voltage value VLL.

[0049] Next, during time interval T2, when switch SW1 is turned on and switch SW2 is turned off, voltage generator 220 and capacitor CL can draw current from output terminal OE, causing the output voltage VO to be pulled down from voltage VM to voltage VL. Based on the current draw action of capacitor CL, the voltage VL across capacitor CL can rise linearly. The relationship between current value I2 and voltage values ​​VLL, voltage VL, capacitor CL, and the first time interval T1 is: I2 = CL (VL-VLL) / T1. The relationship between the current value I2 and the voltage values ​​VLL, VM, VL, CO, and the second time interval T2 is: I2 = [CO (VM-VL) – CL [(VL –VLL)] / T2. The relationship between the current value I2 and the total time T (= first time interval T1 + second time interval T2) can be expressed as: I2 = CO (VM -VL) / T.

[0050] Similarly, in this embodiment of the invention, the voltage generator 220 can continuously draw current IL during the first time interval T1 and the second time interval T2 as a basis for lowering the output voltage VO. In this way, the voltage generator 220 can reduce the current value I2 of the required current IL, effectively reducing the magnitude of the surge current.

[0051] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the first voltage generator in the voltage generating device of the present invention. In this embodiment, the first voltage generator 510 in the voltage generating device (e.g., Figure 2A The voltage generator 110 or 120 in the embodiment can be coupled to the controller 521 (e.g., Figure 2A(Controller 241 in the embodiment). In one embodiment, controller 521 can provide a reference voltage VREF to the first voltage generator 510. The first voltage generator 510 can then generate a corresponding voltage VH or VL based on the reference voltage VREF. Figure 3 In this implementation, the reference voltage VREF can be a linearly rising voltage in the first time interval T1 and a linearly falling voltage in the time interval T2, while the first voltage generator 510 can generate a voltage VH. If corresponding to... Figure 4 In this implementation, the reference voltage VREF can be a linearly decreasing voltage in the first time interval T1 and a linearly increasing voltage in the time interval T2, while the first voltage generator 510 can generate a voltage VL.

[0052] In another embodiment, controller 521 may generate control signal CT4. If corresponding Figure 3 In one implementation, the first voltage generator 510 can operate in a constant voltage output mode in a first time interval T1 and in a constant current output mode in a second time interval T2, according to the control signal CT4.

[0053] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a voltage generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step S610, a first voltage generator is provided to generate a first voltage; in step S620, a second voltage generator is provided to generate a second voltage, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage are different; in step S630, a third voltage generator is provided to provide a third voltage, wherein the third voltage is between the first voltage and the second voltage, and an output voltage generator is provided to generate an output voltage at an output terminal based on the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage. Next, in step S640, when the output voltage transitions between the first voltage and the second voltage, during a first time interval, the first voltage generator provides the first voltage to a first capacitor, and the third voltage generator is provided to change the output voltage from the second voltage to the third voltage; and in step S650, during a second time interval, the first voltage generator and the first capacitor are provided to change the output voltage from the third voltage back to the first voltage.

[0054] The implementation details of the above steps have been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments and implementation methods, and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0055] Based on the above, when the output voltage changes, the voltage generating device of the present invention, in a first time interval, firstly provides or draws current from the corresponding first capacitor by the first voltage generator, and simultaneously adjusts the output voltage to a third voltage of intermediate value. Then, in a second time interval, it works in conjunction with the first voltage generator and the corresponding first capacitor to raise or lower the output voltage to the target voltage value. In this way, the surge current generated during the voltage adjustment process can be effectively reduced, minimizing potential interference and damage.

[0056] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A voltage generating device, characterized in that, include: A first voltage generator is used to generate a first voltage; A second voltage generator is used to generate a second voltage, wherein the first voltage is different from the second voltage; A third voltage generator provides a third voltage, wherein the third voltage is between the first voltage and the second voltage; as well as An output voltage generator receives the first voltage and the second voltage, and generates an output voltage at the output terminal based on the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage. When the output voltage switches between the first voltage and the second voltage, in the first time interval, the first voltage generator provides the first voltage to a first capacitor, and the third voltage generator changes the output voltage from the second voltage to the third voltage. In the second time interval, the first voltage generator and the first capacitor change the output voltage from the third voltage to the first voltage.

2. The voltage generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first switch is coupled between the output voltage generator and the output terminal; as well as The second switch is coupled between the third voltage generator and the output terminal. The first switch is turned on or off according to the first control signal, and the second switch is turned on or off according to the second control signal. The first switch and the second switch are not turned on at the same time.

3. The voltage generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The output voltage generator includes: A controller, configured to generate the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal; and A voltage-driven buffer, coupled to the controller, generates the output voltage at the output terminal according to the third control signal based on the first voltage or the second voltage.

4. The voltage generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The second capacitor is coupled to the first voltage generator to receive the second voltage; as well as The third capacitor is coupled to the output terminal.

5. The voltage generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the first voltage is greater than the second voltage In the first time interval: When the first switch is open and the second switch is open, the first voltage generator provides a first current to charge the first capacitor, and the second voltage generator provides the third voltage to the third capacitor to change the output voltage from the second voltage to the third voltage. In the second time interval following the first time interval: The first switch is turned on, the second switch is turned off, and the first voltage generator and the first capacitor respectively provide a second current and a third current to the third capacitor, so that the output voltage rises from the third voltage to the first voltage.

6. The voltage generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, During the first time interval, the voltage across the first capacitor increases linearly, and during the second time interval, the voltage across the first capacitor decreases linearly.

7. The voltage generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first voltage generator generates the first voltage based on a reference voltage, the reference voltage rising linearly in the first time interval and falling linearly in the second time interval.

8. The voltage generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first voltage generator operates in a constant voltage output mode during the first time interval and in a constant current output mode during the second time interval.

9. The voltage generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the first voltage is less than the second voltage In the first time interval: When the first switch is open and the second switch is open, the first voltage generator charges the first capacitor by drawing a first current, and the second voltage generator provides the third voltage to the third capacitor to change the output voltage from the second voltage to the third voltage. In the second time interval following the first time interval: The first switch is turned on, the second switch is turned off, and the first voltage generator and the first capacitor provide a second current and a third current respectively drawn from the third capacitor, so that the output voltage drops from the third voltage to the first voltage.

10. A voltage generation method, characterized in that, include: Provide a first voltage generator to generate a first voltage; A second voltage generator is provided to generate a second voltage, wherein the first voltage is different from the second voltage; A third voltage generator is provided to provide a third voltage, wherein the third voltage is between the first voltage and the second voltage; An output voltage generator is provided to generate an output voltage at an output terminal based on the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage; When the output voltage switches between the first voltage and the second voltage, during a first time interval, the first voltage generator provides the first voltage to the first capacitor, and the third voltage generator changes the output voltage from the second voltage to the third voltage. as well as During the second time interval, the first voltage generator and the first capacitor are provided to change the output voltage from the third voltage to the first voltage.

11. The voltage generation method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: When the first voltage is greater than the second voltage, the voltage on the first capacitor increases linearly during the first time interval, and decreases linearly during the second time interval.

12. The voltage generation method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The first voltage generator is made to generate the first voltage based on the reference voltage; as well as The reference voltage is made to rise linearly in the first time interval and to fall linearly in the second time interval.

13. The voltage generation method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: The first voltage generator is operated in a constant voltage output mode during the first time interval, and the first voltage generator is operated in a constant current output mode during the second time interval.

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