Single-inductor dual-polarity output power converter

Abstract

A single-inductor bipolar output (SIBO) power converter includes an inductor and first through fifth switches. The inductor has a first terminal and a second terminal and an inductor current flows through the inductor. The first switch is coupled between an input voltage and the first terminal. The second switch is coupled between the first terminal and a second output voltage. The third switch is coupled between the second terminal and a first output voltage. The fourth switch is coupled between the second terminal and a ground terminal. The fifth switch is coupled between the first terminal and the ground terminal. When the SIBO power converter operates in a certain phase, the second switch and the third switch are turned on and the first switch, the fourth switch, and the fifth switch are turned off, causing the first output voltage and the second output voltage to discharge simultaneously to reduce a peak of the inductor current.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to power converters, and more particularly to a single-inductor bipolar output (SI BO) power converter. Background Technology

[0002] Generally speaking, the system on-state power consumption of a single inductor bipolar output (SIBO) power converter is the square of the root-mean-square current of all switches (I0). RMS 2 The result is obtained by multiplying the current by the on-resistance (Ron) and then summing them up. Because traditional SIBO power converters struggle to reduce the peak inductor current during operation, the system on-state power consumption of traditional single-inductor bipolar output power converters cannot be reduced, ultimately resulting in poor heavy-load efficiency, which requires further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, this invention proposes a single-inductor bipolar output power converter to effectively solve the above-mentioned problems encountered by the prior art.

[0004] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a single-inductor bipolar output power converter. In this embodiment, the single-inductor bipolar output power converter includes an inductor, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, and a fifth switch. The inductor has a first terminal and a second terminal, and inductor current flows through the inductor. The first switch is coupled between an input voltage and the first terminal. The second switch is coupled between the first terminal and a second output voltage. The third switch is coupled between the second terminal and the first output voltage. The fourth switch is coupled between the second terminal and a ground terminal. The fifth switch is coupled between the first terminal and a ground terminal. When the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in a specific phase, the second and third switches are turned on, while the first, fourth, and fifth switches are turned off, causing the first and second output voltages to discharge simultaneously, thereby reducing the peak value of the inductor current.

[0005] In one embodiment, the single-inductor bipolar output power converter further includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor connected in series with each other. The first capacitor is coupled between a first output voltage and a ground terminal, and the second capacitor is coupled between the ground terminal and a second output voltage.

[0006] In one embodiment, when the single-inductor bipolar output power converter is operating in the first phase, the first and fourth switches are turned on while the second, third, and fifth switches are turned off, so as to charge the inductor.

[0007] In one embodiment, when the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in the second phase, the second and fourth switches are turned on while the first, third, and fifth switches are turned off, causing the second output voltage to discharge.

[0008] In one embodiment, the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates sequentially in a specific phase and a second phase.

[0009] In one embodiment, when the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in the third phase, the third and fifth switches are turned on while the first, second, and fourth switches are turned off.

[0010] In one embodiment, the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates sequentially in a specific phase and a third phase.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in the fourth phase, the first and third switches are turned on while the second, fourth, and fifth switches are turned off, causing the first output voltage to discharge.

[0012] In one embodiment, the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates sequentially in a fourth phase and a specific phase.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the single-inductor bipolar output power converter is operating in the fifth phase, the fourth switch is turned on and the first, second, third, and fifth switches are turned off.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in the sixth phase, the fifth switch is turned on and the first, second, third, and fourth switches are turned off.

[0015] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is also a single-inductor bipolar output power converter. In this embodiment, the single-inductor bipolar output power converter includes an inductor, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a charge pump, and a fifth switch. The inductor has a first terminal and a second terminal, and inductor current flows through the inductor. The first switch is coupled between an input voltage and the first terminal. The second switch is coupled between the first terminal and a second output voltage. The third switch is coupled between the second terminal and the first output voltage. The charge pump includes a flying capacitor, a fourth switch, a sixth switch, a seventh switch, and an eighth switch. The fourth and seventh switches are connected in series between the second terminal and a ground terminal, and the sixth and eighth switches are connected in series between the input voltage and a ground terminal. One end of the flying capacitor is coupled between the sixth and eighth switches, and the other end of the flying capacitor is coupled between the fourth and seventh switches. The fifth switch is coupled between the first terminal and a ground terminal. When the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in a specific phase, the second, fourth, and eighth switches are turned on while the first, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh switches are turned off, causing the peak value of the inductor current to decrease due to the simultaneous discharge of the inductor and the flying capacitor.

[0016] In one embodiment, the single-inductor bipolar output power converter further includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor connected in series with each other. The first capacitor is coupled between a first output voltage and a ground terminal, and the second capacitor is coupled between the ground terminal and a second output voltage.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in the first phase, the first, fourth, sixth, and seventh switches are turned on while the second, third, fifth, and eighth switches are turned off, allowing the inductor and flying capacitor to store energy.

[0018] In one embodiment, the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates sequentially in a first phase and a specific phase.

[0019] In one embodiment, when the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in the second phase, the second, fourth, sixth, and seventh switches are turned on while the first, third, fifth, and eighth switches are turned off, causing the second output voltage to discharge and the flying capacitor to store energy.

[0020] In one embodiment, when the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in the third phase, the third, fifth, sixth, and seventh switches are turned on while the first, second, fourth, and eighth switches are turned off, causing the inductor to charge the first output voltage and the flying capacitor to store energy.

[0021] In one embodiment, when the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in the fourth phase, the first, third, sixth, and seventh switches are turned on while the second, fourth, fifth, and eighth switches are turned off, causing the inductor to charge the first output voltage and the flying capacitor to store energy.

[0022] In one embodiment, the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates sequentially in a fourth phase and a specific phase.

[0023] In one embodiment, when the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in the fifth phase, the second, third, sixth, and seventh switches are turned on while the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth switches are turned off, causing the first and second output voltages to charge / discharge and the flying capacitor to store energy.

[0024] Compared to existing technologies, the single-inductor bipolar output power converter disclosed in this invention reduces the peak value of the inductor current by simultaneously discharging the first output voltage and the second output voltage or simultaneously discharging the second output voltage and the flying capacitor under a specific phase, thereby reducing the system's on-state power consumption and effectively improving the heavy-load efficiency of the single-inductor bipolar output power converter. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a SIBO power converter in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figures 2A to 2G They are respectively Figure 1 The diagram shows the SIBO power converter operating at different phases.

[0027] Figure 3 For when Figure 1 The timing diagram shows the inductor current and the conduction status of the first to fifth switches when the SIBO power converter operates sequentially in the first phase, fourth phase, specific phase, and second phase.

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A comparison of the inductor current and timing diagrams of whether the first to fifth switches are on or off when the conventional SIBO power converter operates sequentially in the first, fourth, and second phases.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a SIBO power converter in another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figures 6A to 6F They are respectively Figure 5 The diagram shows the SIBO power converter operating at different phases.

[0031] Figure 7 The timing diagram of the inductor current of the SIBO power converter operating sequentially in the first phase, a specific phase, the fourth phase, and the third phase is compared with the timing diagram of the inductor current of the conventional SIBO power converter operating sequentially in the first phase, the fourth phase, and the second phase.

[0032] Figure 8 The timing diagram of the inductor current of the SIBO power converter operating sequentially in the first phase, a specific phase, the fourth phase, and the fifth phase is compared with the timing diagram of the inductor current of the conventional SIBO power converter operating sequentially in the first phase, the fourth phase, and the second phase.

[0033] Figure 9 The timing diagram of the inductor current of the SIBO power converter operating sequentially in the first phase, fourth phase, specific phase, and second phase is compared with the timing diagram of the inductor current of the conventional SIBO power converter operating sequentially in the first phase, fourth phase, and second phase.

[0034] Figure 10 The timing diagram of the inductor current of the SIBO power converter operating sequentially in the first phase, fourth phase, specific phase, and fifth phase is compared with the timing diagram of the inductor current of the conventional SIBO power converter operating sequentially in the first phase, fourth phase, and second phase.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a timing diagram showing whether the first to eighth switches are turned on or off when the SIBO power converter operates sequentially in the first phase, a specific phase, the fourth phase, and the third phase.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a timing diagram showing whether the first to eighth switches are turned on or off when the SIBO power converter operates sequentially in the first phase, a specific phase, the fourth phase, and the fifth phase.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a timing diagram showing whether the first to eighth switches are turned on or off when the SIBO power converter operates sequentially in the first phase, the fourth phase, a specific phase, and the second phase.

[0038] Figure 14 This is a timing diagram showing whether the first to eighth switches are turned on or off when the SIBO power converter operates sequentially in the first phase, fourth phase, specific phase, and fifth phase.

[0039] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0040] 1…SIBO Power Converter

[0041] L…Inductor

[0042] IL…Inductor current

[0043] S1~S5… First switch~Fifth switch

[0044] COP…First capacitor

[0045] CON…Second capacitor

[0046] VOP…First Output Voltage

[0047] VON…Second Output Voltage

[0048] LXN…First End

[0049] LXP…Second End

[0050] GND…Ground terminal

[0051] Ph A…First Phase

[0052] Ph B…Second Phase

[0053] Ph C…Third Phase

[0054] Ph D…Fourth Phase

[0055] Ph E…specific phase

[0056] Ph ZC…Fifth Phase

[0057] Ph ZC2…Sixth Phase

[0058] VESUM… Current value

[0059] VEP…Current Peak

[0060] 5…SIBO Power Converter

[0061] S6~S8…Sixth Switch~Eighth Switch

[0062] CP…charging pump

[0063] Cfly…flying capacitor

[0064] Ph Bc…specific phase

[0065] T1~T5…First conduction time~Fifth conduction time

[0066] T1'~T4'…First conduction time~Fourth conduction time

[0067] VESUM1… Current value

[0068] VESUM2… Current value

[0069] B1…area

[0070] B2…area

[0071] D1…area

[0072] D2…area

[0073] E…area

[0074] IL1…current value

[0075] IL2…current value Detailed Implementation

[0076] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a single-inductor bipolar output (SIBO) power converter. In this embodiment, the SIBO power converter includes a single inductor and outputs a first output voltage and a second output voltage, respectively, and the SIBO power converter has a five-switch structure, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the SIBO power converter 1 in this embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 As shown, the SIBO power converter 1 includes an inductor L, a first switch S1, a second switch S2, a third switch S3, a fourth switch S4, a fifth switch S5, a first capacitor COP, and a second capacitor CON. The inductor L has a first terminal LXN and a second terminal LXP, and an inductor current IL flows through the inductor L. The first switch S1 is coupled between the input voltage VIN and the first terminal LXN. The second switch S2 is coupled between the first terminal LXN and the second output voltage VON. The third switch S3 is coupled between the second terminal LXP and the first output voltage VOP. The fourth switch S4 is coupled between the second terminal LXP and the ground terminal GND. The fifth switch S5 is coupled between the first terminal LXN and the ground terminal GND. The first capacitor COP and the second capacitor CON are connected in series. The first capacitor COP is coupled between the first output voltage VOP and the ground terminal GND, and the second capacitor CON is coupled between the ground terminal GND and the second output voltage VON.

[0078] It should be noted that when the SIBO power converter 1 in this embodiment operates in a specific phase (e.g., Figure 2E When the second switch S2 and the third switch S3 are turned on, while the first switch S1, the fourth switch and the fifth switch S5 are not turned on, the first output voltage VOP and the second output voltage VON discharge simultaneously, thereby reducing the peak value of the inductor current IL, but this is not the only limitation.

[0079] Figures 2A to 2G They are respectively Figure 1 The diagram shows the SIBO power converter 1 operating at different phases.

[0080] like Figure 2AAs shown, when the SIBO power converter 1 operates in the first phase Ph A, the first switch S1 and the fourth switch S4 are turned on while the second switch S2, the third switch S3 and the fifth switch S5 are not turned on, forming a conduction path from the input voltage VIN through the first switch S1, the inductor L, the fourth switch S4 to the ground terminal GND, so as to charge the inductor L.

[0081] like Figure 2B As shown, when the SIBO power converter 1 operates in the second phase Ph B, the second switch S2 and the fourth switch S4 are turned on while the first switch S1, the third switch S3 and the fifth switch S5 are not turned on, forming a conduction path from the second output voltage VON, the second switch S2, the inductor L, the fourth switch S4 to the ground terminal GND, causing the second output voltage VON to discharge.

[0082] like Figure 2C As shown, when the SIBO power converter 1 operates in the third phase Ph C, the third switch S3 and the fifth switch S5 are turned on while the first switch S1, the second switch S2 and the fourth switch S4 are not turned on, forming a conduction path from the ground terminal GND, the fifth switch S5, the inductor L, the third switch S3 to the first output voltage VOP.

[0083] like Figure 2D As shown, when the SIBO power converter 1 operates in the fourth phase Ph D, the first switch S1 and the third switch S3 are turned on while the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4 and the fifth switch S5 are not turned on, forming a conduction path from the input voltage VIN through the first switch S1, the inductor L, and the third switch S3 to the first output voltage VOP, causing the input voltage VIN to discharge the first output voltage VOP.

[0084] like Figure 2E As shown, when the SIBO power converter 1 operates at a specific phase Ph E, the second switch S2 and the third switch S3 are turned on while the first switch S1, the fourth switch S4 and the fifth switch S5 are not turned on, forming a conduction path from the second output voltage VON, the second switch S2, the inductor L, the third switch S3 to the first output voltage VOP. This causes the first output voltage VOP and the second output voltage VON to discharge simultaneously, thereby reducing the peak value of the inductor current IL flowing through the inductor L, but this is not a limitation.

[0085] like Figure 2F As shown, when the SIBO power converter 1 operates in the fifth phase Ph ZC, the fourth switch S4 is turned on and the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3 and the fifth switch S5 are not turned on, forming a conduction path from the inductor L, the fourth switch S4 to the ground terminal GND, so as to float the first terminal LXN of the inductor L and ground the second terminal LXP of the inductor L.

[0086] like Figure 2G As shown, when the SIBO power converter 1 operates in the sixth phase Ph ZC2, the fifth switch S5 is turned on and the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3 and the fourth switch S4 are not turned on, forming a conduction path from the inductor L, the fifth switch S5 to the ground terminal GND, so as to ground the first terminal LXN of the inductor L and float the second terminal LXP of the inductor L.

[0087] In practical applications, the SIBO power converter 1 can operate sequentially in a specific phase Ph E and a second phase Ph B, or sequentially in a specific phase Ph E and a third phase Ph C, or sequentially in a fourth phase Ph D and a specific phase Ph E, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] Figure 3 For when Figure 1 The SIBO power converter 1 operates sequentially in the first phase Ph A, the fourth phase Ph D, the specific phase Ph E, and the second phase Ph B. The timing diagram shows the inductor current IL and the conduction status of the first switch S1 to the fifth switch S5.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, during the first conduction time T1, the SIBO power converter 1 operates in the first phase Ph A, with the first switch S1 and the fourth switch S4 conducting while the second switch S2, the third switch S3, and the fifth switch S5 are not conducting, so that the inductor L is charged by the input voltage VIN, making the inductor current equal to the current value IL1 at the end of the first conduction time T1. It should be noted that the first conduction time T1 is determined by the current value VESUM and the sawtooth wave signal SAW1, but is not limited to them.

[0090] During the second conduction time T2, the SIBO power converter 1 operates in the fourth phase Ph D, with the first switch S1 and the third switch S3 conducting while the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4, and the fifth switch S5 are not conducting. If the input voltage VIN > the first output voltage VOP, then the input voltage VI charges the inductor L, making the inductor current equal to the current value IL2 at the end of the second conduction time T2. It should be noted that the second conduction time T2 is determined by the peak current VEP and the sawtooth wave signal SAW2, but is not limited to these. The slope at which the inductor current IL increases during the second conduction time T2 will be less than the slope at which it increases during the first conduction time T1.

[0091] During the third conduction time T3, the SIBO power converter 1 operates at a specific phase Ph E, with the second switch S2 and the third switch S3 conducting while the first switch S1, the fourth switch S4, and the fifth switch S5 are not conducting, so that the first output voltage VOP and the second output voltage VON discharge simultaneously, causing the inductor current IL to decrease from the current value IL2 during the third conduction time T3.

[0092] During the fourth conduction time T4, the SIBO power converter 1 operates in the second phase Ph B, with the second switch S2 and the fourth switch S4 conducting while the first switch S1, the third switch S3, and the fifth switch S5 are not conducting, so that the second output voltage VON discharges, causing the inductor current IL to continuously decrease to zero during the fourth conduction time T4.

[0093] then, Figure 4 for Figure 3 A comparison of the timing diagrams of the inductor current IL with those of a conventional SIBO power converter operating sequentially in phase 1 Ph A, phase 4 Ph D, and phase 2 Ph B.

[0094] like Figure 4 As shown, since a conventional SIBO power converter operates in the fourth phase Ph D during the second on-time T2 and in the second phase Ph B during the third on-time T3, while the SIBO power converter 1 of the present invention operates in the fourth phase Ph D during the second on-time T2', in a specific phase Ph E during the third on-time T3', and in the second phase Ph B during the fourth on-time T4', the area D2 enclosed by the inductor current IL and time when the SIBO power converter 1 of the present invention operates in the fourth phase Ph D during the second on-time T2' plus the area E enclosed by the inductor current IL and time when it operates in the specific phase Ph E during the third on-time T3' will be equal to the area D1 enclosed by the inductor current IL and time when the conventional SIBO power converter operates in the fourth phase Ph D during the second on-time T2. Furthermore, the SIBO power converter 1 of the present invention operates in the specific phase Ph B during the third on-time T3'. The area E enclosed by the inductor current IL and time when it is at time E, plus the area B2 enclosed by the inductor current IL and time when it is operating in the second phase Ph B during the fourth conduction time T4', will be equal to the area B1 enclosed by the inductor current IL and time when the conventional SIBO power converter is operating in the second phase Ph B during the third conduction time T3.

[0095] The peak value IL2 of the inductor current IL of the SIBO power converter 1 of the present invention, which is operated under the fourth phase Ph D during the second conduction time T2', is significantly lower than the peak value IL1 of the inductor current IL of the conventional SIBO power converter, which is operated under the fourth phase Ph D during the second conduction time T2, and the difference between the two is ΔIL.

[0096] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the SIBO power converter 5 in another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the SIBO power converter 5 includes an inductor L, a first switch S1, a second switch S2, a third switch S3, a charge pump CP, a fifth switch S5, a first capacitor COP, and a second capacitor CON. The inductor L has a first terminal LXN and a second terminal LXP, and an inductor current IL flows through the inductor L. The first switch S1 is coupled between the input voltage VIN and the first terminal LXN. The second switch S2 is coupled between the first terminal LXN and the second output voltage VON. The third switch S3 is coupled between the second terminal LXP and the first output voltage VOP.

[0097] The charge pump CP includes a flying capacitor Cfly, a fourth switch S4, a sixth switch S6, a seventh switch S7, and an eighth switch S8. The fourth switch S4 and the seventh switch S7 are connected in series between the second terminal LXP and the ground terminal GND, and the sixth switch S6 and the eighth switch S8 are connected in series between the input voltage VIN and the ground terminal GND. One end of the flying capacitor Cfly is coupled between the sixth switch S6 and the eighth switch S8, and the other end of the flying capacitor Cfly is coupled between the fourth switch S4 and the seventh switch S7. The fifth switch S5 is coupled between the first terminal LXN and the ground terminal GND. The first capacitor COP and the second capacitor CON are connected in series. The first capacitor COP is coupled between the first output voltage VOP and the ground terminal GND, and the second capacitor CON is coupled between the ground terminal GND and the second output voltage VON.

[0098] It should be noted that when the SIBO power converter 5 operates under a specific phase Ph Bc, the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4 and the eighth switch S8 are turned on while the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 are not turned on, causing the second output voltage VON and the flying capacitor Cfly to discharge simultaneously, thereby reducing the peak value of the inductor current IL.

[0099] Figures 6A to 6F They are respectively Figure 5 The diagram shows the SIBO power converter 5 operating at different phases.

[0100] like Figure 6AAs shown, when the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the first phase Ph A, the first switch S1, the fourth switch S4, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 are turned on while the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not turned on. This forms a conducting path from the input voltage VIN through the first switch S1, the inductor L, the fourth switch S4, the seventh switch S7 to the ground terminal GND, and a conducting path from the input voltage VIN through the sixth switch S6, the flying capacitor Cfly, the seventh switch S7 to the ground terminal GND, so that the inductor L and the flying capacitor Cfly store energy.

[0101] like Figure 6B As shown, when the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the second phase Ph B, the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 are turned on while the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are turned off. This forms a conducting path from the second output voltage VON through the second switch S2, the inductor L, the fourth switch S4, the seventh switch S7 to the ground terminal GND, and a conducting path from the input voltage VIN through the sixth switch S6, the flying capacitor Cfly, the seventh switch S7 to the ground terminal GND. This causes the second output voltage VON to discharge and the flying capacitor Cfly to store energy.

[0102] like Figure 6C As shown, when the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the third phase Ph C, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 are turned on while the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4 and the eighth switch S8 are turned off. This forms a conducting path from the ground terminal GND through the fifth switch S5, the inductor L, the third switch S3 to the first output voltage VOP, and a conducting path from the input voltage VIN through the sixth switch S6, the flying capacitor Cfly, the seventh switch S7 to the ground terminal GND. This causes the inductor L to charge the first output voltage VOP and the flying capacitor Cfly to store energy.

[0103] like Figure 6D As shown, when the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the fourth phase Ph D, the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 are turned on, while the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not turned on. This forms a conducting path from the input voltage VIN through the first switch S1, the inductor L, the third switch S3 to the first output voltage VOP, and a conducting path from the input voltage VIN through the sixth switch S6, the flying capacitor Cfly, the seventh switch S7 to the ground terminal GND. This causes the inductor L to charge the first output voltage VOP and the flying capacitor Cfly to store energy.

[0104] like Figure 6EAs shown, when the SIBO power converter 5 operates at a specific phase Ph E, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the sixth switch S6, and the seventh switch S7 are turned on, while the first switch S1, the fourth switch S4, the fifth switch S5, and the eighth switch S8 are not turned on. This forms a conducting path from the second output voltage VON through the second switch S2, the inductor L, and the third switch S3 to the first output voltage VOP, and a conducting path from the input voltage VIN through the sixth switch S6, the flying capacitor Cfly, and the seventh switch S7 to the ground terminal GND. This causes the first output voltage VOP and the second output voltage VON to charge / discharge, and the flying capacitor Cfly to store energy.

[0105] like Figure 6F As shown, when the SIBO power converter 5 operates at a specific phase Ph Bc, the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4, and the eighth switch S8 are turned on, while the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5, the sixth switch S6, and the seventh switch S7 are not turned on. This forms a conducting path from the second output voltage VON through the second switch S2, the inductor L, the fourth switch S4, the flying capacitor Cfly, and the eighth switch S8 to the ground terminal GND. This causes the second output voltage VON and the flying capacitor Cfly to discharge simultaneously, thereby reducing the peak value of the inductor current IL.

[0106] Table 1

[0107]

[0108]

[0109] Table 1 lists the descriptions of different phases and the inductor voltage across the capacitor. For example, in the first phase Ph A, the inductor L and the flying capacitor Cfly store energy and the inductor voltage across the capacitor equals the input voltage VIN > 0; in the second phase Ph B, the second output voltage VON discharges and the flying capacitor Cfly stores energy and the inductor voltage across the capacitor equals the second output voltage VON < 0; the rest can be deduced similarly and will not be elaborated further here.

[0110] Table 2

[0111]

[0112] Table 2 lists the different possible combinations of phase sequences. For example, the first possible combination of phase sequences is that the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the first phase Ph A, a specific phase Ph Bc, the fourth phase Ph D, and the third phase Ph C during the first conduction time T1 to the fourth conduction time T4, respectively; the second possible combination of phase sequences is that the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the first phase Ph A, a specific phase Ph Bc, the fourth phase Ph D, and the specific phase Ph E during the first conduction time T1 to the fourth conduction time T4, respectively; the rest can be deduced in the same way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0113] Figure 7 The timing diagram of the inductor current IL of the SIBO power converter operating sequentially at the first phase Ph A, a specific phase Ph Bc, the fourth phase Ph D, and the third phase Ph C is compared with the timing diagram of the inductor current IL of the conventional SIBO power converter operating sequentially at the first phase Ph A, the fourth phase Ph D, and the second phase Ph B.

[0114] like Figure 7 As shown, the peak value of the inductor current IL when the SIBO power converter operates sequentially in the first phase Ph A, a specific phase Ph Bc, the fourth phase Ph D, and the third phase Ph C is significantly smaller than the peak value of the inductor current IL when the traditional SIBO power converter operates sequentially in the first phase Ph A, the fourth phase Ph D, and the second phase Ph B. This indicates that the SIBO power converter's sequential operation in the first phase Ph A, the specific phase Ph Bc, the fourth phase Ph D, and the third phase Ph C helps to reduce the peak value of the inductor current, thereby reducing the system's on-state power consumption and effectively improving the heavy-load efficiency of the SIBO power converter.

[0115] Similarly, such as Figure 8 As shown, the peak value of the inductor current IL when the SIBO power converter operates sequentially in the first phase Ph A, a specific phase Ph Bc, the fourth phase Ph D, and a specific phase Ph E is significantly smaller than the peak value of the inductor current IL when the traditional SIBO power converter operates sequentially in the first phase Ph A, the fourth phase Ph D, and the second phase Ph B. This indicates that the SIBO power converter's sequential operation in the first phase Ph A, a specific phase Ph Bc, the fourth phase Ph D, and the specific phase Ph E helps to reduce the peak value of the inductor current, thereby reducing the system's on-state power consumption and effectively improving the heavy-load efficiency of the SIBO power converter.

[0116] Similarly, such as Figure 9As shown, the peak value of the inductor current IL of the SIBO power converter when operating sequentially in the first phase Ph A, the fourth phase Ph D, the specific phase Ph Bc, and the second phase Ph B is significantly smaller than the peak value of the inductor current IL of the conventional SIBO power converter when operating sequentially in the first phase Ph A, the fourth phase Ph D, and the second phase Ph B. This results in a reduction in system power consumption during conduction, thus effectively improving the heavy-load efficiency of the SIBO power converter.

[0117] Similarly, such as Figure 10 As shown, the peak value of the inductor current IL of the SIBO power converter when operating sequentially in the first phase Ph A, the fourth phase Ph D, a specific phase Ph Bc, and a specific phase Ph E is significantly smaller than the peak value of the inductor current IL of the traditional SIBO power converter when operating sequentially in the first phase Ph A, the fourth phase Ph D, and the second phase Ph B. This results in a reduction in system power consumption during conduction, thus effectively improving the heavy-load efficiency of the SIBO power converter.

[0118] Figure 11 This is a timing diagram showing whether the first switch S1 to the eighth switch S8 are turned on or off when the SIBO power converter 5 operates sequentially in the first phase Ph A, a specific phase Ph Bc, the fourth phase Ph D, and the third phase Ph C.

[0119] like Figure 11 As shown, during the first conduction time T1, the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the first phase Ph A, with the first switch S1, the fourth switch S4, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, so that the inductor L and the flying capacitor Cfly can store energy.

[0120] During the second conduction time T2, the SIBO power converter 5 operates at a specific phase Ph Bc, with the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4 and the eighth switch S8 conducting while the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 are not conducting, causing the second output voltage VON and the flying capacitor Cfly to discharge simultaneously, thereby reducing the peak value of the inductor current IL.

[0121] During the third conduction time T3 (constant), the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the fourth phase Ph D, with the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, causing the inductor L to charge the first output voltage VOP and the flying capacitor Cfly to store energy.

[0122] During the fourth conduction time T4, the SIBO power converter operates in the third phase Ph C, with the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, causing the inductor L to charge the first output voltage VOP and the flying capacitor Cfly to store energy.

[0123] During the fifth conduction time T5, the SIBO power converter operates in the fifth phase Ph ZC, with the fourth switch S4, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, so that the inductor L and the flying capacitor Cfly discharge simultaneously.

[0124] Figure 12 This is a timing diagram showing whether the first switch S1 to the eighth switch S8 are turned on or off when the SIBO power converter 5 operates sequentially in the first phase Ph A, a specific phase Ph Bc, the fourth phase Ph D, and a specific phase Ph E.

[0125] like Figure 12 As shown, during the first conduction time T1, the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the first phase Ph A, with the first switch S1, the fourth switch S4, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, so that the inductor L and the flying capacitor Cfly can store energy.

[0126] During the second conduction time T2, the SIBO power converter 5 operates at a specific phase Ph Bc, with the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4 and the eighth switch S8 conducting while the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 are not conducting, causing the second output voltage VON and the flying capacitor Cfly to discharge simultaneously, thereby reducing the peak value of the inductor current IL.

[0127] During the third conduction time T3 (constant), the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the fourth phase Ph D, with the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, causing the inductor L to charge the first output voltage VOP and the flying capacitor Cfly to store energy.

[0128] During the fourth conduction time T4, the SIBO power converter 5 operates at a specific phase Ph E, with the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the first switch S1, the fourth switch S4, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, so that the first output voltage VOP and the second output voltage VON are charged / discharged and the flying capacitor Cfly stores energy.

[0129] During the fifth conduction time T5, the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the fifth phase Ph ZC, with the fourth switch S4, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, causing the inductor L and the flying capacitor Cfly to charge.

[0130] Figure 13 This is a timing diagram showing whether the first switch S1 to the eighth switch S8 are turned on or off when the SIBO power converter 5 operates sequentially in the first phase Ph A, the fourth phase Ph D, the specific phase Ph Bc, and the second phase Ph B.

[0131] like Figure 13 As shown, during the first conduction time T1, the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the first phase Ph A, with the first switch S1, the fourth switch S4, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, so that the inductor L and the flying capacitor Cfly can store energy.

[0132] During the second conduction time T2, the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the fourth phase Ph D, with the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, causing the inductor L to charge the first output voltage VOP and the flying capacitor Cfly to store energy.

[0133] During the third conduction time T3 (constant), the SIBO power converter 5 operates at a specific phase Ph Bc, with the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4 and the eighth switch S8 conducting while the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 are not conducting, causing the second output voltage VON and the flying capacitor Cfly to discharge simultaneously, thereby reducing the peak value of the inductor current IL.

[0134] During the fourth conduction time T4, the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the second phase Ph B, with the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4, the sixth switch S6, and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5, and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, causing the second output voltage VON to discharge and the flying capacitor Cfly to store energy. During the fifth conduction time T5, the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the fifth phase Ph ZC, with the fourth switch S4, the sixth switch S6, and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5, and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, causing the inductor L to float and the flying capacitor Cfly to charge.

[0135] Figure 14 This is a timing diagram showing whether the first switch S1 to the eighth switch S8 are turned on or off when the SIBO power converter 5 operates sequentially in the first phase Ph A, the fourth phase Ph D, the specific phase Ph Bc, and the specific phase Ph E.

[0136] like Figure 14 As shown, during the first conduction time T1, the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the first phase Ph A, with the first switch S1, the fourth switch S4, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, so that the inductor L and the flying capacitor Cfly can store energy.

[0137] During the second conduction time T2, the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the fourth phase Ph D, with the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, causing the inductor L to charge the first output voltage VOP and the flying capacitor Cfly to store energy.

[0138] During the third conduction time T3 (constant), the SIBO power converter 5 operates at a specific phase Ph Bc, with the second switch S2, the fourth switch S4 and the eighth switch S8 conducting while the first switch S1, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 are not conducting, causing the second output voltage VON and the flying capacitor Cfly to discharge simultaneously, thereby reducing the peak value of the inductor current IL.

[0139] During the fourth conduction time T4, the SIBO power converter 5 operates under a specific phase Ph E, with the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the first switch S1, the fourth switch S4, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, causing the first output voltage VOP and the second output voltage VON to charge / discharge and the flying capacitor Cfly to store energy.

[0140] During the fifth conduction time T5, the SIBO power converter 5 operates in the fifth phase Ph ZC, with the fourth switch S4, the sixth switch S6 and the seventh switch S7 conducting while the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, the fifth switch S5 and the eighth switch S8 are not conducting, causing the inductor L and the flying capacitor Cfly to discharge simultaneously.

[0141] Compared to existing technologies, the SIBO power converter disclosed in this invention reduces the peak value of the inductor current by discharging the first output voltage and the second output voltage simultaneously or by discharging the second output voltage and the flying capacitor simultaneously under a specific phase, thereby reducing the system's on-state power consumption and effectively improving the heavy-load efficiency of the SIBO power converter.

Claims

1. A single-inductor bipolar output power converter, characterized in that, include: An inductor having a first terminal and a second terminal and an inductor current flowing through the inductor; A first switch is coupled between an input voltage and the first terminal; A second switch is coupled between the first terminal and a second output voltage; A third switch is coupled between the second terminal and a first output voltage; A charging pump includes a flying capacitor, a fourth switch, a sixth switch, a seventh switch, and an eighth switch. The fourth switch and the seventh switch are connected in series between the second terminal and a ground terminal, and the sixth switch and the eighth switch are connected in series between the input voltage and the ground terminal. One end of the flying capacitor is coupled between the sixth switch and the eighth switch, and the other end of the flying capacitor is coupled between the fourth switch and the seventh switch. as well as A fifth switch is coupled between the first terminal and the ground terminal; When the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in a specific phase, the second switch, the fourth switch, and the eighth switch are turned on, while the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are not turned on. This causes the peak value of the inductor current to decrease due to the simultaneous discharge of the inductor and the flying capacitor.

2. The single-inductor bipolar output power converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor connected in series, the first capacitor being coupled between the first output voltage and the ground terminal, and the second capacitor being coupled between the ground terminal and the second output voltage.

3. The single-inductor bipolar output power converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in a first phase, the first switch, the fourth switch, the sixth switch and the seventh switch are turned on and the second switch, the third switch, the fifth switch and the eighth switch are turned off, so that the inductor and the flying capacitor store energy.

4. The single-inductor bipolar output power converter as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates sequentially in the first phase and the specific phase.

5. The single-inductor bipolar output power converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in a second phase, the second switch, the fourth switch, the sixth switch and the seventh switch are turned on while the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch and the eighth switch are turned off, causing the second output voltage to discharge and the flying capacitor to store energy.

6. The single-inductor bipolar output power converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in a third phase, the third switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch and the seventh switch are turned on while the first switch, the second switch, the fourth switch and the eighth switch are turned off, causing the inductor to charge the first output voltage and the flying capacitor to store energy.

7. The single-inductor bipolar output power converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in a fourth phase, the first switch, the third switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are turned on, while the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the eighth switch are turned off, causing the inductor to charge the first output voltage and the flying capacitor to store energy.

8. The single-inductor bipolar output power converter as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates sequentially in the fourth phase and the specific phase.

9. The single-inductor bipolar output power converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the single-inductor bipolar output power converter operates in a fifth phase, the second switch, the third switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are turned on, while the first switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the eighth switch are turned off, causing the first output voltage and the second output voltage to charge / discharge and the flying capacitor to store energy.

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