Bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging

Abstract

The invention relates to a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging. Apparatuses, devices, and methods for operating a voltage converter are described. A semiconductor device may include a first switching circuit including four switches and a flying capacitor. The semiconductor device may also include a second switching circuit including two switches. The semiconductor device may also include an inductor connected between a first phase node of the first switching circuit and a second phase node of the second switching converter. The first and second switching circuits may be combined to implement a buck-boost voltage converter that performs voltage conversion in a first direction from a first phase node to a second phase node and in a second direction from the second phase node to the first phase node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to semiconductor devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a topology of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging. Background Art

[0002] Voltage converters, such as buck converters and boost converters, can be used to convert an input voltage into an output voltage having different voltage levels. A buck converter or step-down converter can be used in applications that require reducing a direct current (DC) voltage. A buck converter can receive an input voltage and provide a stepped-down output voltage. A boost converter or step-up converter can be used in applications that require increasing a DC voltage. A boost converter can receive an input voltage and provide a stepped-up output voltage. A voltage converter can include a plurality of switches at an input end of the voltage converter, where the switches can be turned on and off by a pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal. The duty cycle of the PWM control signal can determine the output voltage of the voltage converter. When the switches are turned on and off, they modulate the DC input voltage, and the modulated voltage can be provided to an inductor. The inductor can be connected to a capacitor, and the modulated voltage can be a time-varying voltage, causing the inductor to generate a time-varying current. The interaction of the inductor and capacitor with the time-varying voltage and current can produce an almost constant output voltage having a DC level different from the input voltage.

[0003] A voltage converter having two switches can switch an inductor between two voltages (an input voltage and a ground voltage). A multi-level voltage converter can include more than two switches and can switch an inductor between more than two voltages (an input voltage, at least one intermediate voltage between the input voltage and ground, and a ground voltage). For example, a three-level voltage converter can include four switches and can switch an inductor between three voltages (an input voltage, an intermediate voltage equal to half of the input voltage, and a ground voltage). The multi-level voltage converter includes at least one flying capacitor that is switched between two states (a charged state and a discharged state). Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a semiconductor device is generally described. The semiconductor device can include a first switch circuit that includes four switches and a flying capacitor. The semiconductor device can also include a second switch circuit that includes two switches. The semiconductor device can also include an inductor connected between a first phase node of the first switch circuit and a second phase node of the second switch converter. The first switch circuit and the second switch circuit can be combined to implement a buck-boost voltage converter that performs voltage conversion in a first direction from the first phase node to the second phase node and in a second direction from the second phase node to the first phase node.

[0005] In one embodiment, an overall description of the system is provided. The system may include a controller and a circuit. The circuit may include a first switching circuit that includes four switches and a flying capacitor. The circuit may further include a second switching circuit that includes two switches. The circuit may also include an inductor connected between a first phase node of the first switching circuit and a second phase node of the second switching converter. The controller may be configured to operate the circuit as a buck-boost converter that performs voltage conversion in a first direction from the first phase node to the second phase node and in a second direction from the second phase node to the first phase node.

[0006] In one embodiment, an overall description of the system is provided. The system may include a battery, a controller and a circuit. The circuit may include a first switching circuit that includes four switches and a flying capacitor. The circuit may further include a second switching circuit that includes two switches. The circuit may also include an inductor connected between a first phase node of the first switching circuit and a second phase node of the second switching converter. The controller may be configured to operate the circuit as a buck-boost converter that performs voltage conversion in a first direction from the first phase node to the second phase node to charge the battery. The controller may also be configured to operate the circuit as a buck-boost converter that performs voltage conversion in a second direction from the second phase node to the first phase node to discharge the battery.

[0007] Additional features as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 An example schematic diagram showing a semiconductor device that implements a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing another set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing another set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 Schematic diagram showing another set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 Schematic diagram showing another set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing another set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing the configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 Schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 Schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 Schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 Schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 Schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14 Schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 15 Schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 16 Schematic diagram showing an example application of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment.

[0024] Specific implementation method

[0025] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as particular structures, components, materials, dimensions, processing steps, and techniques, to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the present application. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various embodiments of the present application may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures or processing steps have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present application.

[0026] Figure 1 FIG. is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a system that implements a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter capable of battery charging in one embodiment. Figure 1 The illustrated system 100 may be a component of a voltage converter. The system 100 may be implemented by one or more semiconductor devices in a semiconductor package. The system 100 may include a circuit 101 and a controller 110. The circuit 101 may include a switching circuit 102 and a switching circuit 104. In one embodiment, the switching circuit 102 may implement a three-level buck converter, and the switching circuit 104 may implement a two-level boost converter.

[0027] The switching circuit 102 may include four switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 and a flying capacitor Cfly. The switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 may be, for example, metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). The switches Q1, Q2 may be referred to as the first low side (LS) switch and the second LS switch, respectively. The switches Q3, Q4 may be referred to as the first high side (HS) switch and the second HS switch, respectively. The switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 in the switching circuit 102 may be switched to control the current flowing into or out of the switching node or the phase node PH1. The timing and duty cycle of the drive signals for controlling the switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 in the switching circuit 102 may maintain the flying capacitor voltage VCfly (e.g., the voltage across the flying capacitor Cfly) at half of the input voltage. By maintaining the flying capacitor voltage at half of the input voltage, the voltage at PH1 may alternate between the input voltage, half of the input voltage, and ground (GND) or 0V.

[0028] The switching circuit 104 may include two switches Q5, Q6. The switches Q5, Q6 may be, for example, MOSFETs. The switch Q5 may be an LS switch, and the switch Q6 may be an HS switch. The switches Q5, Q6 in the switching circuit 104 may be switched to control the current flowing into or out of the switching node or the phase node PH2. An inductor L may be connected between the phase nodes PH1 and PH2. The switches in the switching circuits 102, 104 may be controlled to control the current flowing through the inductor L. The current may flow through the inductor L in either direction, e.g., from PH1 to PH2 or from PH2 to PH1.

[0029] The switch circuits 102 and 104 can be combined in the circuit 101 to implement a three-level bidirectional buck-boost converter. The three-level bidirectional buck-boost converter implemented by the circuit 101 can be used in various applications, such as battery chargers. In one embodiment, the input voltage can be V1, and the circuit 101 can convert the voltage V1 to V2, where the current can flow from PH1 to PH2. In another embodiment, the input voltage can be V2, and the circuit 101 can convert the voltage V2 to V1, where the current can flow from PH2 to PH1.

[0030] A conventional buck-boost converter may include a 4-FET topology (e.g., H-bridge), which can implement a two-level buck-boost voltage conversion. The 6-FET topology disclosed in the present disclosure can implement a three-level buck-boost voltage conversion. When compared with the conventional 4-FET topology, the three-level buck-boost voltage conversion can reduce switching losses, thereby improving efficiency and enhancing thermal management. In addition, when compared with the 4-FET topology, using a three-level buck-boost voltage converter in the 6-FET topology can also reduce harmonic distortion and is more suitable for handling higher voltages.

[0031] As described below, the controller 110 can control the circuit 101 to switch at different sequences, different timings, and different duty cycles to operate the circuit 101 as different types of voltage converters. The controller 110 can be configured to separately control the switching circuits 102, 104 by using different sets of control signals. For example, the controller 110 can be configured to generate one or more control signals 112, 114. The control signal 112 can include one or more pulse width modulation (PWM) signals, which can define the switching sequence and duty cycle of the switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 in the switching circuit 102. The control signal 114 can include one or more PWM signals, which can define the switching sequence and duty cycle of the switches Q5, Q6 in the switching circuit 104. The controller 110 can provide the PWM control signals to one or more gate drivers (not shown), and the gate drivers can use the PWM control signals to generate gate voltages for driving the switching circuits 102, 104. In one embodiment, the controller 110 can receive a command indicating the operation mode 106. The operation mode 106 can include but is not limited to buck converters (two-level or three-level), boost converters (two-level or three-level), buck-boost converters (two-level or three-level), through-mode, various voltage converter modes with or without isolation and / or different output voltage ranges, or other voltage converter modes. The controller 110 can generate the control signals 112, 114 based on the operation mode 106. Additionally, in some embodiments, in order to operate the circuit 101 as different types of voltage converters, one or more components can be removed or placed in a non-assembled (DNP) state. After removing the components, the controller 110 can continue to control the circuit 101 without modifying the functionality of the controller 110.

[0032] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing a set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. Figure 2 The description can refer to Figure 1 the components shown. Figure 2 A set of signal waveforms is shown, which shows the switching sequence 200 performed by the controller 110 on the control circuit 101. The switching sequence 200 can be executed in an operation mode where the circuit 101 operates as a three-level buck voltage converter to convert an input voltage into an output voltage with a low voltage range (e.g., less than half of the input voltage). In one embodiment, the operation mode 106 can indicate a three-level buck voltage converter with a low output voltage range, and the controller 110 can generate the control signals 112, 114 with PWM signals that vary according to the switching sequence 200. In Figure 2In the example shown, V1 can be the input voltage, and V2 can be the output voltage, such that the inductor current IL can flow from PH1 to PH2. In the switching sequence 200, Q6 can be kept conducting, and Q5 can be kept off, and the controller 110 can repeatedly execute the switching sequence 200 by way of conduction state 426 (e.g., Q4, Q2, Q6 conducting), then conduction state 216, then conduction state 316, then conduction state 216.

[0033] In state 426, switches Q4, Q2, and Q6 are conducting, and switches Q1, Q3, and Q5 are off. Also in state 426, the inductor current IL can increase, the voltage at phase node PH1 (V_PH1) can be V1 - VCfly, and the voltage at phase node PH2 (V_PH2) can be V2. In state 216, switches Q2, Q1, Q6 are conducting, and switches Q3, Q4, Q5 are off. Also in state 216, the inductor current IL can decrease, V_PH1 can be zero, and V_PH2 can remain at V2. In state 316, switches Q3, Q1, Q6 are conducting, and switches Q2, Q4, Q5 are off. Also in state 316, the inductor current IL can increase, V_PH1 can be VCfly, and V_PH2 can remain at V2. The switching sequence 200 can allow the circuit 101 to operate under steady-state balance conditions, where VCfly can be maintained at V1 / 2.

[0034] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing another set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. Figure 3 The description can refer to Figures 1 to 2 the components shown in Figure 3 A set of signal waveforms is shown, which shows the switching sequence 300 executed by the controller 110 on the control circuit 101. The switching sequence 300 can be executed in an operating mode in which the circuit 101 operates as a three-level buck voltage converter to convert an input voltage into an output voltage having a high voltage range (e.g., greater than half of the input voltage and less than the input voltage). In one embodiment, the operating mode 106 can indicate a three-level buck voltage converter with a high output voltage range, and the controller 110 can generate control signals 112, 114 having PWM signals that vary according to the switching sequence 300. In Figure 2In the example shown, V1 can be the input voltage, and V2 can be the output voltage, such that the inductor current IL can flow from PH1 to PH2. In the switching sequence 300, Q6 can remain conducting, and Q5 can remain off, and the controller 110 can repeatedly execute the switching sequence 300 by way of conduction state 436, then state 426, then state 436, then state 316.

[0035] In state 436, switches Q4, Q3, Q6 are conducting, and switches Q1, Q2, and Q5 are off. Also in state 436, the inductor current IL can increase, V_PH1 can be V1, and V_PH2 can be V2. States 426 and 316 were described above with reference to Figure 2 The switching sequence 300 can allow the circuit 101 to operate under steady-state balance conditions, where VCfly can be maintained at V2 / 2.

[0036] Figure 4 Schematic diagram showing another set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. Figure 2 The description of which can refer to Figures 1 to 3 the components shown in Figure 4 A set of signal waveforms is shown, which shows the switching sequence 400 executed by the controller 110 on the control circuit 101. The switching sequence 400 can be executed in the operating mode where the circuit 101 converts the input voltage to a higher output voltage as a boost voltage converter. In one embodiment, the operating mode 106 can indicate a two-level boost voltage converter, and the controller 110 can generate control signals 112, 114 with PWM signals that vary according to the switching sequence 400. In Figure 4 the example shown, V1 can be the input voltage, and V2 can be the output voltage, such that the inductor current IL can flow from PH1 to PH2. When the circuit 101 operates as a boost voltage converter, switches Q3, Q4 remain conducting, and V_PH1 is the same as V1. The controller 110 can repeatedly execute the switching sequence 400 by conducting switches Q4, Q3, Q5 ("state 435") and then conducting switches Q4, Q3, Q6 ("state 436"). In state 435, switches Q4, Q3, Q5 are conducting, and switches Q1, Q2, and Q6 are off. Also in state 435, the inductor current IL can increase, V_PH1 can be V1, and V_PH2 can be zero.

[0037] Figure 5 Schematic diagram showing another set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. Figure 2 The description of which can refer toFigures 1 to 4 The components shown in Figure 5 A set of signal waveforms is shown in, which shows the switching sequence 500 executed by the controller 110 on the control circuit 101. The switching sequence 500 can be executed in an operating mode where the circuit 101 operates as a boost voltage converter to convert an input voltage to a higher output voltage. In one embodiment, the operating mode 106 can indicate a two-level boost voltage converter, and the controller 110 can generate control signals 112, 114 with PWM signals that vary according to the switching sequence 500. In Figure 5 In the example shown, V1 can be the input voltage, and V2 can be the output voltage, such that the inductor current IL can flow from PH1 to PH2. The switching sequence 500 can repeatedly conduct state 425, state 436, state 315, and then state 436.

[0038] In state 425, switches Q4, Q2, and Q5 are turned on, and switches Q1, Q3, and Q6 are turned off. Also in state 425, the inductor current IL can increase, V_PH1 can be V1 - VCfly, and V_PH2 can be zero. In state 315, switches Q3, Q1, and Q5 are turned on, and switches Q2, Q4, and Q6 are turned off. Also in state 315, the inductor current IL can increase, V_PH1 can be VCfly, and V_PH2 can be zero. State 436 was described above with reference to Figure 3 is described.

[0039] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing another set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. Figure 2 The description of Figures 1 to 5 can refer to the components shown in Figure 6 A set of signal waveforms is shown in, which shows the switching sequence 600 executed by the controller 110 on the control circuit 101. The switching sequence 600 can be executed in an operating mode where the circuit 101 operates as a three-level buck-boost voltage converter to convert an input voltage to a higher output voltage. In one embodiment, the operating mode 106 can indicate a three-level buck-boost voltage converter to increase (e.g., boost) the input voltage, and the controller 110 can generate control signals 112, 114 with PWM signals that vary according to the switching sequence 600. In Figure 6 In the example shown, V1 can be the input voltage, and V2 can be the output voltage, such that the inductor current IL can flow from PH1 to PH2. The controller 110 can repeatedly execute the switching sequence 600 by conducting state 435, state 426, state 435, and then conducting state 316. In Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, states 426, 316 may be kept conducting for a longer duration than state 435.

[0040] In Figure 6 In the illustrated example, since circuit 101 is operated as a buck - boost converter to convert the input voltage to a higher output voltage, the discharge rate of inductor L (e.g., the falling rate of inductor current IL) is relatively lower than the charging rate of inductor L (e.g., the rising rate of inductor current IL). To make inductor L discharge slower than its charging rate, the durations of states 426, 316 may be longer than the duration of state 435. If circuit 101 is operated as a buck - boost converter to convert the input voltage to a lower output voltage, the discharge rate of inductor L will be relatively faster than the charging rate of inductor L, and the durations of states 426, 316 may be shorter than the duration of state 435. Controller 110 may be configured to generate a PWM control signal to control the duration of the on - time of the switches in switch circuits 102, 104 (e.g., adjust the duty cycle), thereby controlling the charging and discharging rates of inductor IL.

[0041] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic diagram showing another set of signal waveforms of a bidirectional three - level buck - boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. Figure 2 The description of Figures 1 to 6 may refer to the components shown in Figure 7 A set of signal waveforms is shown, which shows the switching sequence 700 executed by controller 110 on control circuit 101. The switching sequence 700 may be executed in an operating mode where circuit 101 operates as a buck - boost voltage converter to convert V1 to another voltage V2. In one embodiment, operating mode 106 may indicate a three - level buck - boost voltage converter with a reduced switching frequency, and controller 110 may generate control signals 112, 114 with PWM signals that vary according to switching sequence 700. In Figure 7 In the illustrated example, V1 may be the input voltage and V2 may be the output voltage, such that inductor current IL may flow from PH1 to PH2. Controller 110 may repeatedly execute switching sequence 700 by turning on state 425, state 436, state 316, then state 315, then state 436, and then state 426. In Figure 7In the example shown, the switch sequence 700 may introduce a platform on the IL (e.g., maintain the IL at a constant level) to reduce the switching frequency. The reduced switching frequency may reduce switching losses and maintain efficiency. The controller 110 may be configured to generate a PWM control signal to control the duration of the on-time of the switches in the switch circuits 102, 104 (e.g., adjust the duty cycle), thereby controlling the charging rate and discharging rate of the inductor IL, and controlling the duration for which the IL is maintained at a constant level.

[0042] Figure 8 FIG. is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. In one or more embodiments, the circuit 101 may be configured to have one or more components in a non-populated (DNP) state, such as switches (referred to herein as "DNP components"). When the components of the circuit 101 are in the DNP state, the component may not be installed or placed on the printed circuit board (PCB) that houses the circuit 101. In some aspects, the circuit 101 may be printed on a PCB, where space or footprint on the PCB is reserved for future components, such as DNP components. In some aspects, different applications may use different components of the circuit 101. DNP components that are not within the design specifications of a particular application may be removed from the manufacturing process of the circuit 101, thereby saving cost and PCB footprint. In some aspects, the circuit 101 may be printed on a PCB without installing or placing DNP components for testing and debugging purposes.

[0043] In Figure 8 the example embodiment shown, switches Q5 and Q6 may be DNP components. When switches Q5 and Q6 are DNP components (shown as gray components), the circuit 101 may have a 4-FET configuration, where switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 may be installed on the circuit 101. In Figure 8 the embodiment shown, the controller 110 may control switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 under a switch sequence that may operate the circuit 101 as a non-isolated bidirectional buck converter. Although switches Q5 and Q6 are DNP components, the controller 110 may operate the circuit 101 as a non-isolated bidirectional buck converter without modifying the controller 110.

[0044] Figure 9 FIG. is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. In Figure 9In the illustrated example embodiment, switch Q5 can be a DNP component (shown as a gray component), and switch Q6 can be used as an isolation field effect transistor (FET) to electrically isolate the device connected to or providing V1 from the device connected to or providing V2. When switch Q5 is a DNP component, circuit 101 can have a 5-FET configuration, where switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q6 can be mounted on circuit 101. In Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, controller 110 can control switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 in a switching sequence that can operate circuit 101 as an isolated bidirectional buck converter. Although switch Q5 is a DNP component, controller 110 can operate circuit 101 as an isolated bidirectional buck converter without modifying controller 110.

[0045] Figure 10 Schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. In Figure 10 In the illustrated example embodiment, switches Q1, Q2 can be DNP components (shown as gray components), and switches Q3, Q4 can be used as isolation FETs to electrically isolate the device connected to or providing V1 from the device connected to or providing V2. When switches Q1, Q2 are DNP components, circuit 101 can have a 4-FET configuration, where switches Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6 can be mounted on circuit 101. In Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, controller 110 can control switches Q5, Q6 in a switching sequence that can operate circuit 101 as an isolated bidirectional boost converter. Although switches Q1 and Q2 are DNP components, controller 110 can operate circuit 101 as an isolated bidirectional boost converter without modifying controller 110.

[0046] Figure 11 Schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. In Figure 11 In the illustrated example embodiment, switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 can be DNP components (shown as gray components). When switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 are DNP components, circuit 101 can have a 2-FET configuration, where switches Q5, Q6 can be mounted on circuit 101. In Figure 11In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 110 may control switches Q5 and Q6 in a switching sequence that may operate circuit 101 as a non-isolated bidirectional boost converter. Although switches Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 are DNP components, the controller 110 may operate circuit 101 as a non-isolated bidirectional boost converter without modifying the controller 110.

[0047] Figure 12 FIG. [FIGURE NUMBER] is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. In Figure 12 In the illustrated example embodiment, switches Q2 and Q3 may be DNP components (shown as gray components). When switches Q2 and Q3 are DNP components, circuit 101 may have a 4-FET configuration, where switches Q1, Q4, Q5, and Q6 may be mounted on circuit 101. In Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 110 may control switches Q1, Q4, Q5, and Q6 in a switching sequence that may operate circuit 101 as a bidirectional two-level buck-boost converter. Although switches Q2 and Q3 are DNP components, the controller 110 may operate circuit 101 as a bidirectional two-level buck-boost converter without modifying the controller 110. Thus, the controller 110 may be configured to support both two-level and three-level voltage conversion, and circuit 101 may be converted from a three-level buck-boost voltage converter to a two-level buck-boost converter by removing specific components.

[0048] Figure 13 FIG. [FIGURE NUMBER] is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. In Figure 13 In the illustrated example embodiment, switches Q2, Q3, Q5, and Q6 may be DNP components (shown as gray components). When switches Q2, Q3, Q5, and Q6 are DNP components, circuit 101 may have a 2-FET configuration, where switches Q1 and Q4 may be mounted on circuit 101. In Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 110 may control switches Q1 and Q4 in a switching sequence that may operate circuit 101 as a non-isolated bidirectional two-level buck converter. Although switches Q2, Q3, Q5, and Q6 are DNP components, the controller 110 may operate circuit 101 as a non-isolated bidirectional two-level buck converter without modifying the controller 110. Thus, the controller 110 may be configured to support both two-level and three-level voltage conversion, and circuit 101 may be converted from a three-level buck-boost voltage converter to a two-level buck converter by removing specific components.

[0049] Please note that the "[FIGURE NUMBER]" placeholders in the translation of and need to be replaced with the actual figure numbers according to the original document. Also, the " " - "

[0049] " tags are left unchanged as per the requirements.Figure 14 Schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. In Figure 14 the illustrated exemplary embodiment, switches Q2, Q3, Q5 can be DNP components (shown as gray components). When switches Q2, Q3, Q5 are DNP components, circuit 101 can have a 3-FET configuration, where switches Q1, Q4, Q6 can be mounted on circuit 101. Switch Q6 can be operated as an isolation FET. In Figure 14 the illustrated embodiment, controller 110 can control switches Q1, Q4 under a switching sequence that can operate circuit 101 as an isolated bidirectional two-level buck converter. Although switches Q2, Q3, Q5 are DNP components, controller 110 can operate circuit 101 as an isolated bidirectional two-level buck converter without modifying controller 110. Thus, controller 110 can be configured to support both two-level and three-level voltage conversion, and circuit 101 can be converted from a three-level buck-boost voltage converter to a two-level buck converter by removing specific components.

[0050] Figure 15 Schematic diagram showing another configuration of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. In Figure 15 the illustrated exemplary embodiment, controller 110 can maintain switches Q1, Q2, Q5 in the off state and switches Q3, Q4, Q6 in the on state to operate circuit 101 in direct-conduction mode. In direct-conduction mode, voltages V1 and V2 can be equal and no switching is performed in circuit 101, so direct-conduction mode can reduce switching losses. In one embodiment, operation mode 106 can indicate direct-conduction mode, and controller 110 can generate control signals 112, 114 to turn off and maintain switches Q1, Q2, Q5 in the off state and turn on and maintain switches Q3, Q4, Q6 in the on state.

[0051] Figure 16 Schematic diagram showing an example application of a bidirectional three-level buck-boost voltage converter with battery charging in one embodiment. Figure 16 System 1600 is shown, where system 1600 can be a battery charging system. System 100 including circuit 101 and controller 110 can be a component of system 1600. Battery 1602 and switch Qb can be connected to circuit 101. Switch Qb can be an FET that can be turned on or off by controller 110 to control charging or discharging of battery 1602. Resistor R2 can be as Figure 16The one shown is repositioned for sensing battery current Ibat, which may include charging current or discharging current. Power supply 1604 may also be connected to circuit 101. Power supply 1604 may provide voltage V1 or may receive voltage V1. For example, power supply 1604 may be an adapter, such as a barrel adapter, a universal serial bus (USB) adapter, or other power delivery components and systems that can provide voltage V1.

[0052] Due to the two-way voltage conversion performed by system 100 (circuit 101 and controller 110), battery 1602 can be charged through V1 provided by power supply 1604 and can be discharged to supply power to Vsys and / or to V1. Controller 110 can control circuit 101 and switch Qb to operate system 1600 in various modes. In one embodiment, controller 110 can operate circuit 101 to convert voltage V1 to V2, and controller 110 can turn on Qb to supply power from power supply 1604 to charge battery 1602 and / or supply it to load traction Iload. In one embodiment, controller 110 can control circuit 101 to operate system 1600 in a reverse mode, where circuit 101 can convert voltage V2 to V1 to allow battery 1602 to supply power to devices or components that include or are connected to power supply 1604. In one embodiment, controller 110 can control circuit 101 to operate system 1600 in an on-the-go (OTG) mode, where power supply 1604 can be turned off from circuit 101, controller 110 can turn off all switches in circuit 101, and battery 1602 can supply power to Vsys. The 6-FET topology of circuit 101 can allow controller 110 to operate circuit 101 to perform different types of voltage conversion to manage a battery charging system, such as system 1600.

[0053] The terms used herein are for describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0054] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all apparatus or steps plus function elements (if any) in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in conjunction with other claimed elements specifically claimed. For purposes of illustration and description, the disclosed embodiments of the present invention have been presented, but these embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the disclosed forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular purposes contemplated.

Claims

1. A semiconductor device comprising: a first switch circuit including four switches and a flying capacitor; A second switch circuit includes two switches; as well as an inductor connected between a first phase node of the first switching circuit and a second phase node of the second switching converter, wherein the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit are combined to implement a buck-boost voltage converter that performs voltage conversion in a first direction from the first phase node to the second phase node and in a second direction from the second phase node to the first phase node.

2. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein: The four switches include a first high-side HS switch, a second HS switch, a first low-side LS switch, and a second LS switch connected in series; The first LS switch is connected between the second LS switch and ground; The second LS switch is connected between the first phase node and the first LS switch; The first HS switch is connected between the first phase node and the second HS switch; The second HS switch is connected between the first HS switch and a first voltage interface; The flying capacitor is connected across the second LS switch and the first HS switch; The two switches include a third LS switch and a third HS switch; The third LS switch is connected between the second phase node and ground; as well as The third HS switch is connected between the second phase node and a second voltage interface.

3. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein: The low-side switch in the second switch circuit is kept in an off state; The high-side switch in the second switching circuit is kept in an on state; and The first switching circuit operates as a three-level step-down voltage converter.

4. The semiconductor device according to claim 3, wherein: The first switch circuit is switched in a first sequence to output a low voltage range; and The first switch circuit is switched in a second sequence to output a high voltage range.

5. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein: The first LS switch and the second LS switch in the first switch circuit are kept in an off state; The first HS switch and the second HS switch in the first switch circuit are kept in an on state; and The second switching circuit is switched in a specific sequence to operate as a two-level boost voltage converter.

6. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein: The first LS switch and the second LS switch in the first switch circuit are kept in an off state; The first HS switch and the second HS switch in the first switch circuit are kept in an on state; The first LS switch in the second switch circuit is kept in an off state; The first HS switch in the second switch circuit is kept in an on state; as well as The first switching circuit and the second switching circuit operate in a pass-through mode to pass a voltage in one of the first direction and the second direction.

7. A system comprising: Controller; Circuit, including: a first switch circuit, the first switch circuit comprising four switches and a flying capacitor; a second switch circuit, the second switch circuit comprising two switches; and an inductor connected between a first phase node of the first switching circuit and a second phase node of the second switching converter, Wherein the controller is configured to operate the circuit as a buck-boost converter that performs voltage conversion in a first direction from the first phase node to the second phase node and in a second direction from the second phase node to the first phase node.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein: The four switches include a first high-side HS switch, a second HS switch, a first low-side LS switch, and a second LS switch connected in series; The first LS switch is connected between the second LS switch and ground; The second LS switch is connected between the first phase node and the first LS switch; The first HS switch is connected between the first phase node and the second HS switch; The second HS switch is connected between the first HS switch and a first voltage interface; The flying capacitor is connected across the second LS switch and the first HS switch; The two switches include a third LS switch and a third HS switch; The third LS switch is connected between the second phase node and ground; as well as The third HS switch is connected between the second phase node and a second voltage interface.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to: Maintaining the low-side switch in the second switch circuit in an off state; Maintaining the high-side switch in the second switch circuit in an on state; and The circuit is operated as a three-level step-down voltage converter.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to: Switching the first switch circuit in a first sequence to output a low voltage range; and The first switch circuit is switched in a second sequence to output a high voltage range.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to: Maintaining the first LS switch and the second LS switch in the first switch circuit in an off state; maintaining the first HS switch and the second HS switch in the first switch circuit in an on state; and The circuit is operated as a two-level boost voltage converter.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to: Maintaining the first LS switch and the second LS switch in the first switch circuit in an off state; Maintaining the first HS switch and the second HS switch in the first switch circuit in an on state; Maintaining the first LS switch in the second switch circuit in an off state; Maintaining the first HS switch in the second switch circuit in an on state; as well as The circuit is operated in a pass-through mode to pass a voltage in one of the first direction and the second direction.

13. The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to control a charging rate and a discharging rate of the inductor to operate the circuit as a buck-boost voltage converter.

14. A system comprising: Battery; Controller; as well as A circuit, the circuit comprising: a first switch circuit including four switches and a flying capacitor; A second switch circuit includes two switches; and an inductor connected between a first phase node of the first switching circuit and a second phase node of the second switching converter, The controller is configured to: operating the circuit as a buck-boost converter that performs voltage conversion in a first direction from the first phase node to the second phase node to charge the battery; and The circuit is operated as a buck-boost converter that performs voltage conversion in a second direction from the second phase node to the first phase node to discharge the battery.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The four switches include a first high-side HS switch, a second HS switch, a first low-side LS switch, and a second LS switch connected in series; The first LS switch is connected between the second LS switch and ground; The second LS switch is connected between the first phase node and the first LS switch; The first HS switch is connected between the first phase node and the second HS switch; The second HS switch is connected between the first HS switch and a first voltage interface; The flying capacitor is connected across the second LS switch and the first HS switch; The two switches include a third LS switch and a third HS switch; The third LS switch is connected between the second phase node and ground; as well as The third HS switch is connected between the second phase node and a second voltage interface.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to: Maintaining the low-side switch in the second switch circuit in an off state; Maintaining the high-side switch in the second switch circuit in an on state; and The circuit is operated as a three-level step-down voltage converter.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to: Maintaining the first LS switch and the second LS switch in the first switch circuit in an off state; maintaining the first HS switch and the second HS switch in the first switch circuit in an on state; and The circuit is operated as a two-level boost voltage converter.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to: Maintaining the first LS switch and the second LS switch in the first switch circuit in an off state; Maintaining the first HS switch and the second HS switch in the first switch circuit in an on state; Maintaining the first LS switch in the second switch circuit in an off state; Maintaining the first HS switch in the second switch circuit in an on state; as well as The circuit is operated in a pass-through mode to pass voltage in the first direction to charge the battery.

19. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a load, wherein the controller is configured to, in a mobile OTG mode, turn off the four switches in the first switch circuit and turn off the two switches in the second switch circuit to discharge the battery to the load.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to control a charging rate and a discharging rate of the inductor to operate the circuit as a buck-boost voltage converter.

Images