High performance and high power multipath hybrid power stage
The device allows independent phase operations and single control loop for voltage regulation in power converters, addressing inefficiencies in conventional systems by using DC decoupling components to enhance efficiency and power density.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411984094.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-06-13
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-15
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, high power applications have limited power and size, conventional configurations do not allow each phase of the converter to operate independently, and require individual and independent control of the output voltage of the converter.
Using a cascading multiphase converter structure, the first converter circuit is connected to the second converter circuit through a DC decoupling assembly, allowing each phase to operate independently, and controlling the output voltage of the cascading converter by adjusting the current of each phase, using a single control loop instead of independently controlling each intermediate voltage.
Ability to operate in multiple power paths, improve efficiency and power density, reduce area and external components use, while simplifying control loops.
Smart Images
Figure CN120320580A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Related Applications
[0002] This application is a non - provisional patent application claiming the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 620,252, filed on January 12, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field
[0003] This application relates to the field of electrical devices, and more particularly, to an apparatus for a high - performance and high - power multi - path hybrid power stage. Background Art
[0004] In recent years, high - power applications have increased. For example, the increasing number of electric vehicles, computers, and smartphones has led to an increase in the number of high - power applications such as battery charging. Battery charging applications require high efficiency and fast charging. Unfortunately, the power and size of inductors are limited for some applications (e.g., mobile applications).
[0005] Some conventional systems have used converters (e.g., hybrid converters with switching capabilities) to deliver higher power with higher efficiency using smaller inductors. In some applications, two or more converters are arranged in a cascaded configuration to achieve high efficiency. The converters can be multi - phase converters, such as a two - phase converter. Unfortunately, conventional configurations do not allow each phase of the converter to operate independently of the other phases. For example, conventional configurations do not allow the converter to operate in single - phase buck mode and single - phase boost mode, do not allow each phase to boost simultaneously, do not allow each phase to buck simultaneously, etc.
[0006] In addition, two or more converters are typically controlled independently of each other. For example, the output voltage of the first converter is controlled independently of the output voltage of the second converter, thus requiring individual and independent control of each converter. Summary of the Invention
[0007] In an example, an apparatus includes a first converter circuit, a second converter circuit, and a direct - current (DC) decoupling component. The first converter circuit has a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The second converter circuit has a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and a third output terminal. A first connection member connects the first output terminal to the first input terminal, and a second connection member connects the second output terminal to the second input terminal. The DC decoupling component is connected between the first connection member and the second connection member. The DC decoupling component DC - decouples signals between the first connection member and the second connection member.
[0008] In at least one instance, a device includes a buck / boost converter, a charge pump converter, and a capacitor. The buck / boost converter and the charge pump converter are cascaded with each other. A first terminal of the capacitor is connected to a first output terminal of a first cascaded converter circuit, and a second terminal of the capacitor is connected to a second output terminal of the first cascaded converter circuit. The first output terminal of the first cascaded converter circuit is a first input to a second cascaded converter circuit, and the second output terminal of the first cascaded converter circuit is a second input to the second cascaded converter circuit. Description of the Drawings
[0009] Figures 1A to 1B FIG. is a schematic diagram of a system with a multiphase converter in an instance, where the operating mode of each phase is independent of another phase.
[0010] Figures 2A to 2B FIG. is a schematic diagram of a multiphase converter in an instance, where the operating mode of each phase is independent of another phase.
[0011] Figure 3 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a cascaded multiphase converter in an instance.
[0012] Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic diagram of complementary charge pumps for each phase of a cascaded multiphase converter in an instance.
[0013] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a feedback loop for controlling the output voltage of a cascaded multiphase converter by regulating the output current from an initial and / or intermediate converter in the cascaded multiphase converter in an instance.
[0014] Figures 6 to 9 FIG. is the operation of each phase of a cascaded multiphase converter in an instance.
[0015] Figures 10 to 11 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a cascaded multiphase converter and current flow in an instance. Detailed Description
[0016] In the drawings, the same reference numerals or other reference indicators are used to denote the same or similar (functional and / or structural) features.
[0017] Hybrid converters or cascaded multiphase converters have been used to increase efficiency by using smaller inductors at lower switching frequencies. For example, as an instance, a multiphase buck / boost converter can be cascaded with a charge pump or another buck / boost converter. It may be desirable to allow multiple power path options for a cascaded multiphase converter, such as buck, boost, etc., without increasing the number of switches or without affecting the die efficiency and / or size. For example, it may be desirable to allow one phase of a cascaded multiphase converter to boost while another phase operates in buck mode, or to allow both phases to operate in boost mode (independently or simultaneously), or to allow both phases to operate in buck mode (independently or simultaneously), etc. The following examples are described with respect to a two-phase cascaded converter for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope. For example, a cascaded three-phase converter can also benefit from the architecture described in Figures 1A to 11 below.
[0018] In addition, the examples illustrate a single control loop for regulating the output voltage by regulating the intermediate current input to the converter rather than regulating the intermediate output voltage of a conventional cascaded converter. Thus, the current loop gain can be increased by a known factor, improving the system.
[0019] According to an example, a first converter circuit (e.g., a multiphase converter) is cascaded with a second converter circuit (e.g., a multiphase converter, a charge pump, etc.). The first converter circuit can have two or more output terminals, and the second converter circuit can have two or more input terminals. In the example, a first output terminal of the first converter circuit is connected to a first input terminal of the second converter circuit and corresponds to a first phase. A second output terminal of the first converter circuit is connected to a second input terminal of the second converter circuit and corresponds to a second phase. The first output terminal of the first converter circuit is connected to the first input terminal of the second converter circuit via a first node, and the second output terminal of the first converter circuit is connected to the second input terminal of the second converter circuit via a second node. The first node is connected to the second node via a direct current (DC) decoupling component (e.g., a capacitor). The DC decoupling component DC-decouples the first phase from the second phase, thereby enabling multiple power path options for the cascaded multiphase converter.
[0020] Figure 1ASchematic diagram of a system 100A with a multiphase converter in an example, where the operating mode of each phase is independent of other phases. In a cascaded configuration, a first converter 110 circuit is coupled to a second converter 130 circuit. The second converter 130 circuit can be coupled to a battery 140 and is used to regulate the charging of the battery 140. The battery 140 can be used in a smartphone, a laptop computer, etc. The first converter 110 circuit and the second converter 130 circuit can be a buck / boost converter (to increase / decrease the voltage as needed), a charge pump converter, etc. Two cascaded converter circuits are shown for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope. For example, three or more converters can be cascaded with each other similarly. In one example, the first converter 110 circuit and the second converter 130 circuit can each include two or more phases.
[0021] In one example, the first converter 110 circuit includes an input terminal 104 that receives a signal with an input voltage 102. The first converter 110 circuit can include at least two output terminals, such as output terminals 112 and 114, where each output terminal corresponds to a phase associated with the first converter 110 circuit. According to one example, a DC decoupling component 120 is connected to a first output terminal 112 and a second output terminal 114 of the first converter 110 circuit. For example, the DC decoupling component 120 can have a first terminal 122 connected to the first output terminal 112 of the first converter 110 circuit and a second terminal 124 connected to the second output terminal 114 of the first converter 110 circuit. In one example, the voltage at the first terminal 122 of the DC decoupling component 120 is associated with the output signal from the output terminal 112 (in the first phase), and the output voltage at the second terminal 124 of the DC decoupling component 120 is associated with the output signal from the output terminal 114 (in the second phase).
[0022] The first terminal 122 of the DC decoupling component 120 is connected to an input terminal 132 of the second converter 130 circuit. The second terminal 124 of the DC decoupling component 120 is connected to an input terminal 134 of the second converter 130 circuit. The second converter 130 circuit has an output terminal 136 for outputting a signal to the battery 140. The signal sent to the battery 140 can regulate the charging of the battery 140. The output signal from the output terminal 136 can be fed back to the first converter 110 circuit.
[0023] In a traditional system, the voltage output of each converter is adjusted independently based on the input of each converter. In addition, a traditional system cannot allow one phase of a cascaded multiphase converter to boost while another phase operates in a buck mode, or allow two phases to operate in a boost mode (independently or simultaneously), or allow two phases to operate in a buck mode (independently or simultaneously), etc., because the output terminals of the first converter in a conventional system are connected to each other and sometimes shorted to ground via a capacitor.
[0024] According to one example, terminal 122 of the DC decoupling component 120 is connected to the output terminal 112 of the first converter 110 circuit and further connected to the input terminal 132 of the second converter 130 circuit, and terminal 124 of the DC decoupling component 120 is connected to the output terminal 114 of the first converter 110 circuit and further connected to the input terminal 134 of the second converter 130 circuit, decoupling the DC component from the outputs of output terminal 112 and output terminal 114. Thus, the cascaded converters can operate in multiple power paths, such as one phase of a cascaded multiphase converter boosting while another phase operates in a buck mode, or allowing two phases to operate in a boost mode (independently or simultaneously), or allowing two phases to operate in a buck mode (independently or simultaneously), etc. According to one example, as described above, the DC decoupling also enables controlling the output voltage of the final converter circuit system (e.g., the second converter 130 circuit) from a cascaded circuit system using a single control loop by adjusting the current generated for each phase of the first converter 110 circuit, rather than having to adjust the output voltage by adjusting each intermediate voltage (e.g., the voltage associated with the output from each converter circuit).
[0025] Figure 1B System 100B is shown, which is similar to system 100A. In this example, the output from the second converter 130 circuit is input to an electric vehicle 150, such as one or more batteries of the electric vehicle 150.
[0026] Figure 2A Schematic diagram of a multiphase converter 200A in an example, where the operating mode of each phase is independent of another phase. Figures 1A to 1B The DC decoupling component 120 can be a capacitor 210, as Figure 2A shown. The capacitor 210 decouples the DC component while allowing the AC component to pass through. Figure 2B Schematic diagram of a multiphase converter 200B in an example, where the operating mode of each phase is independent of another phase. Figures 1A to 1B The DC decoupling component 120 can be a switch 220, as Figure 2B shown.
[0027] Figure 3Schematic diagram of a cascaded multiphase converter in an example. In this example, the first converter circuit is a buck / boost converter 313, which is cascaded with a second converter circuit that is a charge pump converter 315. The two converter circuits are shown for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope. For example, three or more converter circuits can be cascaded with each other. In this example, the buck / boost converter 313 can be a 2-stage biphasic converter, and the charge pump converter 315 can be a configurable charge pump from three to one or two to one for improving efficiency across the duty cycle range. In this example, the clock frequencies can be selected for the 2-stage buck / boost converter and the charge pump converter to improve efficiency. In this example, the buck / boost converter 313 can be a biphasic converter for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope. For example, in some instances, the buck / boost converter 313 can be implemented as a three-stage or more-stage phase converter. It should be understood that the embodiments are described with respect to a 2-stage buck / boost converter only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments. For example, a 3-stage buck / boost converter can be used.
[0028] The buck / boost converter 313 can include two input terminals (one input terminal for each phase) and two output terminals (one output terminal for each phase), such as terminals 305 and 307. One output terminal 305 of the buck / boost converter 313 is connected to one terminal of the capacitor 370, and the other output terminal 307 of the buck / boost converter 313 is connected to the other terminal of the capacitor 370. In other words, the capacitor 370 is connected between the two output terminals 305 and 307 of the buck / boost converter 313.
[0029] The charge pump converter 315 can include two input terminals (one input terminal for each phase) and output terminals. One input terminal of the charge pump converter 315 is connected to the output terminal 305 of the buck / boost converter 313 and is also connected to the first terminal of the capacitor 370. The other input terminal of the charge pump converter 315 is connected to the other output terminal 307 of the buck / boost converter 313 and is further connected to the second terminal of the capacitor 370. Thus, the capacitor 370 is a DC decoupling component for DC-disconnecting the first phase from the second phase (but allowing the ripple current to pass through), thereby enabling the multiphase cascaded converter to operate in multiple power paths.
[0030] In this example, the buck / boost converter 313 and the charge pump converter 315 are two power inputs (e.g., V in 301 and V in303) Operating conditions deliver target performance while reducing area and external components. According to an example, efficiency and power density are increased by using small and low-profile inductors 392 and 394. One output terminal of the buck / boost converter 313 is connected to one terminal of the capacitor 370 and to one input terminal of the charge pump converter 315. Similarly, the second output terminal of the buck / boost converter 313 is connected to the second terminal of the capacitor 370 and to the second input terminal of the charge pump converter 315. Cascading two converters in the topology described above facilitates independent single-phase buck and boost operations without the need to use disconnect / bypass switches. For example, the power inputs V in 301 and V in 303 operate in one or two phase modes, and each phase can independently operate in buck or boost mode.
[0031] The topologies of the buck / boost converter 313 and the charge pump converter 315 are provided for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope. In one example, the power input V in 301 is connected to the switch 302 and to the first input terminal of the buck / boost converter 313. The switch 302 and the first input terminal are also connected to the second input terminal of the buck / boost converter 313 via the switch 304. The power input V in 303 is routed to the second input terminal of the buck / boost converter 313 via the switch 306. In this example, the buck / boost converter 313 is a two-phase converter (having an upper path (first phase) and a lower path (second phase)). The upper path is connected to the first input terminal and includes the capacitor 362, which is grounded at one end (terminal) and connected to the switch 310 and the first input terminal at the other end (terminal). The switch 310 is connected to the switch 316 (the switch 316 is grounded) and also to one terminal of the inductor 392. The output of the inductor 392 at the terminal 305 is the output from the first phase of the buck / boost converter 313.
[0032] The second phase of the buck / boost converter 313 mirrors the first phase (the lower path mirrors the upper path) and includes the capacitor 366, switches 318 and 324, and the inductor 394. As illustrated, the buck / boost converter 313 topology is a two-stage two-phase converter and is provided for illustrative purposes without limiting the scope of the example. For example, a multi-phase topology with more than two phases can be used by replicating a single path without any additional switches, while enabling each phase to independently operate in buck or boost mode, as will be discussed later. Additionally, a multi-stage (e.g., three-stage) converter can be used instead of a two-stage converter, and the discussion of two stages is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the example.
[0033] The output terminal 305 of the buck / boost converter 313 is connected to one terminal of the capacitor 370, and the output terminal 307 of the buck / boost converter 313 is connected to the second terminal of the capacitor 370. In one example, the terminal 305 of the buck / boost converter 313 is connected to the first input terminal of the charge pump converter 315, and the terminal 307 of the buck / boost converter 313 is connected to the second input terminal of the charge pump converter 315. Thus, the capacitor 370 DC-decouples the first phase from the second phase such that each phase can operate independently of each other.
[0034] The charge pump converter 315 can include switches and capacitors associated with each phase. For example, switches 330 to 342 and capacitors 372 to 374 correspond to the first phase, and switches 344 to 356 and capacitors 376 to 378 correspond to the second phase. The outputs of switches 340 and 342 are connected to the outputs of switches 354 and 356 and to one terminal of the capacitor 380, and the other terminal of the capacitor 380 is grounded. The output voltage from the charge pump converter 315 is V out 399. The topology of the charge pump converter 315 is provided for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the example. In one example, the charge pump converter 315 can be configured with a ratio between 3:1 and 2:1. For example, although all the switches of the charge pump converter 315 switch at a 3:1 ratio, the charge pump converter 315 can be configured as 2:1 by keeping switches 338 and / or 348 open while keeping switches 334 / 342 and / or 356 / 346 closed while the other switches switch.
[0035] In the example provided above, the charge pump is integrated into each phase of the buck / boost converter 313. As illustrated, the placement of the capacitor 370 between the two output terminals of the buck / boost converter 313 and further between the two input terminals of the charge pump converter 315 DC-decouples the two phases rather than being short-circuited as in a conventional system. Thus, the topology of this example supports power inputs V in 301 and V inSingle-phase buck and single-phase boost of 303, or two independent boost or buck functions, or two simultaneous boost or buck functions. In addition, the topology of this example enables current to be controlled at terminals 305 and 307, rather than voltage as in a conventional system. Controlling the current through terminals 305 and 307 enables a single feedback loop to be used to control the output from the cascaded converters, rather than having to control the output of each converter independently of one another. In other words, the output of the cascaded converters is controlled using a single control loop by regulating the current generated for each phase of the buck / boost converter 313, rather than having to regulate the output voltage of the buck / boost converter 313 and then separately regulate the output of the charge pump converter 315, thereby eliminating the need to regulate the intermediate output voltages of each converter.
[0036] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of complementary charge pumps 410A and 410B for each phase of a cascaded multiphase converter in an example. The complementary charge pump topology for each phase reduces losses through capacitors 482 to 484 by enabling smaller capacitors to be used with higher efficiency. Complementary charge pump 410A has the same topology as charge pump converter 315 for each phase, except that switches 332 and 336 and 350 and 352 are connected to each other and further connected to switches 338 and 348 and further connected to capacitor 380, rather than switches 332, 336, 350, and 352 being grounded. In addition, instead of switches 340, 342, 354, and 356 being connected to each other and further connected to capacitor 380, said switches are now grounded. In addition, switches 330 and 344 are connected to terminal 305, rather than each of said switches being connected to an input terminal of charge pump 315. Terminal 305 is connected to switch 330, and further connected to a terminal of capacitor 370, and further connected to a grounded terminal of capacitor 482. In one example, the topology of complementary charge pump 410B associated with the second phase of buck / boost converter 313 has a topology similar to that of complementary charge pump 410A.
[0037] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a feedback loop for controlling the output voltage of a cascaded multiphase converter by regulating the output current from an initial and / or intermediate converter in the cascaded multiphase converter. The first converter 110 circuit can be cascaded with the second converter 130 via a DC decoupling component such as capacitor 240, as Figures 1A to 2B described. In one example, the first converter 110 circuit can be a buck / boost converter and can have a topology similar to that Figure 3 described, and the second converter 130 circuit can be a charge pump converter, which can have a topology similar to that Figure 34. As described above, capacitor 240 DC decouples the voltages 512 and 514 at each input terminal of the second converter 130 circuit. Unlike conventional systems that regulate intermediate voltages, in this example, current is regulated. In an example, an output signal from the second converter 130 circuit is provided to a voltage regulation loop 592, where an output voltage 532 is compared with a target voltage. The voltage regulation loop 592 outputs feedback signals to current regulators 580 and 590 based on the comparison. The feedback signal may have an output voltage 532 at the output terminal of the second converter 130 circuit. The current regulator 590 may control (e.g., increase / decrease) the current 524 of the second phase through the first converter 110 circuit, while the current regulator 580 may control the current 522 of the first phase through the first converter 110 circuit via signals 592 and 582, respectively. In an example, the signal 582 may control the current through the first phase of the first converter 110 circuit by controlling (eg, switching on / off) the switches 310 to 316, such as Figure 3 In an example, the signal 592 may control the current through the second phase of the first converter 110 circuit by controlling (eg, turning on / off) the switches 318 to 324, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown. Thus, a single feedback loop is used to control the current through the output terminals 305 and 307 of the first converter 110 circuit, rather than having to control the output (e.g., intermediate output voltage) of each converter independently of each other. In this example, two cascaded converters are shown for illustrative purposes, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the example. The advantages of a single control loop increase as the number of converters in the cascade topology increases, because instead of using multiple control loops (e.g., one control loop for each converter), the topology described above enables a single control loop to control the entire cascaded converter.
[0038] Figures 6 to 10 For the operation of each phase of the cascaded multiphase converter in the example. Figure 6 In the figure, the dual-phase buck mode is shown. Figure 3 cascaded multiphase converter. In an example, switch 302 may be opened (a switch shown in an off state is shown in gray in the figure). Thus, the power input V in 301 does not pass through the converter, but the power input V in 303 is routed through a cascade converter. In this example, the power input V in303 via the second phase of the buck / boost converter 313 and the first phase of the buck / boost converter 313 because switch 302 is open and switch 304 is closed. Thus, each phase of the cascaded converter operates in buck mode (e.g., buck 602 and 604). The arrows show the direction from input to output so that the circuit operates in various modes. For example, in Figure 6 the input is from V in 303 because switch 302 is off and the two phases of the circuit operate in buck mode, e.g., buck 602 and 604.
[0039] Now refer to Figure 7 which shows a cascaded multi-phase converter Figure 3 where the first phase of the cascaded converter operates in boost 704 mode and where the second phase operates in buck mode 702. For example, switch 304 can be turned off so that the power inputs V in 301 and V in 303 independently travel through the first and second phases of the buck / boost converter 313 circuit. The switches 334 and 338 of the charge pump converter 315 are open so that the charge pump converter 315 is in bypass mode and so that the first phase operates in boost mode as shown. In contrast, the charge pump converter 315 operates in its normal mode (e.g., not in bypass mode) for the second phase. The charge pump converter 315 can be configured to operate as a 2:1 (so that the output voltage can be approximately half of the input voltage) or 3:1 (so that the output voltage can be approximately one-third of the input voltage) charge pump or operate in bypass mode as illustrated.
[0040] Now refer to Figure 8 which shows a cascaded multi-phase converter Figure 3 where the first and second phases each operate independently of each other in boost mode. In this example, switches 334 and 338 are open so that the charge pump converter 315 operates in bypass mode for the first phase. Similarly, switches 346 and 348 are open so that the charge pump converter 315 operates in bypass mode for the second phase.
[0041] Now refer to Figure 9 which shows a cascaded multi-phase converter Figure 3 where the first phase operates in boost 902 mode and the second phase operates in buck 904 mode. In this example, switch 304 is off and the charge pump operates in its normal mode (e.g., not in bypass mode). It should be understood that in one non-limiting example, both phases operate as charge pumps where one phase of the charge pump takes the V out399 is boosted to terminal 305, and the other phase steps down terminal 307 to V out level 399.
[0042] Figures 10 to 11 Schematic diagram of a cascaded multiphase converter and current flow in an example. Refer to Figure 10 , switches 302, 330, 334, 338, 354, 356, 350, and 352 are turned off. Thus, the current 1002 of the first phase from the buck / boost converter 313 flows through the second phase, where current 1004 also flows, such that the total current of I 1002 plus I 1004 flows through switches 344, 346, 348, and capacitors 376 to 378 and operates in a charging state. In contrast, the current I 1002 plus I1004 flows to V in a discharging state through switches 332, capacitor 372, and switch 349 out 399. Similarly, the current I 1002 plus I 1004 flows to V in a discharging state through switches 336, capacitor 374, and switch 342 out 399.
[0043] Refer to Figure 11 , switches 302, 332, 336, 340, 342, 344, 346, and 348 are turned off. Thus, the current 1104 of the second phase from the buck / boost converter 313 flows through the first phase because switch 344 is turned off. Therefore, the current through terminal 305 of the buck / boost converter 313 is I 1102 plus 1104, which flows through switches 330, 334, 338, and capacitors 372 and 374 in a charging state. In contrast, the current I 1102 plus 1104 flows to V in a discharging mode through switches 350, capacitor 376, and switch 354 out 399. Similarly, the current I 1102 plus 1104 flows to V in a discharging mode through switches 352, capacitor 378, and switch 356 out 399. It should be understood that the current waveforms through switches 350 and 354 or 352 can be non-linear and can depend on board and capacitor parasitic effects, while the transferred charge is the same in each phase.
[0044] As illustrated, DC decoupling components (such as non-shorted capacitors) have been used to decouple two or more phases of the cascaded converter from each other. Thus, each phase of the converter can operate independently, for example as Figures 6 to 9 shown. In addition, the configuration described above enables the use of a single control loop to control the current output for each phase of the first converter to regulate the output voltage of the last converter in the cascaded converter without having to control the voltage output for each converter in the cascaded converter.
[0045] In this specification, the term "coupled" can encompass a connection, a linkage, or a signal path that achieves a functional relationship consistent with this specification. For example, if device A generates a signal to control device B to perform an action, then: (a) in a first instance, device A is coupled to device B by a direct connection; or (b) in a second instance, device A is coupled to device B through an intermediate component C, provided that the intermediate component C does not change the functional relationship between device A and device B such that device B is controlled by device A via the control signal generated by device A.
[0046] Additionally, in this specification, the recitation "based on" means "at least partially based on". Thus, if X is based on Y, then X can depend on Y and any number of other factors.
[0047] A device "configured to" perform a task or function can be configured (e.g., programmed and / or hardwired) by the manufacturer at the time of manufacture to perform the function, and / or can be configured (or reconfigured) by the user after manufacture to perform the function and / or other additional or alternative functions. The configuration can be carried out by programming the firmware and / or software of the device, by the construction and / or layout of the hardware components and interconnections of the device, or a combination thereof.
[0048] As used herein, the terms "terminal", "node", "interconnection", "pin", and "lead" can be used interchangeably. Unless otherwise specifically stated, these terms are generally used to denote the interconnection between device elements, circuit elements, integrated circuits, devices, or other electronic devices or semiconductor components or their ends.
[0049] Within the scope of the claims, modifications can be made in the described embodiments, and other embodiments are possible.
Claims
1. A device, comprising: A first converter circuit having a first output terminal and a second output terminal; A second converter circuit having a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and a third output terminal, wherein a first connection member connects the first output terminal to the first input terminal, and wherein a second connection member connects the second output terminal to the second input terminal; And A DC decoupling component connected between the first connection member and the second connection member, wherein the DC decoupling component DC-decouples signals between the first connection member and the second connection member.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the DC decoupling component is a capacitor.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the DC decoupling component is a switch.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first converter circuit is a buck / boost converter circuit.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second converter circuit is a charge pump converter circuit.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The second converter circuit is configured to output a feedback signal from the third output terminal; The feedback signal is configured to regulate the current output from the first output terminal and the second output terminal; and The current is generated from the first converter circuit.
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the current generated from the first converter circuit regulates the voltage output by the second converter circuit.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first converter circuit and the second converter circuit include multiple phases, and wherein the first phase of the first converter circuit and the second converter circuit operates independently of the second phase of the first converter circuit and the second converter circuit.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first phase operates in a buck mode, and wherein the second phase operates in a boost mode.
10. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first phase and the second phase each operate independently of each other in a buck mode.
11. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first phase and the second phase each operate independently of each other in a boost mode.
12. A device, comprising: A buck / boost converter; A charge pump converter, wherein the buck / boost converter and the charge pump converter are cascaded with each other; And A capacitor, wherein a first terminal of the capacitor is connected to a first output of a first cascaded converter circuit, and a second terminal of the capacitor is connected to a second output of the first cascaded converter circuit, and wherein the first output of the first cascaded converter circuit is a first input to a second cascaded converter circuit, and wherein the second output of the first cascaded converter circuit is a second input to the second cascaded converter circuit.
13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The second cascaded converter circuit is configured to output a feedback signal from the output of the cascaded converter circuit; The feedback signal is configured to regulate the current output from the first cascaded converter circuit; and The current is generated from the first cascaded converter circuit.
14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the current generated from the first cascaded converter circuit regulates the voltage output from the second cascaded converter circuit.
15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the buck / boost converter comprises a plurality of phases, and wherein the charge pump converter comprises a plurality of phases, and wherein a first phase of the buck / boost converter and the charge pump converter operates independently of a second phase of the buck / boost converter and the charge pump converter.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first phase operates in a buck mode, and wherein the second phase operates in a boost mode.
17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first phase and the second phase each operate independently of one another in a buck mode.
18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first phase and the second phase each operate independently of one another in a boost mode.
19. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein each phase associated with the buck / boost converter has a complementary charge pump associated therewith.
20. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the buck / boost converter comprises a first input terminal and a second input terminal, wherein the first input terminal receives a first voltage input, and the second input terminal receives a second voltage input, and wherein the first input terminal and the second input terminal are optional.