Switched capacitor converter and voltage generation method

Abstract

The invention relates to a switched capacitor converter and a voltage generation method. An apparatus, such as a switched capacitor converter, as discussed herein, includes: a plurality of capacitors; a multi-tap autotransformer comprising a first primary winding and a second primary winding, a plurality of capacitors disposed in a circuit path of a switched capacitor converter comprising the first primary winding and the second primary winding, the first primary winding comprising a first tap node to receive a first current and the second primary winding comprising a second tap node to receive a second current. The second primary winding includes a second tap node to receive a second current. And an output stage coupled to receive energy from a combination of the first and second primary windings of the multi-tap autotransformer, the output stage operable to generate an output voltage to power a load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to power supplies and implementations of multi-tap autotransformers, and more specifically to switched capacitor converters and voltage generation methods. Background Technology

[0002] As the name suggests, a conventional switched capacitor DC-DC converter converts the received DC input voltage into a DC output voltage.

[0003] In a typical application, the input voltage of a conventional switched-capacitor converter falls within the range of 40 VDC to 60 VDC. In such a case, controlling the switches in the switched-capacitor converter to transfer the charge stored in the capacitors results in a conversion of the input voltage (such as 48 VDC) to the output voltage (such as 12 VDC) for a so-called 4:1 switched-capacitor converter. In other words, a conventional switched-capacitor converter can be configured to convert a 48 VDC voltage to a 12 VDC voltage.

[0004] Multi-tap autotransformers are a specific type of electrical transformer sometimes used in power supply applications. A multi-tap autotransformer has only one continuous winding. In a multi-tap autotransformer, portions of the same winding can be used to serve as both the primary and secondary sides.

[0005] Traditionally, data center equipment operates using a 48 VDC input voltage, or alternatively, a variable input voltage ranging from 40 VDC to 60 VDC, rather than the common 12 VDC bus. This preference for higher DC voltages offers several advantages, including reduced power distribution losses within server racks and motherboards. Various conventional methods are employed to deliver higher power to each rack and motherboard, typically involving converting the input voltage into one or more output voltages. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure includes observations that can improve the power conversion efficiency of power supplies. For example, examples herein include novel magnetic devices, transformer devices, and methods of manufacturing thereof to provide efficient generation of corresponding output voltages.

[0007] More specifically, as discussed herein, the device (such as a switched capacitor converter or other suitable entity) includes: multiple capacitors, a multi-tap autotransformer, and an output stage. The multi-tap autotransformer may be configured to include a first primary winding and a second primary winding. Multiple capacitors may be arranged in the circuit path of the switched capacitor converter, which includes the first and second primary windings. The first primary winding may be configured to include a first tap node to receive a first current. The second primary winding may be configured to include a second tap node to receive a second current. The output stage of the device may be configured to generate an output voltage to supply power to a load based on energy received from the combination of the first and second primary windings of the multi-tap autotransformer.

[0008] According to another example, a multi-tap autotransformer as discussed herein can be configured to include a first primary winding and a second primary winding inductively coupled to a first primary winding and a second primary winding. The output stage can be configured to include the first primary winding and the second primary winding. Furthermore, a third tap of the multi-tap autotransformer can be configured to directly couple the first primary winding and the second primary winding in series, and the third tap can be configured to output an output voltage. Additionally, a fourth tap of the multi-tap autotransformer can be configured to directly couple the first primary winding to the first primary winding; a fifth tap of the multi-tap autotransformer can be configured to directly couple the second primary winding to the second primary winding. Switching circuit paths as discussed herein can include any number of resonant circuit paths, such as: i) a first resonant circuit path coupled to a first tap of the first primary winding via a first switch, the first resonant circuit path including a first capacitor among a plurality of capacitors; and ii) a second resonant circuit path coupled to a second tap of the second primary winding via a second switch, the second resonant circuit path including a second capacitor among a plurality of capacitors.

[0009] The switched capacitor converter discussed herein may further include: a first switching circuit system directly coupled to a first tap node, operable to control the flow of a first current to the first tap node and through a first portion of a first primary winding; and a second switching circuit system directly coupled to a second tap node, operable to control the flow of a second current to the second tap node and through a first portion of a second primary winding. In one example, the first portion of the first primary winding may be directly connected between the first tap node and a first node of the first primary winding; and the first portion of the second primary winding may be connected between the second tap node and a first node of the second primary winding. The switched capacitor converter may be configured to further include: a third switching circuit system directly connected between the first node of the first primary winding and a ground reference; and a fourth switching circuit system directly connected between the first node of the second primary winding and a ground reference.

[0010] Furthermore, multiple capacitors can be configured to include a first resonant capacitor and a second resonant capacitor. The first resonant capacitor can be connected in series with the second primary winding; the second resonant capacitor can be connected in series with the first primary winding. The switched capacitor converter may further include a controller operable to: i) charge the first resonant capacitor during a first portion of a control cycle that operates the switched capacitor converter to convert an input voltage into an output voltage, and ii) discharge the second resonant capacitor during the first portion of the control cycle that operates the switched capacitor converter, the second resonant capacitor discharging via a second current input to a second tap node of the second primary winding. The controller may be configured to: i) discharge the first resonant capacitor during a second portion of a control cycle that operates the switched capacitor converter to convert an input voltage into an output voltage, the first resonant capacitor discharging via a first current input to a first tap node of the first primary winding, and ii) charge the second resonant capacitor during the second portion of the control cycle that operates the switched capacitor converter.

[0011] As in another example discussed herein, a method includes: switching multiple capacitors of a switched capacitor converter in a circuit path, wherein the switching controls the flow of a first current to a first tap node of a first primary winding of a multi-tap autotransformer and the flow of a second current to a second tap node of a second primary winding of the multi-tap autotransformer; and generating an output voltage based on energy received from a combination of the first and second primary windings of the multi-tap autotransformer.

[0012] These and other more specific examples are presented in more detail below.

[0013] Furthermore, it should be noted that although each of the various features, techniques, configurations, etc., described herein may be discussed in different places, the intention of this disclosure is that each of the concepts may be selectively implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other, where appropriate. Therefore, one or more of the inventions described herein can be practiced and viewed in many different ways.

[0014] Furthermore, it should be noted that this initial discussion of the examples (a brief description of the examples) in this document is intentionally not intended to specify every example and / or incremental novel aspect of this disclosure or the claimed invention. Rather, this brief description only presents general examples and corresponding points of novelty relative to conventional techniques. For additional details and / or possible perspectives (arrangements) of the invention, the reader should refer to the detailed description section of this disclosure (which is a summary of the examples) and the corresponding drawings, which are discussed further below. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an example diagram illustrating a switched capacitor converter including multiple tapped primary windings as discussed herein.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an example diagram illustrating a multi-tap autotransformer, as discussed herein, comprising one or more tapped primary windings and corresponding one or more secondary windings.

[0017] Figure 3 This is an example diagram illustrating details of a switched capacitor power converter, including a tapped primary winding, as discussed herein.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an example timing diagram illustrating the timing of the control signals as discussed in this article.

[0019] Figure 5 This is an example diagram showing the timing of the control and output signals as discussed in this article.

[0020] Figure 6A This is an example diagram illustrating the first mode of operation of the switched capacitor converter as discussed herein.

[0021] Figure 6B This is an example diagram illustrating the first mode of operation of the switched capacitor converter as discussed herein.

[0022] Figure 7A This is an example diagram illustrating the current flow through the multi-tap autotransformer and the generation of the corresponding output voltage during the first mode, as discussed herein.

[0023] Figure 7BThis is an example diagram illustrating the current flow through the multi-tap autotransformer and the generation of the corresponding output voltage during the first mode, as discussed herein.

[0024] Figure 8 This is to show the connection with the discussion in this article. Figure 7A and Figure 7B A side view of the magnetic material associated with a multi-tap autotransformer.

[0025] Figure 9A This is an example diagram illustrating the current flow through the multi-tap autotransformer and the generation of the corresponding output voltage during the first mode, as discussed herein.

[0026] Figure 9B This is an example diagram illustrating the current flow through the multi-tap autotransformer and the generation of the corresponding output voltage during the first mode, as discussed herein.

[0027] Figure 10A This is an example diagram illustrating the second mode of operation of the switched capacitor converter as discussed herein.

[0028] Figure 10B This is an example diagram illustrating the second mode of operation of the switched capacitor converter as discussed herein.

[0029] Figure 11 This is an example diagram illustrating the general method discussed herein.

[0030] As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the examples herein will become apparent from the more specific description herein, in which similar reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout different views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are intended to illustrate examples, principles, concepts, etc. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Now, more specifically, Figure 1 This is an example diagram illustrating a switched capacitor converter (also known as a power converter) including a multi-tap autotransformer, according to the examples in this article.

[0032] As shown in this example, power supply 100 (such as a device, power converter, electronic device, circuit system, hardware, etc.) includes controller 140 and voltage converter 135 (i.e., power converter). Voltage converter 135 includes primary 101 and secondary 102.

[0033] Furthermore, primary 101 includes a switched capacitor converter 131, which includes switches 125 (hereinafter referred to as switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, and Q6), a first primary winding 161-1, and a second primary winding 161-2 of a multi-tap autotransformer 160. Note that the multi-tap autotransformer can be configured to include any number of primary windings.

[0034] As further shown, in contrast to conventional techniques, each of one or more primary windings of the multi-tap autotransformer 160 can be configured to include supplementary tap nodes, such as tap node TN1 in the first primary winding 161-1, supplementary tap node TN2 in the second primary winding 161-2, etc.

[0035] Note that the multi-tap autotransformer 160 is shown by way of non-limiting example and can be instantiated as any suitable device, such as a transformer, transformer device, transformer assembly, etc.

[0036] As further shown, the secondary of power supply 100 includes the secondary winding 162 of a multi-tap autotransformer 160 and associated circuitry to generate an output voltage 123 (Vout, such as a typical DC voltage). The secondary winding 162 can be configured to include a primary winding 162-1 and a secondary winding 162-2 or any number of secondary windings.

[0037] It should also be noted that each of the resources described herein can be instantiated in a suitable manner. For example, each of the controller 140, the switched capacitor converter 131, the multi-tap autotransformer 160 (also referred to as a multi-tap transformer), etc., can be instantiated as or include hardware (such as a circuit system), software (executable instructions), or a combination of hardware and software resources.

[0038] During operation, the controller 140 or other suitable entity generates a control signal 105 (such as one or more pulse width modulated signals) that controls the state of the corresponding control switch 125 in the switched capacitor converter 131.

[0039] As further shown, the voltage converter 135 (such as a so-called switched capacitor converter or other suitable entity) can be configured to receive an input voltage 120 (Vin, such as a DC input voltage) supplied to the primary 101 of the voltage converter 135. As previously discussed, the multi-tap autotransformer 160 can be configured to include a first primary winding 161-1 and a second primary winding 161-2. In one example, each of the primary windings 161 is at least inductively coupled to each other and inductively coupled to the secondary winding 162.

[0040] According to another example, it will be shown that the primary winding 161 can be connected in series with the secondary winding 162.

[0041] As further discussed herein, the controller 140 of the power supply 100 controllably switches the corresponding resonant circuit paths of multiple capacitors and the primary winding 161, including a multi-tap autotransformer 160, to receive energy from the input voltage (Vin) through the primary winding 161. Based on the magnetic coupling from the secondary winding to the primary winding, the secondary winding receives the corresponding energy from the primary winding and generates an output voltage 123 (Vout) and an output current.

[0042] Therefore, in one example of a switched capacitor converter as discussed herein, it includes: a plurality of capacitors; a multi-tap autotransformer including a first primary winding and a second primary winding, the plurality of capacitors being disposed in the circuit path of the switched capacitor converter including a first primary winding 161-1 and a second primary winding 161-2, the first primary winding 161-1 including a first tap node TN1 to receive a first current, the second primary winding 161-2 including a second tap node TN2 to receive a second current; and an output stage such as a secondary 102, which generates an output voltage Vout to supply power to a load 118 based on energy received from the combination of the first primary winding 161-1 and the second primary winding 161-2 of the multi-tap autotransformer 160.

[0043] Therefore, as discussed herein, the transformer and / or autotransformer, and the corresponding primary and / or secondary windings, can be tapped (TN1, TN2…) to connect additional switching nodes, thereby enabling the possibility of additional current injection in a single winding. This can optimize the converter's efficiency and power density because it allows for the closure of the return path within the area dedicated to the transformer or autotransformer. In other words, as further discussed herein, each of the tapped nodes in the corresponding primary winding can be injected with current to provide better power density efficiency.

[0044] Figure 2 This is an example diagram illustrating a multi-tap autotransformer, as discussed herein, comprising one or more tapped primary windings and corresponding one or more secondary windings.

[0045] As previously discussed, the implementation of one or more taps associated with one or more primary windings of the voltage converter 135 provides improved power conversion. Figure 2 As shown, the primary winding of the multi-tap autotransformer 160 implemented in the voltage converter 135 can be tapped n p Next and connect to sw p (n) p -1) switching nodes, while the secondary winding can be tapped n times.s Next and connect to sw s (n) s -1) Switching nodes. The input and output of the winding can be connected to anything within the corresponding circuit. For example, in one instance, if connected in P and out S Then an autotransformer can be created.

[0046] It should also be noted that this disclosure includes the observation that, due to the switching characteristics of the voltage converter, the current through the switching nodes can be positive or negative. More precisely, at each stage of power converter operation determined by the state of the switches, current can be injected into or drawn from the circuit via the corresponding tap nodes.

[0047] Furthermore, this disclosure includes the following observations: Given the magnetic energy charging / discharging behavior following the core, different primary and secondary switching nodes can be connected, similar to different winding configurations depending on the stage. This provides several degrees of freedom, including the possibility of return paths within the closed winding. In such cases, no additional copper is required outside the core region of the autotransformer, thereby improving efficiency and power density. Such connections are possible when isolation is not required, thus the implementation of multi-tap autotransformers as discussed herein is useful in certain applications.

[0048] As discussed in more detail in this paper, one implementation of a multi-tap autotransformer that includes supplementary tap nodes on one or more primary windings is as follows: Figure 3 The switched capacitor power converter shown is shown.

[0049] Figure 3 This is an example diagram illustrating the details of a switched capacitor converter including a tapped primary winding, as discussed herein.

[0050] As shown in the figure, power supply 100 includes a voltage source 120, a voltage converter 135, and a controller 140. As previously discussed, voltage converter 135 includes multiple switches 125 (such as switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, and Q6) and a multi-tap autotransformer 160.

[0051] More specifically, input voltage source 120 supplies input voltage Vin to switches Q1 and Q2. In one example, voltage converter 135 (a device such as hardware, circuitry, etc.) includes multiple switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, and Q6 implemented as field-effect transistors or any other suitable type of switch.

[0052] Additionally, note that the voltage converter 135 includes a resonant capacitor C. res1 Resonant capacitor C res2And multiple circuit components of the output capacitor COUT.

[0053] Furthermore, in this example, the multi-tap autotransformer 160 includes a primary winding 161-1 (such as any suitable number of turns), a primary winding 161-2 (such as any suitable number of turns), a secondary winding 162-1 (such as any suitable number of turns), and a secondary winding 162-2 (such as any suitable number of turns).

[0054] As previously discussed, the number associated with the primary winding 161 and / or the secondary winding 162 can be any suitable value and will vary depending on the example.

[0055] In another example, the primary and secondary windings of the multi-tap autotransformer 160 are connected in series. For example, the primary winding 161-1 (also known as PRI1, such as including primary windings 161-11 and 161-12) is connected in series with the secondary winding 162-1 (also known as SEC1); the secondary winding 162-1 is connected in series with the secondary winding 162-2 (also known as SEC2); the secondary winding 162-2 is also connected in series with the primary winding 161-2 (also known as PRI2, such as including primary windings 161-21 and 161-22).

[0056] Therefore, from node N31 or node in P1 Start and on node N32 or node out P2 In conclusion, the multi-tap autotransformer 160 includes the following series combination: primary winding 161-12, primary winding 161-11, secondary winding 162-1, secondary winding 162-2, primary winding 161-22, and primary winding 161-21.

[0057] Therefore, node N31 is the end node or terminal node of the multi-tap autotransformer 160, node TN1 is the tap node of the primary winding PRI1 of the multi-tap autotransformer 160, and node out... P1 This refers to the tap nodes of a multi-tap autotransformer 160. Node com is a tap node of the multi-tap autotransformer 160, and node in... P2 TN2 is the tap node of the multi-tap autotransformer 160, TN32 is the tap node of the primary winding PRI2 of the multi-tap autotransformer 160, and N32 is the end or terminal node of the multi-tap autotransformer 160.

[0058] As shown in the figure, primary windings 161-12, 161-11, secondary windings 162-1, 162-2, 161-22, and 161-21 are magnetically coupled to each other. If desired, secondary winding 162 can be a center-tapped winding, where the COM node is a center-tapped node that facilitates the generation of output voltage 123 from the corresponding output of the center-tapped winding.

[0059] Furthermore, in this example, both the drain node (D) of switch Q1 and the drain node (D) of switch Q4 are connected to the input voltage source 120 to receive the input voltage V. in .

[0060] Furthermore, the source node (S) of switch Q1 is coupled to the drain node (D) of switch Q2 via node 213. The source node (S) of switch Q4 is coupled to the drain node (D) of switch Q5 via node 214. The source node (S) of switch Q2 is coupled to tap node TN1 via node 211. The source node (S) of switch Q5 is coupled to tap node TN2 via node 212.

[0061] Capacitor C res1 Connected between node 213 and the corresponding node N32 of the primary winding 161-21. Capacitor C res2 It is connected between node 214 and the corresponding node N31 of the primary winding 161-12.

[0062] In addition, the drain (D) of switch Q3 is connected to node out. P1 and node in S1 The source (S) of switch Q3 is connected to the ground reference voltage 199. The drain (D) of switch Q6 is connected to node in. P2 and node out S2 The source (S) of switch Q6 is connected to the ground reference voltage 199.

[0063] The output current i of the center tap (COM node) of the secondary winding of the multi-tap autotransformer 160 out It generates a corresponding output voltage 123 (such as DC voltage or essentially DC voltage) to power the load 118 (also known as Ro).

[0064] Furthermore, in this example, the control signal 105-1 (also known as signal S1) generated by the controller 140 drives the gates (G) of the corresponding switches Q1, Q3, and Q5. Therefore, the control signal 105-1 (signal S1) controls the state of each of the switches Q1, Q3, and Q5.

[0065] Control signal 105-2 (also known as signal S2) drives the corresponding gates (G) of switches Q2, Q4, and Q6. Therefore, control signal 105-2 (signal S2) controls the state of each of switches Q2, Q4, and Q6.

[0066] The output stage 325 includes the secondary winding of the multi-tap autotransformer 160 and the corresponding output capacitor Cout.

[0067] Note again that each switch described herein can be any suitable device, such as a (metal-oxide-semiconductor) field-effect transistor, a bipolar junction transistor, etc.

[0068] Capacitor C res1 and C res2 The setting can be any suitable value. In one example, the voltage converter 135, as described in this article, is in C... res1 =C res2 It provides better performance, and even C res1 ≠C res2 They are also doing well.

[0069] As previously discussed, the switches in power supply 100 are divided into two switch groups: the first switch group includes switches Q1, Q3 and Q5 controlled by corresponding control signals 105-1 (S1), and the second switch group includes switches Q2, Q4 and Q6 controlled by corresponding control signals 105-2 (S2), the control signals 105-2 typically having a 180-degree phase shift relative to the timing of the control signals 105-1.

[0070] In one example, the pulse width modulation of control signal 105 is approximately 50%.

[0071] The amplitude of the output voltage 123 depends on the number of turns (the turns ratio of the primary winding to the secondary winding, N1 / N2). In one example, the switching frequency does not directly change the amplitude of the output voltage, but it typically alters the amplitude because losses increase or decrease based on the difference between Fres and Fsw, where Fres is the voltage when C... res1 =C res2 Time by C res1 Or C res2 And the resonant frequency of the slot formed by the leakage of the multi-tap autotransformer.

[0072] Note that another benefit of the voltage converter 135 described herein is the symmetrical behavior of such a circuit. For example, as further discussed herein, via the power supply 100, the voltage converter 135 is supplied with power by the input power supply V almost continuously at different times in the corresponding control cycle. inPower supply, reducing input current ripple compared to other technologies, ii) in the equivalent resonant slot switching circuit path of the switched capacitor converter (such as including capacitor C) res1 and the first resonant circuit path of the primary winding 161-2 and including capacitor C res2 In the second resonant circuit path of the primary winding 161-1, both resonant capacitors resonate with the leakage inductance Lk of the multi-tap autotransformer 160.

[0073] Therefore, in this example, the voltage converter 135 (also referred to as a switched capacitor converter) includes a first resonant circuit path between node 213 and tap node com, which includes capacitor C. res1 Primary winding 161-21, primary winding 161-22 and secondary winding 162-2.

[0074] The voltage converter 135 also includes a second resonant circuit path between node 214 and tap node com, the second resonant circuit path including capacitor C res2 Primary winding 161-12, primary winding 161-11 and secondary winding 162-1.

[0075] Therefore, the examples in this document include a multi-tap autotransformer 160, which includes a first primary winding SEC1 and a second primary winding SEC2 inductively coupled to a first primary winding PRI1 and a second primary winding PRI2. The output stage 325 of the voltage converter 135 can be configured to include the first primary winding SEC1 and the second primary winding SEC2.

[0076] Furthermore, as previously discussed, the tap nodes (such as the com node) of the multi-tap autotransformer 160 are directly coupled in series to the primary winding 162-1 and the secondary winding 162-2. The tap node com is operable to convert the output voltage V out The output is connected to load 118 and the corresponding output capacitor COUT. The tap node ph1 of the multi-tap autotransformer 160 directly couples the first primary winding PRI1 to the first primary winding SEC1; the tap node ph2 of the multi-tap autotransformer 160 directly couples the second primary winding PRI2 to the second primary winding SEC2.

[0077] therefore, Figure 3 The switched capacitor converter in the middle includes: i) the first resonant circuit path (capacitor C) res1 ii) the second primary winding PRI2, which is selectively coupled to the first tap node TN1 of the first primary winding PRI1 according to the state of switch Q2; and ii) the second resonant circuit path (capacitor C) res2And the primary winding PRI1), which is selectively coupled to the second tap node TN2 of the second primary winding PRI2 according to the state of the second switch Q5.

[0078] Furthermore, from another perspective, the switched capacitor converter discussed herein includes a switching circuit system Q2 directly coupled to the first tap node TN1. During mode #2, the switching circuit system Q2 controls the flow of a first current i1 into the first tap node TN1 and through a first portion (161-11) of the first primary winding PRI1. The switched capacitor converter discussed herein also includes a switching circuit system Q5 directly coupled to the second tap node TN2, wherein the second switching circuit system Q5 is configured to control the flow of a second current i2 into the second tap node TN2 and through a first portion (161-22) of the second primary winding PRI2 during mode #1.

[0079] The first part (161-11) of the first primary winding PRI1 is directly connected to the node in of the first tap node TN1 and the node in of the first primary winding 162-1. S1 Between; the first part (161-22) of the second primary winding PRI2 is connected to the second tap node TN2 and the node out of the second primary winding SEC2. S2 between.

[0080] The voltage converter 135 (switched capacitor converter) also includes: i) a node directly connected to the primary winding SEC1. S1 The switching circuit system Q3 between ground reference 199 and ii) the node out directly connected to the secondary winding SEC2 S2 The switching circuit system Q6 is connected to the ground reference 199.

[0081] As previously discussed, the voltage converter 135 includes a controller 140 operable to control the switching circuit system Q1 to Q6, wherein the control of the switching circuit system controls the flow of a first current i1 to a first tap node TN1 and the flow of a second current i2 to a second tap node TN2.

[0082] Figure 4 This is an example timing diagram illustrating the timing of the control signals as discussed in this article.

[0083] Typically, as shown in Figure 400, controller 110 generates control signal 105-2 (also known as S2) as the inversion of control signal 105-1 (also known as S1). The pulse width of each control signal is approximately 49% or other suitable pulse width modulation value.

[0084] Between time T0 and time T1, when control signal 105-1 (at logic high) controls the set of switches Q1, Q3 and Q5 to the on state (low impedance or short circuit), control signal 105-2 (logic low) controls the set of switches Q2, Q4 and Q6 to the off state (open circuit).

[0085] Conversely, between time T2 and time T3, when control signal 105-2 (logic high) controls the set of switches Q2, Q4 and Q6 to the on state, control signal 105-1 (logic low) controls the set of switches Q1, Q3 and Q5 to the off state.

[0086] Note that the duration between time T1 and time T2, the duration between time T3 and time T4, the duration between time T5 and time T6, etc., represent the so-called dead time, during which each of the switches (Q1 to Q6) in the power supply 100 is deactivated to the off state (high impedance or open circuit).

[0087] As further shown, the control signals 105 (such as signals S1 and S2) are periodic. For example, the settings for the control signals 105 for subsequent periods are the same as the settings for the control signals 105 for the period between time T0 and time T4. More specifically, the settings for the control signals 105 generated by the controller 140 between time T4 and time T8 are the same as the settings for the control signals 105 between time T0 and time T4, and so on.

[0088] In one example, controller 140 can be configured to control the frequency of a control signal (the period being the time between T0 and time T4), which can be generated at any suitable frequency.

[0089] Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the controller 110 controls the pulse duration of the control signal 105 to approximately 49% based on the dead time, although the control signal 105 can be generated with any suitable pulse width modulation value.

[0090] In one example, under mode #1 between time T0 and time T1, based on the control of the switch, controller 140: i) operates voltage converter 135 to convert the input voltage V in Converted to output voltage V out In the first part of the control cycle (between time T0 and time T1), the first resonant capacitor C is... res1 Charging, and ii) charging the second resonant capacitor C during the first part of the control cycle of the operating voltage converter 135 (between time T0 and time T1). res2 Discharge, in which the second capacitor C res2The second current i2 is discharged through the tap node TN2 of the second primary winding PRI2.

[0091] In mode #2, controller 140 can also be operated to: i) adjust the first resonant capacitor C during the second part of the control cycle of operating voltage converter 135 to convert the input voltage into the output voltage (between time T2 and time T3). res1 Discharge, wherein the first resonant capacitor C res1 Discharge of current i1 via tap node TN1 of the first primary winding PRI1, and ii) discharge of the second resonant capacitor C during the second part of the control cycle of the operating voltage converter 135. res2 Charge.

[0092] According to another aspect of the operating voltage converter 135, the controller 140 can be operated to: i) activate the switching circuit system Q5 during the first part of the control cycle (between time T0 and time T1) to input current i2 through the second tap node TN2 to the second primary winding PRI2; ii) deactivate the switching circuit system Q5 during the second part of the control cycle (between time T2 and time T3) to prevent current i2 from inputting current i2 through tap node TN2 to the second primary winding PRI2; iii) activate the switching circuit system Q2 during the second part of the control cycle to input current i1 through tap node TN1 to the first primary winding PRI1; and iv) deactivate the switching circuit system Q2 during the first part of the control cycle to prevent current i1 from inputting current i1 through the first tap node TN1 to the first primary winding PRI1.

[0093] Furthermore, from another perspective, controller 140:i) according to the first mode (mode #1, see also) Figure 6A and Figure 6B The control switching circuit system, in the first mode, includes a first sum of currents supplied by the second primary winding PRI2 to the second secondary winding, comprising a second current i2 input to the second tap node TN2 plus a first capacitor C passing through the second primary winding PRI2 from multiple capacitors. res1 The third current supplied is Iin11 or iS21, and ii) according to the second mode (mode #2, see also) Figure 10A and Figure 10B The control switching circuit system, in the second mode, receives a second sum of currents supplied from the first primary winding (PRI1) to the first primary winding (SEC1), including the first current i1 input to the first tap node TN1 plus the second capacitor C from the first primary winding PRI1 through multiple capacitors. res2 The fourth current supplied is Iin22 or iS11.

[0094] Figure 5This is an example timing diagram showing the control signals and output signals as discussed in this article.

[0095] More specifically, as shown in Figure 500, voltage Vx indicates the voltage at node 211 (tap node TN1) between primary windings 161-11 and 161-12; voltage Vy indicates the voltage at node 212 (tap node TN2) between primary windings 161-21 and 161-22.

[0096] Icres1 indicates that through capacitor C res1 The resonant current in series combination with primary windings 161-21 and 161-22; Icres2 represents the current through capacitor C. res2 The resonant current in series combination with primary winding 161-12 and primary winding 161-11.

[0097] Signal Is1 represents the current passing through secondary winding 162-1; signal Is2 represents the current passing through secondary winding 162-2.

[0098] Iout (the sum of currents Is1 and Is2) represents the output current (Iout) supplied to the dynamic load 118 by the center tap (tap node com) of the secondary winding 162 of the multi-tap autotransformer 160.

[0099] Between time T0 and time T1, when capacitor C is included res1 The resonant circuit path is coupled to the input voltage source 120 via the activation of switch Q1 to receive the input voltage V. in At that time, the corresponding generated current Is1 can contribute most of the current to generate current Iout. Conversely, between time T2 and time T3, when capacitor C is included... res2 When the resonant circuit path of the primary winding 161-1 is coupled to the input voltage via the activation of switch Q4, the corresponding generated current Is2 can contribute most of the current to generate current Iout.

[0100] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is an example diagram illustrating the first mode of operation of the switched capacitor converter as discussed herein.

[0101] like Figure 6A As shown more specifically, activating switch Q1 to the on state between time T0 and time T1 results in a charging circuit, where capacitor CRES1 is charged, and current Iin11 flows from input voltage source 120 through switch Q1 and resonant capacitor CRES1, through a series winding circuit path including a combination of 161-21, primary winding 161-22, and secondary winding 162-2. In this case, under the first mode (mode #1) Figure 6A The charging circuit includes supplying current iS21 from the COM node to capacitor COUT and the corresponding load 118.

[0102] like Figure 6B More specifically, activating switches Q3 and Q5 to the on state between time T0 and time T1 causes a discharge circuit, and capacitor CRES2 is discharged. Current Iin12 (also called i2) flows from the ground reference voltage 199 through a series circuit path including primary windings 161-11, 161-12, resonant capacitor CRES2, activated switch Q5, primary winding 161-22, and secondary winding 162-2, through node COM to load 118. In this case, under the first mode (mode #1)... Figure 6B The discharge circuit includes supplying current iS22 from the COM node to capacitor COUT and the corresponding load 118. Therefore, during mode #1, current Iin12 or i2 is supplied to tap node TN2.

[0103] During the first mode between time T0 and time T1, the multi-tap autotransformer 160 generates the output voltage VOUT by supplying the sum of currents iS21 and iS22 to the load 118 and the corresponding output capacitor COUT.

[0104] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is an example diagram illustrating the current flow through the multi-tap autotransformer and the generation of the corresponding output voltage during the first mode as discussed herein.

[0105] In this example, the multi-tap autotransformer 160 includes conductive paths (such as...) Figure 7A and Figure 7B The components shown by the dashed lines (-------) represent conductive paths that provide connectivity between the components of the switched capacitor converter and transmit the corresponding current. Therefore, the dashed lines indicate the conductive paths between corresponding nodes and the corresponding current flow. The conductive paths through the magnetic material 800 represent the windings of the multi-tap autotransformer 160.

[0106] also, Figure 7A and Figure 7B A top view of the voltage converter 135 and corresponding components shows the circuit board (such as...) Figure 8 The possible placement on the main substrate 899 shown and the implementation via the corresponding electrical path of the magnetic material 800 associated with the multi-tap autotransformer 160.

[0107] More specifically, in Figure 7A and Figure 7BIn this example, the magnetic material 800 associated with the multi-tap autotransformer can be configured to include a first channel 810-1 and a second channel 810-2, through which corresponding conductive paths associated with the windings of the multi-tap autotransformer pass. For example, channel 810-1 can be created via a central portion 800-1, a side portion 800-2, and a side portion 800-3 of the magnetic material extending out of the page. Figure 8 It also shows Figure 7A and Figure 7B Side view of the magnetic material 800 (transformer assembly) in the middle.

[0108] Figure 8 This is to show the connection with the discussion in this article. Figure 7A and Figure 7B A side view of the magnetic material associated with a multi-tap autotransformer.

[0109] In this example, the magnetic material 800 (the core of the multi-tap autotransformer 160) assembly includes a base plate 852 of the magnetic material, a top plate 851 of the magnetic material, a side portion 800-2 of the magnetic material, a center portion 800-1 of the magnetic material, and a side portion 800-3 of the magnetic material.

[0110] The components of the magnetic material 800, the corresponding conductive paths, and circuit components (such as switches Q1 to Q6), resonant capacitors CRES1 and CRES2, controller 140, etc. can be placed on the corresponding main substrate 899 (such as a printed circuit board or other suitable entity).

[0111] As further shown in the side view of the magnetic material 800 (also referred to as the magnetic core associated with the multi-tap transformer 160), magnetic flux is generated by the current flow in the primary and / or secondary windings associated with the multi-tap autotransformer 160.

[0112] More specifically, a magnetic flux 811 is generated in the magnetically conductive material surrounding channel 810-1 by the flow of a variable current extending through the conductive path (primary winding and / or secondary winding) of channel 810-1, as shown in the figure. Additionally, as shown in the figure, a magnetic flux 812 is generated in the magnetically conductive material surrounding channel 810-2 by the flow of current through the conductive path (primary winding and / or secondary winding) of channel 810-2. As previously discussed, Figure 7A and Figure 7B Each is a cross-sectional top view of the magnetic material 800 (assembly) to show the possible placement of components and windings associated with the voltage converter 135.

[0113] Refer again Figure 7ANote that the top view of voltage converter 135 shows the charging loop operation between time T0 and time T1. Also, refer again... Figure 7B Note that the top view of voltage converter 135 shows the operation of the discharge loop between time T0 and time T1.

[0114] By the right-hand rule, such as Figure 7A As shown in the charging circuit, the current Iin11 flows counterclockwise through the primary windings 161-21 and 161-22 in the charging circuit, causing magnetic flux to be guided out of the magnetic material 800-1. The magnetic flux then returns through the top plate 851 via the side portions 800-3 and 800-2 of the magnetic material. As previously discussed, the secondary winding 162-2 receives energy from the primary windings to generate the output voltage.

[0115] By the right-hand rule, such as Figure 7B As shown in the discharge circuit, current Iin12 flows counterclockwise through the primary winding PR1 (primary windings 161-11 and 161-12) and current i2 flows counterclockwise through the primary winding 161-22, causing magnetic flux to be guided out of the magnetic material 800-1, and then back through the top plate 851 via the magnetic materials 800-3 and 800-2. As previously discussed, the secondary winding 162-2 receives energy from the primary winding to generate the output voltage Vout.

[0116] Therefore, the primary winding PRI1 can be tapped using the switching node sw1 (also known as TN1). Considering Figure 7A and Figure 7B In the power supply components, the transformer area does not necessarily require additional external copper to close the discharge circuit, thus increasing power density. Furthermore, in the same phase, the charging circuit current flows on the right side of the core, while the discharging circuit current flows on the left side. This provides better thermal performance because the current is distributed across all printed circuit board (PCB) areas on which the voltage converter 135 is mounted.

[0117] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is an example diagram illustrating the current flow through the multi-tap autotransformer and the generation of the corresponding output voltage during the first and second modes as discussed herein.

[0118] In this example, the multi-tap autotransformer 160 is implemented by including a core of magnetic material 900. The core of magnetic material 900 includes a side portion 900-2 of magnetic material, a first central portion 900-11 of magnetic material, and a second central portion 900-12 of magnetic material.

[0119] In relation to previous statements Figure 8In a similar manner to the discussion, the core of the magnetic material 900 includes a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the side portion 900-2, the first central portion 900-11, and the second central portion 900-12 of the magnetic material are disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate of the magnetic material of the magnetic material 900 (assembly).

[0120] Refer again Figure 9A and Figure 9B Note that the top view of voltage converter 135 shows the charging loop operation between time T0 and time T1. Figure 9A ) and the operation of the discharge circuit between time T0 and time T1 ( Figure 9B ).

[0121] By the right-hand rule, such as Figure 9A As shown in the charging circuit, current flows counterclockwise through the primary windings 161-21 and 161-22 in the charging circuit, causing magnetic flux to be guided out of the magnetic materials 900-11 and 900-12. The magnetic flux then returns through the side portion 900-2 of the magnetic material via the corresponding top plate. As previously discussed, the secondary winding 162-2 (such as multiple conductive paths around the magnetic materials 900-11 and 900-12) receives energy from the primary windings to generate the output voltage.

[0122] By the right-hand rule, such as Figure 9B As shown in the discharge circuit, current flows counterclockwise through the primary windings 161-11 and 161-12 in the discharge circuit, causing magnetic flux to be guided out of the magnetic materials 900-11 and 900-12, and then the magnetic flux returns through the magnetic material 900-2. As previously discussed, the secondary winding 162-2 (such as multiple conductive paths around the magnetic materials 900-11 and 900-12) receives energy from the primary windings to generate the output voltage.

[0123] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is an example diagram illustrating the second mode of operation of the switched capacitor converter as discussed herein.

[0124] like Figure 10A As shown more specifically, activating switch Q4 to the on state between time T2 and time T3 results in a charging circuit, where capacitor CRES2 is charged, and current Iin21 flows from input voltage source 120 through the activated switch Q4 and resonant capacitor CRES2, through a series winding circuit path including a combination of 161-12, primary winding 161-11, and secondary winding 162-1. In this case, under the second mode (mode #2) Figure 10AThe charging circuit in the circuit includes supplying current iS11 from the com node to the capacitor COUT and the corresponding load 118.

[0125] like Figure 10B More specifically, between time T2 and time T3, activating switches Q2 and Q6 to the on state causes a discharge circuit, and capacitor CRES1 is discharged. Current Iin22 flows from the ground reference voltage 199 through a series circuit path including primary windings 161-22, 161-21, resonant capacitor CRES1, switch Q2, primary winding 161-11, and secondary winding 162-1, passing through node com and load 118. In this case, under the first mode (mode #2)... Figure 10B The discharge circuit includes supplying current iS12 from the com node to capacitor COUT and the corresponding load 118. Therefore, during mode #2, current Iin22 or i1 is supplied to tap node TN1.

[0126] During the second mode between time T2 and time T3, the multi-tap autotransformer 160 supplies the sum of currents iS11 and iS12 to the load 118 and the corresponding output capacitor COUT.

[0127] Figure 11 This is a flowchart 1100 illustrating an example method based on the examples in this document. Note that there will be some overlap regarding the concepts discussed above.

[0128] In processing operation 1110, controller 140 switches multiple capacitors of the switched capacitor converter in the circuit path of the switched capacitor converter. As discussed herein, the switching is operable to control the flow of a first current to a first tap node of a first primary winding and the flow of a second current to a second tap node of a second primary winding.

[0129] In processing operation 1120, the output stage generates an output voltage based on the energy received from the combination of the first primary winding and the second primary winding of the multi-tap autotransformer.

[0130] It should be noted again that the techniques described in this article are well-suited for multi-tap autotransformer and power supply applications. However, it should be understood that the examples in this article are not limited to such applications, and the techniques discussed herein are also well-suited for other applications.

[0131] Although the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to preferred examples, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Such variations are intended to be covered by the scope of this application. Therefore, the foregoing description of the examples of this application is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitation on the invention is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A switched capacitor converter, comprising: Multiple capacitors; A multi-tap autotransformer includes a first primary winding and a second primary winding, wherein a plurality of capacitors are disposed in the circuit path of the switched capacitor converter including the first primary winding and the second primary winding, the first primary winding including a first tap node to receive a first current, and the second primary winding including a second tap node to receive a second current. as well as The output stage is operable to generate an output voltage to supply power to a load based on energy received from a combination of the first and second primary windings of the multi-tap autotransformer.

2. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 1, wherein, The multi-tap autotransformer further includes a first primary winding and a second primary winding inductively coupled to the first primary winding and the second primary winding; and The output stage includes the first stage winding and the second stage winding.

3. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 2, wherein, The third tap node of the multi-tap autotransformer directly connects the first stage winding and the second stage winding in series, and the third tap node can be operated to output the output voltage.

4. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 3, wherein, The fourth tap node of the multi-tap autotransformer directly couples the first primary winding to the first primary winding. and The fifth tap node of the multi-tap autotransformer directly couples the second primary winding to the second secondary winding.

5. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 4, wherein, The circuit path includes: i) a first resonant circuit path coupled to a first tap node of the first primary winding via a first switch, the first resonant circuit path including a first capacitor among the plurality of capacitors; and ii) a second resonant circuit path coupled to a second tap node of the second primary winding via a second switch, the second resonant circuit path including a second capacitor among the plurality of capacitors.

6. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 2, further comprising: A first switching circuit system is directly coupled to the first tap node, and the first switching circuit system is operable to control the flow of the first current to the first tap node and through a first portion of the first primary winding. as well as A second switching circuit system, directly coupled to the second tap node, is operable to control the flow of the second current into the second tap node and through a first portion of the second primary winding.

7. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 6, wherein, The first part of the first primary winding is directly connected between the first tap node and the first node of the first primary winding. and The first part of the second primary winding is connected between the second tap node and the first node of the second secondary winding.

8. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 7, further comprising: The third switching circuit system is directly connected between the first node of the primary winding and the ground reference. as well as The fourth switching circuit system is directly connected between the first node of the second stage winding and the ground reference.

9. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of capacitors includes a first resonant capacitor and a second resonant capacitor; The first resonant capacitor is connected in series with the second primary winding; and The second resonant capacitor is connected in series with the first primary winding.

10. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 9, further comprising: The controller is operable to: i) charge the first resonant capacitor during a first portion of a control cycle that operates the switched capacitor converter to convert the input voltage into the output voltage, and ii) discharge the second resonant capacitor during a first portion of a control cycle that operates the switched capacitor converter, the second resonant capacitor being discharged via a second current input to a second tap node of the second primary winding.

11. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 10, wherein, The controller is also operable to: i) discharge the first resonant capacitor during a second portion of a control cycle that operates the switched capacitor converter to convert the input voltage into the output voltage, the first resonant capacitor being discharged via the first current input to a first tap node of the first primary winding; and ii) charge the second resonant capacitor during a second portion of a control cycle that operates the switched capacitor converter.

12. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 1, further comprising: First switching circuit system; Second switching circuit system; as well as The controller is operable to: i) activate the first switching circuit system during a first portion of the control cycle to input the second current to the second primary winding through the second tap node, ii) deactivate the first switching circuit system during a second portion of the control cycle to prevent the second current from inputting to the second primary winding through the second tap node, iii) activate the second switching circuit system during the second portion of the control cycle to input the first current to the first primary winding through the first tap node, and iv) deactivate the second switching circuit system during the first portion of the control cycle to prevent the first current from inputting to the first primary winding through the first tap node.

13. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 2, further comprising: Switching circuit system; as well as The controller is operable to: i) control the switching circuit system according to a first mode, in which a first sum of currents supplied by the second primary winding to the second secondary winding includes a second current input to the second tap node plus a third current supplied through the second primary winding from the first capacitor of the plurality of capacitors; and ii) control the switching circuit system according to a second mode, in which a second sum of currents supplied by the first primary winding to the first secondary winding includes a first current input to the first tap node plus a fourth current supplied through the first primary winding from the second capacitor of the plurality of capacitors.

14. The switched capacitor converter according to claim 1, further comprising: Switching circuit system; as well as A controller operable to control the switching circuit system, thereby controlling the flow of the first current to the first tap node and the flow of the second current to the second tap node.

15. A voltage generation method in a switched capacitor converter, the switched capacitor converter comprising a plurality of capacitors, a multi-tap autotransformer including a first primary winding and a second primary winding, and an output stage, the method comprising: Switching multiple capacitors of the switched capacitor converter in the circuit path of the switched capacitor converter, the switching being operable to control the flow of a first current to a first tap node of the first primary winding and the flow of a second current to a second tap node of the second primary winding. and The output voltage is generated based on the energy received from the combination of the first primary winding and the second primary winding of the multi-tap autotransformer.

16. The voltage generation method according to claim 15, wherein, The multi-tap autotransformer further includes a first primary winding and a second primary winding that are inductively coupled to the first primary winding and the second primary winding; The output stage includes the first-stage winding and the second-stage winding, and the method further includes: The first stage winding and the second stage winding are directly coupled in series via the first node of the multi-tap autotransformer to output the output voltage.

17. The voltage generation method according to claim 15, wherein, Switching multiple capacitors in the switched capacitor converter includes a resonant operation that controls the circuit path.

18. The voltage generation method according to claim 15, wherein, The plurality of capacitors includes a first resonant capacitor and a second resonant capacitor; The first resonant capacitor is connected in series with the second primary winding of the switched capacitor converter to form a first resonant circuit path. The second resonant capacitor is connected in series with the first primary winding to form a second resonant circuit path; and The switching of the plurality of capacitors includes: i) charging the first resonant capacitor during a first portion of a control cycle for operating the switched capacitor converter to convert the input voltage into the output voltage, and ii) discharging the second resonant capacitor during a first portion of a control cycle for operating the switched capacitor converter, the second resonant capacitor being discharged via the second current input to a second tap node of the second primary winding.

19. The voltage generation method according to claim 18, wherein, Switching the plurality of capacitors includes: i) discharging the first resonant capacitor during a second portion of a control cycle that operates the switched capacitor converter to convert the input voltage into the output voltage, the first resonant capacitor being discharged by the first current input to the first primary winding via the first tap node; and ii) charging the second resonant capacitor during a second portion of a control cycle that operates the switched capacitor converter.

20. The voltage generation method according to claim 15, wherein, The switched capacitor converter includes a first switching circuit system and a second switching circuit system. and The switching of the plurality of capacitors includes: i) activating the first switching circuit system during a first portion of the control cycle to input the second current to the second primary winding through the second tap node; ii) deactivating the first switching circuit system during a second portion of the control cycle to prevent the second current from inputting to the second primary winding through the second tap node; iii) activating the second switching circuit system during the second portion of the control cycle to input the first current to the first primary winding through the first tap node; and iv) deactivating the second switching circuit system during the first portion of the control cycle to prevent the first current from inputting to the first primary winding through the first tap node.

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