Inverted buck-boost hybrid converter topology

Abstract

Embodiments of a voltage converter are disclosed. The voltage converter includes an output capacitor and a charging circuit. The output capacitor is coupled to an output node. An output voltage is generated at the output node, and the charging circuit is coupled to the output node. The charging circuit includes a flying capacitor, a flying inductor, a power node configured to receive an input voltage, and a switching block. The switch group is configured to magnetize the flying inductor with the input voltage in at least one switch configuration in which the flying capacitor is energized by passing energy from the flying inductor to the flying capacitor, and transfer the energy from the flying capacitor to the output node in at least one switch configuration.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 638,071, filed on April 24, 2024, and Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 594,385, filed on October 30, 2023, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to voltage converters and their operating methods. Background Technology

[0004] Voltage converters in radio frequency (RF) circuits play a crucial role in ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. A voltage converter transforms a direct current (DC) voltage into another DC voltage at a different voltage level. RF circuits require precise and stable voltage levels to function properly, as deviations can lead to signal distortion and performance degradation. By efficiently managing voltage levels within RF circuits, these converters help maintain signal integrity, minimize interference, and optimize overall system reliability.

[0005] One type of voltage converter design is the inverting buck-boost converter, which transforms positive voltage into negative voltage. In some existing applications, inverting buck-boost converters use two transistors and one inductor. In some applications, the inductor size is constrained (e.g., mobile applications with a height < 1 mm), and / or the transistors suffer from inefficiency. For example, in display power applications for cellular phones, a typical implementation of an inverting buck-boost converter converts power with an efficiency of 87% under nominal conditions and less than 80% at maximum output power. For portable applications, this level of efficiency limits battery life and thermal performance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In some embodiments, a voltage converter includes: an output capacitor coupled to an output node, wherein an output voltage is generated at the output node; and a charging circuit coupled to the output node, the charging circuit including: a flying capacitor; a flying inductor; a power node configured to receive an input voltage; and a switch group configured to: magnetize the flying inductor with the input voltage in at least one switching configuration; power the flying capacitor by transferring energy from the flying inductor to the flying capacitor in at least one switching configuration; and transfer energy from the flying capacitor to the output node in at least one switching configuration. In some embodiments, the switch group is further configured to demagnetize the flying inductor in at least one switching configuration. In some embodiments, the switch group includes a switch configured to close such that energy from the flying capacitor is transferred to the output node. In some embodiments, the switch is a first switch having a first switching node and a second switching node, wherein the first switching node is coupled to the output capacitor; and the switch group further includes a second switch coupled between the second switching node and ground. In some embodiments, the switch group includes: a first switch coupled between the power node and a first inductor node of the flying inductor, wherein a second inductor node of the flying inductor is coupled to the flying capacitor. In some embodiments, the flying capacitor is coupled between the second inductor node and the first switch. In some embodiments, the switch group further includes: a second switch coupled between the first inductor node and ground. In some embodiments, the switch group further includes: a third switch coupled between the second inductor node and ground. In some embodiments, the switch group further includes: a fourth switch coupled between the second inductor node and the flying capacitor. In some embodiments, the flying capacitor is a first flying capacitor, wherein: the charging circuit is coupled to the output node, and the charging circuit further includes a second flying capacitor, wherein the switch group is further configured to: in at least one switch configuration, power the second flying capacitor by transferring energy from the flying inductor to the second flying capacitor; and in at least one switch configuration, transfer energy from the second flying capacitor to the output node. In some embodiments, the switch group is further configured to demagnetize the flying inductor in at least one switch configuration. In some embodiments, the switch group includes: a first switch configured to close such that energy from the first flying capacitor is transferred to the output node; and a second switch configured to close such that energy from the second flying capacitor is transferred to the output node.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first switch has a first switch node and a second switch node, wherein: the first switch node is coupled to the output capacitor; the second switch has a third switch node and a fourth switch node, wherein the third switch node is coupled to the output capacitor; and the switch group further includes: a third switch coupled between the second switch node and ground; and a fourth switch coupled between the fourth switch node and ground. In some embodiments, the switch group includes: a first switch coupled between the power supply node and a first inductor node of the flying inductor, wherein a second inductor node of the flying inductor is coupled to the first flying capacitor; and a second switch coupled between the power supply node and the first inductor node of the flying inductor, wherein the second inductor node of the flying inductor is coupled to the second flying capacitor. In some embodiments, the first flying capacitor is coupled between the second inductor node and the first switch; and the second flying capacitor is coupled between the second inductor node and the first switch. In some embodiments, the switch group further includes: a third switch coupled between the first inductor node and ground. In some embodiments, the switch group further includes: a fourth switch coupled between the second inductor node and ground. In some embodiments, the switch group further includes: a fifth switch coupled between the second inductor node and the first flyback capacitor; and a sixth switch coupled between the second inductor node and the second flyback capacitor.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method of converting an input voltage into an output voltage includes: magnetizing a flying inductor with the input voltage; powering a flying capacitor by transferring energy from the flying inductor to a flying capacitor; and transferring energy from the flying capacitor to an output node in at least one switching configuration, wherein the output voltage is generated at the output node and an output capacitor is coupled to the output node.

[0009] A user element includes a voltage converter comprising: an output capacitor coupled to an output node, wherein an output voltage is generated at the output node; and a charging circuit coupled to the output node, the charging circuit comprising: a flying capacitor; a flying inductor; a power node configured to receive an input voltage; and a switch group configured to: magnetize the flying inductor with the input voltage in at least one switching configuration; power the flying capacitor by transferring energy from the flying inductor to the flying capacitor in at least one switching configuration; and transfer energy from the flying capacitor to the output node in at least one switching configuration.

[0010] In another respect, any of the foregoing aspects and / or the various individual aspects and features as described herein may be combined, individually or together, to obtain additional advantages. Unless otherwise indicated herein, any of the various features and elements disclosed herein may be combined with one or more other disclosed features and elements.

[0011] Those skilled in the art will understand the scope of this disclosure and recognize its other aspects after reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1A One embodiment of a voltage converter according to some embodiments is shown;

[0014] Figure 1B This shows the different switch configurations. Figure 1A The voltage converter shown is a closed circuit path;

[0015] Figure 2A Another embodiment of the voltage converter according to some embodiments is shown;

[0016] Figure 2B and 2C This shows the different switch configurations. Figure 2A The voltage converter shown has a closed circuit path; and

[0017] Figure 3 User elements are shown according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments described below illustrate the information necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and demonstrate the best mode of practice. After reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of this disclosure and will appreciate the application of these concepts, even those not specifically set forth herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.

[0019] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0020] It should also be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, or there may be intermediate components. Conversely, when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, there are no intermediate components.

[0021] It should be understood that although the terms “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” “middle,” “center,” “top,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as an “upper” element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as an “upper” element, depending on the relative orientation of these elements.

[0022] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “described” are also intended to include the plural forms. It should also be understood that, when used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be further understood that the terms used herein shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of this specification and the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0024] Figure 1A An embodiment of a voltage converter 100 according to some embodiments is shown.

[0025] The voltage converter 100 includes a charging circuit 102 and an output circuit 104. The charging circuit 102 includes switches S1, S2, S3, S5, a flying inductor IFLY, and a flying capacitor CFLY. In some embodiments, switches S1, S2, S3, and S5 are field-effect transistors (FETs), microelectromechanical switches (MEMS), etc. In some embodiments, the flying capacitor CFLY is a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor, a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor, a polycrystalline capacitor, a thin-film capacitor, a varactor diode, a trench capacitor, a parallel plate capacitor, an interdigitated capacitor, a varactor diode, a high-k dielectric capacitor, a capacitor array, a combination of one or more of the listed capacitors, etc.

[0026] The charging circuit 102 includes a power node 106, a ground node 108, an inductor node 110, an inductor node 112, and a switch node 114. The charging circuit 102 is connected to the output node 116 in the output circuit 104. (About...) Figure 1A The charging circuit 102 shown has a power node 106 configured to receive a power supply voltage VIN (also referred to throughout this disclosure as input voltage VIN), which is a reference voltage having a non-zero voltage amplitude and positive polarity. The power supply voltage VIN is the input voltage and is typically a direct current (DC) voltage. A ground node 108 is configured to receive a ground voltage, which is a reference voltage defining a zero voltage amplitude and therefore having no polarity.

[0027] In some embodiments, the flying inductor IFLY is a wire-wound inductor, a ferrite bead inductor, a transformer or part of a transformer, a multilayer chip inductor, a molded power inductor, an integrated inductor, a shielded inductor, etc. The flying inductor IFLY has an inductor node 110 at one end and an inductor node 112 at the other end. In other embodiments, inductor node 110 and / or inductor node 112 are intermediate tap nodes in the flying inductor IFLY.

[0028] In this embodiment, inductor node 112 is also a capacitor node connected to one side of the flying capacitor CFLY. In some embodiments, the flying capacitor CFLY is a combination of one or more of the following: MIM capacitor, MOS capacitor, polycrystalline capacitor, film capacitor, varactor diode, trench capacitor, parallel plate capacitor, interdigitated capacitor, varactor diode, high-k dielectric capacitor, capacitor array, and so on. In other embodiments, the inductor node 112 and the capacitor node on one side of the flying capacitor CFLY are separate nodes because, for example, an intermediate component may be coupled between the inductor node 112 and the capacitor node. The other side of the flying capacitor CFLY is connected to the output node 116. In other embodiments, the capacitor node and the output node 116 are separate nodes because, for example, an intermediate component may be coupled between the capacitor node and the output node 116.

[0029] Switch S1 is coupled between power node 106 and inductor node 110. Switch S1 is configured to open and close the path between power node 106 and inductor node 110. Switch S2 is coupled between inductor node 110 and ground node 108. Switch S2 is configured to open and close the path between inductor node 110 and ground node 108. Switch S3 is coupled between inductor node 112 and ground node 108. Switch S3 is configured to open and close the path between inductor node 112 and ground node 108. Switch S5 is coupled between switch node 114 and output node 116 in output circuit 104. Switch S5 is configured to open and close the path between switch node 114 and output node 116. In this embodiment, output node 116 is another switch node of switch S5. In other embodiments, switch node 114 and output node 116 are independent nodes because, for example, intermediate components may be coupled between them. Switch S6 is coupled between switch node 114 and ground node 108. Switch S6 is configured to open and close the path between switch node 114 and ground node 108.

[0030] Output circuit 104 includes output capacitor 118. In some embodiments, output capacitor 118 is a combination of one or more of the following: MIM capacitor, MOS capacitor, polycrystalline capacitor, film capacitor, varactor diode, trench capacitor, parallel plate capacitor, interdigitated capacitor, varactor diode, high-k dielectric capacitor, capacitor array, and so on. Output capacitor 118 is coupled between output node 116 and ground node 108. Although load 120 is shown as part of output circuit 104, load 120 is not typically part of output circuit 104 (e.g., load 120 is typically external) and is shown herein for ease of explanation. Output circuit 104 includes output node 116, where the output voltage VOUT is presented by output circuit 104 at output node 116. Load 120 refers only to circuitry or apparatus that consumes power from output node 116. For example, one application of voltage converter 100 is to power a radio frequency (RF) circuit system in a user component. Another exemplary application of voltage converter 100 is to power a light-emitting diode (LED) display. Please note that these applications are intended to be exemplary and are not limiting. Therefore, in some embodiments, load 120 refers to an RF circuit system or an LED circuit system.

[0031] The output circuit 104 includes an output node 116, an output capacitor 118, and a ground node 108. The output capacitor 118 is coupled between the output node 116 and the ground node 108.

[0032] Charging circuit 102 and output circuit 104 are configured to convert the power supply voltage VIN into an output voltage VOUT. In this embodiment, the output voltage VOUT has a non-zero amplitude and negative polarity. Therefore, this embodiment of charging circuit 102 and output circuit 104 is an inverting voltage conversion circuit because the input voltage VIN has a positive voltage polarity and the output voltage VOUT has a negative voltage polarity. To this end, the flying inductor IFLY is magnetized by generating a current with the input voltage VIN, which increases the strength of the magnetic field generated by the flying inductor IFLY. The flying capacitor CFLY is then charged by transferring energy from the flying inductor IFLY to the flying capacitor CFLY. The flying capacitor CFLY is discharged to transfer energy from the flying capacitor CFLY to the output node 116, which thereby generates the output voltage VOUT. The flying inductor IFLY is demagnetized by disconnecting the path from the inductor node 110 to the power supply node 106. During the demagnetization of the flying inductor IFLY, the magnetic energy in the flying inductor IFLY is released, thereby reducing the strength of the magnetic field generated by the flying inductor IFLY.

[0033] Output capacitor 118 acts as an energy collector, absorbing and supplying charge to reduce periodic amplitude voltage fluctuations (i.e., ripple current) in the output voltage VOUT. Output capacitor 118, flying inductor IFLY, and flying capacitor CFLY are configured as a low-pass filter to reduce voltage ripple and provide a more stable output voltage VOUT. Despite the presence of ripple voltage in the voltage amplitude, the output voltage VOUT is treated as a DC voltage.

[0034] Charging circuit 102 is configured to magnetize the flying inductor IFLY with input voltage VIN. Therefore, input voltage VIN generates voltage VIFLY across the flying inductor IFLY. Once the flying inductor IFLY is magnetized, the flying capacitor CFLY is charged by the current flowing from the flying inductor IFLY to the flying capacitor CFLY. The flying capacitor CFLY is coupled to output node 116 and discharges to charge output capacitor 118, thereby increasing the magnitude of output voltage VOUT. In this way, the flying capacitor CFLY is configured to present voltage VCFLY at switching node 114. By presenting voltage VCFLY at switching node 114, the peak magnitude of the current flowing through the flying inductor IFLY is reduced. Furthermore, the RMS current flowing through the flying inductor IFLY is also further reduced.

[0035] Switches S1, S2, S3, S5, and S6 are closed and opened to magnetize, demagnetize, charge, and discharge the flying inductor IFLY, as well as the flying capacitor CFLY. Different operating techniques used to open and close switches S1, S2, S3, S5, and S6 will produce different operations, as explained in further detail below.

[0036] Voltage converter 100 has control circuitry 121. Control circuitry 121 is configured to generate control output 122, which is configured to operate switches S1, S2, S3, S5, and S6. More specifically, control circuitry 121 is configured to generate control output 122, which opens and closes switches S1, S2, S3, S5, and S6 according to the switch configuration. As explained below, by switching between different switch configurations, voltage converter 100 operates as a specific type of voltage converter (i.e., buck, boost, or buck-boost converter). In some embodiments, control circuitry 121 is a voltage-mode controller, current-mode controller, average current-mode controller, hysteresis controller, relay controller, predictive current controller, digital controller, analog controller, adaptive controller, voltage feedforward controller, proportional-integral (PI) controller, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, etc.

[0037] Figure 1BThis shows the different switch configurations when switches S1, S2, S3, S5, and S6 are in different switch configurations. Figure 1A The voltage converter 100 shown has a closed circuit path.

[0038] More specifically, Figure 1B The voltage converter 100 is shown in four different switch configurations, referred to as switch configurations 1 to 4. The lines corresponding to each of switch configurations 1 to 4 are closed circuit paths, thereby indicating which of switches S1, S2, S3, S5, and S6 are closed. For a particular switch configuration from 1 to 4, Figure 1B All other switches S1, S2, S3, S5, and S6 not provided along a specific line are considered open. Table I shown below indicates the specific switch state of each of switches S1, S2, S3, S5, and S6 in each configuration.

[0039] The integer X is an integer corresponding to a specific switch configuration of switches S1, S2, S3, S5, and S6. Therefore, the integer X has values ​​from 1 to 4 to indicate a specific switch configuration.

[0040]

[0041] for Figure 1B The voltage converter 100 in the middle completes the following determination according to Table I, which configures 1 to 4 for each switch.

[0042] In switch configuration X, control circuit 121 is configured to generate control output 122, such that:

[0043] ● Switch S1 is (from row X, column S1 switch state in table I);

[0044] ● Switch S2 is (from row X, column S2 switch state in table I);

[0045] ●Switch S3 is (from row X, column S3 switch state in Table I);

[0046] ● Switch S5 is (from row X, column S5 switch state in Table I); and

[0047] ● Switch S6 is (from row X, column S6 switch state in Table I).

[0048] In switch configuration 1, the energy from the input voltage VIN at power node 106 is used to magnetize the flying inductor IFLY. Additionally, the flying capacitor CLY is connected to output node 116, and the flying capacitor CFLY discharges to output node 116. Therefore, the flying capacitor CFLY delivers charge to the output capacitor 118 and increases the amplitude of the output voltage VOUT (which has a negative voltage polarity). Consequently, the amplitude of the voltage across the flying capacitor CFLY decreases, while the amplitude of the output voltage VOUT increases. Furthermore, the amplitude of the inductor current increases.

[0049] In switch configuration 2, the flying capacitor CFLY is charged, while the flying inductor IFLY is demagnetized. The magnetic energy in the flying inductor IFLY is transferred as energy in the electric field of the flying capacitor CFLY. Therefore, the voltage across the flying capacitor CFLY increases, while the amplitude of the output voltage VOUT decreases. The amplitude of the inductor current also decreases.

[0050] In switch configuration 3, the flying capacitor CFLY is charged, and a) the flying inductor IFLY is magnetized in response to |Vout| < |Vin|, or b) the flying inductor IFLY is demagnetized in response to |Vout| > |Vin|. In response to |Vout| < |Vin|, the inductor current increases. In response to |Vout| > |Vin|, the inductor current decreases. In response to |Vout| < |Vin|, the flying voltage across the flying capacitor CFLY decreases. In response to |Vout| > |Vin|, the flying voltage across the flying capacitor CFLY increases.

[0051] In switch configuration 4, the flying inductor IFLY stores magnetic energy (with low loss) while simultaneously discharging the flying capacitor CFLY to output node 116. The flying inductor IFLY is short-circuited. Therefore, any magnetic energy in the flying inductor IFLY decays very slowly. As a result, the amplitude of the inductor current across the flying inductor IFLY decreases slowly. The amplitude of the voltage across the flying capacitor CFLY is equal to the amplitude of the output voltage VOUT at output node 116, but with the opposite voltage polarity.

[0052] In a buck-mode example, the input voltage VIN is 4V, generating an output voltage VOUT of −2V with a load current of 50 mA. The flying inductor IFLY has an inductance of 2.2 μH, and the output capacitor 118 has a capacitance of 10 μF. Therefore, the output voltage VOUT can be regulated to the desired target at −2V.

[0053] In the buck mode example discussed above, when control circuit 121 is operated to provide voltage converter 100 in switch configuration 3, the flying inductor IFLY is first magnetized. Next, when control circuit 121 is operated to provide voltage converter 100 in switch configuration 2, the flying inductor IFLY is demagnetized. Subsequently, in switch configuration 4, the flying capacitor CFLY discharges to transfer charge to output node 116. This technique allows the output voltage VOUT to reach a voltage amplitude of VOUT=0V, but it cannot regulate the output voltage VOUT when the output voltage VOUT is equal to the input voltage VIN or when the output voltage VOUT is close to the input voltage VIN.

[0054] In boost mode, when control circuit 121 is operated to provide voltage converter 100 in switch configuration 1, the flying inductor IFLY is first magnetized. In switch configuration 1, the flying capacitor CFLY discharges to output node 116 to charge output capacitor 118. Next, when control circuit 121 is operated to provide voltage converter 100 in switch configuration 3, the flying inductor IFLY is demagnetized. In switch configuration 3, when control circuit 121 is operated to provide voltage converter 100 operation, the flying inductor IFLY discharges, thereby charging the flying capacitor CFLY. This technique allows the output voltage VOUT to be controlled to exceed the negative value of the input voltage -VIN (i.e., allowing |VOUT| > |VIN|). Pulse frequency modulation (PFM) is made possible by turning off all switches S1, S2, S3, S5, S6, or by turning off switches S1, S3, S6 without turning off switches S2, S5.

[0055] Figure 2A Another embodiment of the voltage converter 200 according to some embodiments is shown.

[0056] The voltage converter 200 includes a charging circuit 202 and an output circuit 204. Figure 2A In the above context, output circuit 204 is the same as output circuit 104, as described above. Figure 1A As described above. Furthermore, the charging circuit 202 includes a power supply node 106, an inductor node 110, an inductor node 112, and switches S1, S2, and S3, as described above. Figure 1A As stated above.

[0057] However, in this embodiment, the charging circuit 202 includes a first capacitor phase 250 (1) and a second capacitor phase 250 (2). The first capacitor phase 250 (1) includes a switch S4 (1), a node 113 (1), a flying capacitor CFLY (1), a node 115 (1), a switch S5 (1), a switch S6 (1), and a switch S7 (1). Node 113 (1) is a capacitor node on one side of the flying capacitor CFLY (1), and node 115 (1) is a capacitor node on the other side of the flying capacitor CFLY (1).

[0058] Switch S4 (1) is connected between inductor node 112 and node 113 (1). Switch S7 (1) is coupled between node 113 (1) and ground node 108. Flying capacitor CFLY (1) is coupled between node 113 (1) and node 115 (1). Switch S6 (1) is coupled between node 115 (1) and ground node 108. Switch S5 (1) is coupled between node 115 (1) and output node 116.

[0059] The second capacitor phase 250 (2) includes switch S4 (2), node 113 (2), flying capacitor CFLY (2), node 115 (2), switch S5 (2), switch S6 (2) and switch S7 (2). Node 113 (2) is a capacitor node on one side of flying capacitor CFLY (2), and node 115 (2) is a capacitor node on the other side of flying capacitor CFLY (2).

[0060] Switch S4 (2) is connected between inductor node 112 and node 113 (2). Switch S7 (2) is coupled between node 113 (2) and ground node 108. Flying capacitor CFLY (2) is coupled between node 113 (2) and node 115 (2). Switch S6 (2) is coupled between node 115 (2) and ground node 108. Switch S5 (2) is coupled between node 115 (2) and output node 116.

[0061] Figure 2B and 2C This illustrates the different switch configurations of switches S1, S2, S3, S4(1) to S7(1) and S4(2) to S7(2). Figure 2A The voltage converter 200 shown has a closed circuit path.

[0062] More specifically, Figure 2B and 2CA voltage converter 200 is shown in six different switch configurations, referred to as switch configurations 1 to 6. The lines corresponding to each of switch configurations 1 to 6 are closed circuit paths, thereby indicating which of switches S1, S2, S3, S4(1) to S7(1), S4(2) to S7(2) are closed. For a particular switch configuration from 1 to 6, Figure 2A and 2B All other switches S1, S2, S3, S4(1) to S7(1), S4(2) to S7(2) not provided along a specific line are considered to be open.

[0063] The integer Y is an integer corresponding to a specific switch configuration, where the value of Y is from 1 to 6 to indicate a specific switch configuration from 1 to 6. Table II indicates whether a specific switch S1, S2, S3, S4 (1) to S7 (1) in the first capacitor phase 250 (1) is open or closed in switch configurations 1 to 6. Table III indicates whether a specific switch S1, S2, S3, S4 (2) to S7 (2) in the second capacitor phase 250 (2) is open or closed in switch configurations 1 to 6.

[0064]

[0065] In switch configuration Y, control circuit 121 is configured to generate control output 122, such that:

[0066] ●Switch S1 is (from row Y, column S1 switch state in Table II);

[0067] ● Switch S2 is (from row Y, column S2 switch state in Table II);

[0068] ● Switch S3 is (from row Y, column S3 switch state in Table II);

[0069] ● Switch S4(1) is (from row Y, column S4(1) switch state of Table II);

[0070] ●Switch S5(1) is (from row Y, column S5(1) switch state of Table II);

[0071] ● Switch S6(1) is (from row Y, column S6(1) switch state in Table II); and

[0072] ● Switch S7(1) is (from row Y, column S7(1) switch state from Table II).

[0073]

[0074] In switch configuration Y, control circuit 121 is configured to generate control output 122, such that:

[0075] ● Switch S1 is (from row Y, column S1 switch state in Table III).

[0076] ●Switch S2 is (from row Y, column S2 switch state in Table III);

[0077] ● Switch S3 is (from row Y, column S3 switch state in Table III);

[0078] ●Switch S4(2) is (from row Y, column S4(2) switch state of Table III);

[0079] ●Switch S5(2) is (from row Y, column S5(2) switch state of Table III);

[0080] ● Switch S6(2) is (from row Y, column S6(2) switch state in Table III); and

[0081] ● Switch S7(2) is (from row Y, column S7(2) switch state of Table III).

[0082] In switch configuration 1, the flying inductor IFLY is magnetized in response to |VOUT| < |VIN| and demagnetized in response to |VOUT| > |VIN|. Energy from the input voltage VIN at power node 106 is transferred to the flying capacitor CFLY(1) of the first capacitor phase 250(1). In response to the flying capacitor CFLY(1) being charged to a voltage magnitude greater than the magnitude of the input voltage VIN, the flying inductor IFLY loses energy and is demagnetized. In response to the flying capacitor CFLY(1) being charged to a voltage magnitude less than the magnitude of the input voltage VIN, the flying inductor IFLY gains energy and is magnetized. In switch configuration 1, the flying capacitor CFLY(2) in the second capacitor phase 250(2) is connected between the output node 116 and the ground node 108 and recharges the output capacitor 118 to increase the magnitude of the output voltage VOUT.

[0083] In switch configuration 2, the flying inductor IFLY is magnetized, and the flying capacitor CFLY (1) is connected between output node 116 and ground node 108 to recharge the output voltage VOUT. In switch configuration 2, the flying capacitor CFLY (2) in the second capacitor phase 250 (2) is connected between output node 116 and ground node 108, and recharges output capacitor 118 to increase the magnitude of the output voltage VOUT.

[0084] In switch configuration 3, in the first capacitor phase 250 (1), the flying inductor IFLY is demagnetized and the flying capacitor CFLY (1) is recharged, while in the second capacitor phase 250 (2), the flying capacitor CFLY (2) discharges to the output node 116. In the first capacitor phase 250 (1), energy flows from the flying inductor IFLY to the flying capacitor CFLY (1), while in the second capacitor phase 250 (2), the energy stored in the flying capacitor CFLY (2) is transferred to the output node 116.

[0085] In switch configuration 4, the inductor current of the flying inductor IFLY is recirculated through switches S2 and S3, or the inductor current of the flying inductor IFLY remains at zero or close to zero. In addition, both flying capacitors CFLY(1) and CFLY(2) discharge to output node 116.

[0086] In switch configuration 5, the flying inductor IFLY is magnetized in response to |VOUT| < |VIN| and demagnetized in response to |VOUT| > |VIN|. Energy from the input voltage VIN at power node 106 is transferred to the flying capacitor CFLY(2) of the second capacitor phase 250(2). In response to the flying capacitor CFLY(2) being charged to a voltage magnitude greater than the magnitude of the input voltage VIN, the flying inductor IFLY loses energy and is demagnetized. In response to the flying capacitor CFLY(2) being charged to a voltage magnitude less than the magnitude of the input voltage VIN, the flying inductor IFLY gains energy and is magnetized. In switch configuration 5, in the first capacitor phase 250(1), the flying capacitor CFLY(1) is connected between the output node 116 and the ground node 108, and recharges the output capacitor 118 to increase the magnitude of the output voltage VOUT.

[0087] In switch configuration 6, in the second capacitor phase 250 (2), the flying inductor IFLY is demagnetized and the flying capacitor CFLY (2) is recharged, while in the first capacitor phase 250 (1), the flying capacitor CFLY (1) discharges to the output node 116. In the second capacitor phase 250 (2), energy flows from the flying inductor IFLY to the flying capacitor CFLY (2), while the energy stored in the flying capacitor CFLY (1) in the first capacitor phase 250 (1) is transferred to the output node 116.

[0088] Switch configurations 1 to 6 can be combined in different orders and with different duty cycles to provide buck, boost, and buck-boost operation modes.

[0089] refer to Figure 3The above concepts can be implemented in various types of user element 300, such as mobile terminals, smartwatches, tablets, computers, navigation devices, access points, and similar wireless communication devices that support wireless communication (such as cellular, wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth, and near field communication). User element 300 will typically include a control system 302, a baseband processor 304, a transmitting circuit system 306, a receiving circuit system 308, an antenna switching circuit system 310, multiple antennas 312, and a user interface circuit system 314. In a non-limiting example, the control system 302 may be a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In this respect, the control system 302 may at least include a microprocessor, embedded memory circuitry, and a communication bus interface. The receiving circuit system 308 receives radio frequency signals from one or more base stations via antennas 312 and through the antenna switching circuit system 310. Low-noise amplifiers and filters cooperate to amplify and neutralize broadband interference from the received signals for processing. Then, a down-conversion and digitization circuitry system (not shown) down-converts the filtered received signal to an intermediate or baseband frequency signal, which is then digitized into one or more digital streams using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0090] The baseband processor 304 processes the digitized received signal to extract the information or data bits transmitted in the received signal. This processing typically includes demodulation, decoding, and error correction operations, which will be discussed in more detail below. The baseband processor 304 is typically implemented in one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) and ASICs.

[0091] For transmission, baseband processor 304 receives digitized data representing voice, data, or control information from control system 302, and encodes the digitized data for transmission. The encoded data is output to transmit circuitry system 306, where a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts the digitized data into an analog signal, and a modulator modulates the analog signal onto a carrier signal at one or more desired transmission frequencies. A power amplifier amplifies the modulated carrier signal to a level suitable for transmission, and the modulated carrier signal is delivered to antenna 312 via antenna switching circuitry system 310. Multiple antennas 312 and replicated transmit circuitry system 306 and receive circuitry system 308 can provide spatial diversity. Those skilled in the art will understand the modulation and processing details.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of this disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the following claims.

Claims

1. A voltage converter comprising: An output capacitor coupled to an output node, wherein an output voltage is generated at the output node; as well as A charging circuit, coupled to the output node, includes: Flying capacitor; Flying inductor; A power node, the power node being configured to receive an input voltage; and Switch group, the switch group being configured to: In at least one switching configuration, the flying inductor is magnetized with the input voltage; In at least one switching configuration, the flying capacitor is powered by transferring energy from the flying inductor to the flying capacitor; and In at least one switching configuration, the energy is transferred from the flying capacitor to the output node.

2. The voltage converter of claim 1, wherein the switch group is further configured to demagnetize the flying inductor in at least one switch configuration.

3. The voltage converter of claim 1, wherein the switch group includes a switch configured to close such that the energy from the flying capacitor is transferred to the output node.

4. The voltage converter of claim 3, wherein the switch is a first switch having a first switching node and a second switching node, wherein the first switching node is coupled to the output capacitor, and the switch group further includes a second switch coupled between the second switching node and ground.

5. The voltage converter according to claim 1, wherein the switching group comprises: A first switch is coupled between the power supply node and the first inductor node of the flying inductor, wherein the second inductor node of the flying inductor is coupled to the flying capacitor.

6. The voltage converter of claim 5, wherein the flying capacitor is coupled between the second inductor node and the first switch.

7. The voltage converter of claim 6, wherein the switching group further comprises: The second switch is coupled between the node of the first inductor and ground.

8. The voltage converter of claim 7, wherein the switching group further comprises: A third switch is coupled between the second inductor node and ground.

9. The voltage converter of claim 8, wherein the switch group further comprises a fourth switch coupled between the second inductor node and the flying capacitor.

10. The voltage converter of claim 1, wherein the flying capacitor is a first flying capacitor, wherein: The charging circuit is coupled to the output node, and the charging circuit further includes a second flying capacitor, wherein: The switch group is also configured to: In at least one switching configuration, the second flying capacitor is powered by transferring the energy from the flying inductor to the second flying capacitor; and In at least one switching configuration, the energy is transferred from the second flying capacitor to the output node.

11. The voltage converter of claim 10, wherein the switch group is further configured to demagnetize the flying inductor in at least one switch configuration.

12. The voltage converter of claim 10, wherein the switching group comprises: A first switch, configured to be closed, allows the energy from the first flying capacitor to be transferred to the output node; as well as A second switch is configured to close, allowing the energy from the second flying capacitor to be transferred to the output node.

13. The voltage converter according to claim 12, wherein: The first switch has a first switching node and a second switching node, wherein the first switching node is coupled to the output capacitor; The second switch has a third switch node and a fourth switch node, wherein the third switch node is coupled to the output capacitor; and The switch group also includes: A third switch is coupled between the second switch node and ground; as well as The fourth switch is coupled between the fourth switch node and the ground.

14. The voltage converter of claim 10, wherein the switching group comprises: A first switch is coupled between the power supply node and the first inductor node of the flying inductor, wherein the second inductor node of the flying inductor is coupled to the first flying capacitor. as well as A second switch is coupled between the power supply node and the first inductor node of the flying inductor, wherein the second inductor node of the flying inductor is coupled to the second flying capacitor.

15. The voltage converter according to claim 14, wherein: The first flying capacitor is coupled between the second inductor node and the first switch; and The second flying capacitor is coupled between the second inductor node and the first switch.

16. The voltage converter of claim 15, wherein the switching group further comprises: A third switch is coupled between the first inductor node and ground.

17. The voltage converter of claim 16, wherein the switching group further comprises: A fourth switch is coupled between the second inductor node and ground.

18. The voltage converter of claim 17, wherein the switching group further comprises: A fifth switch is coupled between the second inductor node and the first flying capacitor; as well as A sixth switch is coupled between the second inductor node and the second flying capacitor.

19. A method for converting an input voltage into an output voltage, the method comprising: The flying inductor is magnetized using the input voltage; The flying capacitor is powered by transferring energy from the flying inductor to the flying capacitor. as well as In at least one switching configuration, the energy is transferred from the flying capacitor to the output node, wherein the output voltage is generated at the output node and the output capacitor is coupled to the output node.

20. A user element, the user element comprising a voltage converter, wherein the voltage converter comprises: An output capacitor coupled to an output node, wherein an output voltage is generated at the output node; as well as A charging circuit, coupled to the output node, includes: Flying capacitor; Flying inductor; A power node, the power node being configured to receive an input voltage; and Switch group, the switch group being configured to: In at least one switching configuration, the flying inductor is magnetized with the input voltage; In at least one switching configuration, the flying capacitor is powered by transferring energy from the flying inductor to the flying capacitor; and In at least one switching configuration, the energy is transferred from the flying capacitor to the output node.

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