Power converter and electronic device including same

Abstract

Disclosed are a power converter and an electronic device including same. This power converter may comprise: a switching circuit including a first switch and a second switch connected in series between a power source and a ground; a resonance circuit connected to the switching circuit through a first node between the first switch and the second switch and including a resonance capacitor, a first inductor, and a second inductor; and a third switch for connecting or disconnecting a second node of the resonance circuit to or from a load. The operation mode of the power converter may include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode in which switching states of the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch are controlled to be different from each other. Various other embodiments identified through the present document are also possible.

Description

Power converter and electronic device including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power converter and an electronic device including the same, and more particularly, to a resonant power converter for soft switching and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] A power converter (or switching regulator) may include circuitry that converts a DC input voltage to a desired DC output voltage. Power converters include buck converters for step-down operation, boost converters for step-up operation, buck-boost converters that perform both step-up and step-down operations, and inverting buck-boost converters that perform both step-up and step-down operations and provide a negative voltage (inverted voltage).

[0003] In general, for high-power converters, such as inverting buck-boost converters, which use high voltages or inverting voltages, the inductor current may be relatively large and the voltage stress on each switch may also be relatively large compared to buck or boost converters.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a power converter converts an input voltage from a power source into a negative output voltage, and may include a switching circuit, a resonant circuit, and a third switch. The switching circuit may include a first switch and a second switch connected in series between the power source and a ground and alternately turned on. The resonant circuit may be connected to the switching circuit through a first node between the first switch and the second switch. The resonant circuit may include a resonant capacitor, a first inductor, and a second inductor connected in series with each other. The third switch may be connected to the resonant circuit through a second node between the first inductor and the second inductor. The third switch may connect or disconnect the resonant circuit and a load. An operation mode of the power converter may include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. The first mode may include a mode in which the first switch connected to the power source is turned on and the third switch is turned off. The second mode may include a mode in which the second switch connected to the ground is turned on and the third switch is turned on. The third mode may include a mode in which the second switch connected to the ground is turned on and the third switch is turned off.

[0005] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include an organic light emitting display, a display driver IC (DDI) for driving the organic light emitting display, and a power converter for converting an input voltage from a power source into a negative output voltage, and a display power management IC (PMIC) for generating a driving voltage required to drive the display driver IC using the power converter. The power converter may include a switching circuit, a resonant circuit, and a third switch. The switching circuit may include a first switch and a second switch connected in series between the power source and a ground and alternately turned on. The resonant circuit may be connected to the switching circuit via a first node between the first switch and the second switch. The resonant circuit may include a resonant capacitor, a first inductor, and a second inductor connected in series with each other. The third switch may be connected to the resonant circuit via a second node between the first inductor and the second inductor. The third switch can connect or disconnect between the resonant circuit and the load. The operation mode of the power converter may include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. The first mode may include a mode in which the first switch connected to the power source is turned on and the third switch is turned off. The second mode may include a mode in which the second switch connected to the ground is turned on and the third switch is turned on. The third mode may include a mode in which the second switch connected to the ground is turned on and the third switch is turned off.

[0006] Aspects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the soft switching effect of a power converter according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of a power converter according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram according to a soft switching operation of a power converter according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are circuit diagrams for explaining the mode-specific operation of a power converter according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram for explaining the mode-specific operation of a power converter according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figures 6, 7 and 8 are circuit diagrams illustrating examples of variations of a power converter according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an electronic device including a power converter according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the soft switching effect of a power converter (e.g., power converter (200) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 1 (a) illustrates a switch waveform (switch voltage VDS, switch current IDS) of a hard switching power converter according to a comparative example. Fig. 1 (b) illustrates a switch waveform (switch voltage VDS, switch current IDS) of a soft switching power converter according to an embodiment. Soft switching may mean zero voltage switching (ZVS) and / or zero current switching (ZCS). Fig. 1 (c) illustrates a comparison of switch waveforms (switch voltage-current changes at turn-on / turn-off) of a hard switching power converter according to a comparative example and a soft switching power converter according to an embodiment.

[0018] As illustrated in Figures 1 (a) and (c), in the case of a hard-switching power converter, the switching current (IDS) appears in the form of a square wave. In such cases, the switching current (IDS) may rapidly increase or decrease when the switch is turned on or off, which may cause severe switching noise or high-frequency electromagnetic interference (EMI). For example, voltage spikes or current spikes may occur due to the overlapping of voltage and current at the moment the switch is turned on or off (or the switching transition time), which may increase switching losses.

[0019] Additionally, for power converters used in electronic devices requiring negative output voltages, the voltage difference between the input voltage and the output voltage may become relatively large, which may increase the voltage stress applied to each switch and the resulting voltage stress.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1 (b) and (c), in the case of a soft switching power converter according to one embodiment, the switch current (IDS) may have a sinusoidal shape, which may reduce switching noise and EMI. In addition, since the switch current (IDS) has a constant slope according to the sinusoidal shape during the switching transition time, the section where voltage and current overlap may be reduced, which may reduce switching loss. Accordingly, power conversion efficiency may be improved.

[0021] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of a power converter (200) according to one embodiment.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the power converter (200) is a resonant inverting buck-boost converter for soft switching, which can step up, step down or invert an input voltage to a desired output voltage.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, the power converter (200) may include a switching circuit (210), a resonant circuit (220), and a third switch (230).

[0024] According to one embodiment, the power converter (200) may include a first switch (211) (e.g., a first MOSFET) disposed between a power source (101) and a first node (N1), a second switch (212) (e.g., a second MOSFET) disposed between the first node (N1) and ground, a resonant capacitor (221) connected to the first node (N1) between the first switch (211) and the second switch (212), a first inductor (222) connected in series to the resonant capacitor (221), a second inductor (223) connected in series to the first inductor (222), and a third switch (230) (e.g., a diode) connected to the second node (N2) between the first inductor (222) and the second inductor (223). According to one embodiment, the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) may be input switches (or power switches) disposed on the input side of the power converter (200). The third switch (230) may be an output switch disposed on the output side (or load side) of the power converter (200).

[0025] According to one embodiment, the power converter (200) can convert an input voltage from a power source (101) (or input node (VCS)) into a negative output voltage by a switching operation of a switching circuit (210) and a resonant operation of a resonant circuit (220), and supply the converted negative output voltage to an output node (Vo) (or load). The input voltage and the negative output voltage can be direct current voltages of different levels. The input voltage can be a positive voltage (a direct current voltage having a positive value) having a potential higher than the ground, and the negative output voltage can be a negative voltage (a direct current voltage having a negative value) having a potential lower than the ground.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) may include a first switch (211) and a second switch (212) connected in series between a power source (101) and a ground (GND). The first switch (211) and the second switch (212) may be turned on alternately. For example, during one half cycle of a switching cycle, the first switch (211) may be turned on and the second switch (212) may be turned off. During another half cycle of the switching cycle, the first switch (211) may be turned off and the second switch (212) may be turned on.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) may further include a first driver (213) driving the first switch (211), and a second driver (214) driving the second switch (212).

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) are for switching operations and may be positioned between a power source (101) supplying an input voltage (e.g., a battery (1089) or an AC adapter of FIG. 10) and ground. The first switch (211) may be positioned between the power source (101) (or the input node (VCS)) and the first node (N1). The second switch (212) may be positioned between the first node (N1) and ground.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) may each include a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). According to one embodiment, the third switch (230) may include a rectifier diode as illustrated, but is not limited thereto. For example, the third switch (230) may also include a MOSFET (e.g., the MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8).

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first driver (213) may be connected to the gate of the first switch (211). The first driver (213) may be a power amplifier, and may receive a low-power input signal having a relatively low level from a processor (e.g., the display driver IC (920) of FIG. 9 or the processor (1020) of FIG. 10), and may generate a first switching signal necessary for turning on and off the first switch (211) through amplification. The second driver (214) may be a power amplifier, and may receive a low-power input signal having a relatively low level from a processor (e.g., the display driver IC (920) of FIG. 9 or the processor (1020) of FIG. 10), and may generate a second switching signal necessary for turning on and off the second switch (212) through amplification.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) can selectively connect the resonant circuit (220) to one of the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) by alternately turning on the first switch (211) and the second switch (212).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the resonant circuit (220) may be connected to the switching circuit (210) via a first node (N1). The first node (N1) may be a node between a first switch (211) and a second switch (212) that are connected in series. The resonant circuit (220) may be connected to a third switch (230) via a second node (N2). The second node (N2) may be a node between a first inductor (222) and a second inductor (223) that are connected in series. The resonant circuit (220) may include three resonant elements, namely, a resonant capacitor (221), a first inductor (222), and a second inductor (223). The three resonant elements may be connected in series with each other. The resonant capacitor (221) may be connected to an input side of the power converter (200) via the switching circuit (210). One side of the resonant capacitor (221) may be connected to a first node (N1) between a first switch (211) and a second switch (212). The other side of the resonant capacitor (221) may be connected to a first inductor (222) and a second inductor (223) connected in series. The second inductor (223) may be connected to the output side of the power converter (200) via a third switch (230).

[0033] According to one embodiment, the third switch (230) can connect or disconnect between the second node (N2) of the resonant circuit (220) and the output node (Vo) (or load). The third switch (230) can be connected to the resonant circuit (220) via the second node (N2) between the first inductor (222) and the second inductor (223).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the operating modes of the power converter (200) may include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the power converter (200) can operate in one of a plurality of operating modes, for example, a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, depending on the switching states (or on / off states) of the first switch (211), the second switch (212), and the third switch (230).

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first mode may be a mode in which the first switch (211) connected to the power source (101) among the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) is turned on, and the third switch (230) is turned off. The second mode may be a mode in which the second switch (212) connected to the ground among the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) is turned on, and the third switch (230) is turned on. The third mode may be a mode in which the second switch (212) connected to the ground among the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) is turned on, and the third switch (230) is turned off.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first mode may be a mode for storing energy through the resonant circuit (220). The second mode may be a mode for supplying energy stored in the resonant circuit (220) to a load. The third mode may be a mode for supporting soft switching of at least one of the first switch (211), the second switch (212), and the third switch (230).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the resonant circuit (220) can perform multi-resonance operation using one resonant capacitor (221) and two inductors (222, 223) connected in series. The resonant circuit (220) can have multiple resonant frequencies depending on the operating mode of the power converter (200).

[0039] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) can generate a switching pulse voltage in the form of a square wave. The switching pulse voltage can be applied to the resonant circuit (220) through the first node (N1). In the power converter (200), two switches (211, 212) in the switching circuit (210) are connected in series between the power source (101) and the ground and can switch alternately. By the switching, the node voltage of the first node (N1) corresponding to the lower voltage of the first switch (211) or the upper voltage of the second switch (212) can be formed in the form of a switching pulse voltage (or a square wave form) that switches between the input voltage from the power source (101) and the ground voltage. The above switching pulse voltage may be applied to a resonant circuit (220) including one resonant capacitor (221) and two inductors (222, 223) to form a resonant inductor current having a sinusoidal shape (e.g., a sine wave or a pseudo-sine wave). The resonant inductor current flowing in the resonant circuit (220) may change periodically according to the switching frequency of the switching circuit (210). The switching frequency of the switching circuit (210) may correspond to the switching frequency of the switching pulse voltage applied to the first node (N1). The resonant circuit (220) can generate an output voltage of a certain level by repeatedly storing and releasing electromagnetic energy using the capacitor (221), the first inductor (222), and the second inductor (223), which are energy storage elements, according to changes in the resonant inductor current flowing in the first inductor (222) and / or the second inductor (223), and the charging and discharging operation of the resonant capacitor (221) linked to the changes in the resonant inductor current.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) may implement soft switching (zero voltage switching and / or zero current switching) by using a half-bridge type circuit that controls the node voltage of the first node (N1) with two switches (211, 212) connected in series. For example, zero voltage switching may mean that each switch (211, 212) is turned on when the voltage across each switch (211, 212) drops to zero voltage when each switch is turned on. Zero current switching may mean that each switch (211, 212) is turned off when the current across each switch (211, 212) drops to zero current (or negative current) when each switch is turned off.

[0041] According to one embodiment, while the power converter (200) operates in the first mode, the power converter (200) can store energy in the resonant capacitor (221) through a first series path within the resonant circuit (220). According to one embodiment, the resonant circuit (220) can receive an input voltage through the first node (N1) and store energy in the resonant capacitor (221) through the first series path within the resonant circuit (220) as the first switch (211) is turned on. For example, the first series path can be a path including the resonant capacitor (221), the first inductor (222), and the second inductor (223).

[0042] According to one embodiment, while the power converter (200) operates in the second mode, the power converter (200) can supply energy stored in the resonant capacitor (221) to the load through a second series path within the resonant circuit (220). According to one embodiment, the resonant circuit (220) can transfer energy stored in the resonant capacitor (221) to the load through the second series path and the second node (N2) within the resonant circuit (220) as the second switch (212) is turned on. For example, the second series path may be a part of a first series path that includes all of the resonant capacitor (221), the first inductor (222), and the second inductor (223), and may be a path that selectively includes only the resonant capacitor (221) and the first inductor (222).

[0043] According to one embodiment, while the power converter (200) is operating in the third mode, the power converter (200) can reduce the voltage of the first node (N1) to zero voltage by the current flowing in the first series path within the resonant circuit (220) so that the turned-off first switch (211) can satisfy the soft switching condition before turning on.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) can generate a first switching signal for the first switch (211) and a second switching signal for the second switch (212) by means of pulse frequency modulation (PFM) or pulse width modulation (PWM). The switching circuit (210) can regulate a negative output voltage to a certain level by using the first switching signal and the second switching signal.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) can control (or set) a first switching frequency of a first switching signal for the first switch (211) and a second switching frequency of a second switching signal for the second switch (212) to regulate the output voltage to a certain level. In one embodiment, the first switching frequency and the second switching frequency correspond to the switching frequency of the switching circuit (210) and can have the same value.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first switching signal and the second switching signal may be applied alternately with a predetermined delay time.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) can control (or set) the switching frequency of the first switching signal and the switching frequency of the second switching signal to have a higher value than the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit (220) to achieve soft switching of the first switch (211) and the second switch (212).

[0048] When the switching frequency of the switching circuit (210) is lower than the resonant frequency appearing in the resonant circuit (220), switching may occur before the voltage across each switch (211, 212) drops to zero voltage in the turn-off state of each switch (211, 212), and thus the zero-voltage switching effect may not appear or may be reduced. When the switching frequency of the switching circuit (210) is higher than the resonant frequency appearing in the resonant circuit (220), switching may occur after the voltage across each switch (211, 212) drops to zero voltage in the turn-off state of each switch (211, 212), and thus the zero-voltage switching effect may appear or be improved.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) may alternately apply a first switching signal to the first switch (211) and a second switching signal to the second switch (212) with a designated delay time to enhance the zero voltage switching effect. The delay time may correspond to a dead time during which both switches (211, 212) are turned off.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the input voltage applied through the input node (VCS) may be a battery voltage. The switching circuit (210) may vary the switching frequency of the first switching signal and the switching frequency of the second switching signal to regulate the negative output voltage supplied through the output node (Vo), regardless of the battery charge state or load state.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) can supply a desired constant level of output voltage to the load through the output node (Vo) by varying the duty ratio (or duty cycle) of the first switching signal and the second switching signal in a PWM manner.

[0052] For example, when the switching frequency of the switching circuit (210) is 1 MHz and the duty ratio is 50%, an output voltage of -6 V can be supplied. When the switching frequency is fixed to 1 MHz and the duty ratio is variable to 35%, an output voltage of -5 V can be supplied. When the switching frequency is fixed to 1 MHz and the duty ratio is variable to 20%, an output voltage of -4 V can be supplied.

[0053] For example, when the required output voltage temporarily changes depending on the load condition or the battery charge rate decreases, the switching circuit (210) can adjust the level of the output voltage using a PWM method that varies the duty ratio.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) can supply a desired constant level of output voltage to the load through the output node (Vo) by controlling (or setting) the switching frequency in a PFM manner.

[0055] For example, when the duty ratio of the switching circuit (210) is 50% and the switching frequency is 1MHz, an output voltage of -6V can be supplied. When the duty ratio is fixed at 50% and the switching frequency is 1.05MHz, an output voltage of -4.5V can be supplied. When the duty ratio is fixed at 50% and the switching frequency is 1.1MHz, an output voltage of -3.5V can be supplied.

[0056] For example, when the required output voltage temporarily changes depending on the load condition or the battery charge rate decreases, the switching circuit (210) can adjust the level of the output voltage in a PFM manner that varies the switching frequency.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the third switch (230) may be connected to a second node (N2) of the resonant circuit (220), which is located between the first inductor (222) and the second inductor (223) that are connected in series. The third switch (230) may be turned off based on a difference between a first current flowing in the first inductor (222) and a second current flowing in the second inductor (223).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the third switch (230) may include a rectifier diode as illustrated in FIG. 2. The rectifier diode used as the third switch (230) may be turned on when a forward bias is applied to connect the resonant circuit (220) as a load. The rectifier diode may be turned off when a reverse bias is applied to disconnect the connection between the resonant circuit (220) and the load.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the third switch (230) may include a MOSFET (231) as illustrated in FIG. 8. The MOSFET (231) used as the third switch (230) may be turned off in response to a third switching signal from the switching circuit (210). For example, the switching circuit (210) may monitor a current passing through the second node (N2) when the second switch (212) is turned on. The current may correspond to an offset between a first current flowing in the first inductor (222) and a second current flowing in the second inductor (223). The switching circuit (210) may control the MOSFET (231) to be turned on by applying the third switching signal high only when the monitoring result shows that the offset has a positive value. The switching circuit (210) can turn off the MOSFET (231) by not applying the third switching signal or outputting it as low when the monitoring result shows that the offset reaches a specified value (e.g., 0).

[0060] FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram according to a soft switching operation of a power converter (200) according to one embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, G1 is a waveform diagram of a first switching signal (or first gate driving signal) applied to the gate of the first switch (211). G2 is a waveform diagram of a second switching signal (or second gate driving signal) applied to the gate of the second switch (212). ILr1 is a current waveform diagram of the first inductor (222). IQ1 is a waveform diagram of the first switch current flowing in the first switch (211). VDS1 is a waveform diagram of the drain-source voltage of the first switch (211). IQ2 is a waveform diagram of the second switch current flowing in the second switch (212). VDS2 is a waveform diagram of the drain-source voltage of the second switch (212).

[0062] When the first switching signal (G1) is high, the first switch (211) can be turned on, and when the first switching signal (G1) is low, the first switch (211) can be turned off. Similarly, when the second switching signal (G2) is high, the second switch (212) can be turned on, and when the first switching signal (G2) is low, the second switch (212) can be turned off.

[0063] According to one embodiment, as shown in the waveform diagram of the first switch current (IQ1) and the waveform diagram of the second switch current (IQ2), the current flowing through the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) may have a sinusoidal wave shape (e.g., a half-wave sine wave, or a pseudo-half-wave sine wave).

[0064] In Fig. 3, reference numeral 310 may be a first transition section. Reference numeral 320 may be a second transition section. The first transition section (310) may indicate a moment when the second switch (212) is turned on. The second transition section (320) may indicate a moment when the first switch (211) is turned on. Referring to the waveform diagram of the second switch current (IQ2) and the first transition section (310), it can be seen that the second switch (212) has a negative current value before being turned on. In addition, referring to the waveform diagram of the first switch current (IQ1) and the second transition section (320), the first switch (211) may also have a negative current value before being turned on. The negative current flowing in the second switch (212) in the first transition section (310) and the negative current flowing in the first switch (211) in the second transition section (320) discharge the junction capacitor of each switch (211, 212), thereby allowing the drain-source voltage (VDS1, VDS2) of each switch (211, 212) to be reduced to zero voltage before turn-on.

[0065] In this way, since the voltage across each of the two switches (211, 212) is lowered to zero voltage before turn-on, zero voltage switching and / or zero current switching can be implemented.

[0066] In a power converter (200) according to one embodiment, the principle of zero voltage switching and / or zero current switching using two switches (211, 212) connected in series and a resonant circuit (220) is exemplified in more detail as follows.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the first switching signal (G1, or first gate drive signal) for the first switch (211) and the second switching signal (G2, or second gate drive signal) for the second switch (212) may be alternately applied with a slight deadtime (or delay time) so that the two signals do not overlap each other. The deadtime may be a period during which both switches (211, 212) are turned off.

[0068] As illustrated in the first transition section (310) of FIG. 3, when the first switch (211) is turned on and a positive current is flowing (see also the IQ1 waveform), and the drain-source voltage (VDS2) of the second switch (212) is the same as the input voltage, when the switching circuit (210) changes the first gate drive signal of the first switch (211) from high to low, the first switch (211) can be turned off. In this case, the current (ILr1) flowing through the first inductor (222) can charge the junction capacitor of the first switch (211) during the dead time and discharge the junction capacitor of the second switch (212), thereby reducing the drain-source voltage (VDS2) of the second switch (212) to zero voltage. Accordingly, the second switch (212) can be in a zero voltage state and / or a zero current state before turning on, and can be turned on in a state that satisfies the soft switching condition.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) can turn on the second switch (212) by applying a high-level second gate drive signal to the second switch (212) after a slight dead time has elapsed after the drain-source voltage (VDS2) of the second switch (212) has decreased to zero voltage. In this case, the soft switching effect can be further enhanced.

[0070] As shown in the second transition section (320), when the second switch (212) is turned on and a positive current is flowing (see also the IQ2 waveform), and the drain-source voltage (VDS1) of the first switch (211) is equal to the input voltage, when the switching circuit (210) changes the second gate drive signal of the second switch (212) from high to low, the second switch (212) can be turned off. In this case, the current (ILr1) flowing through the first inductor (222) charges the junction capacitor of the second switch (212) during the dead time and discharges the junction capacitor of the first switch (211), thereby reducing the drain-source voltage (VDS1) of the first switch (211) to zero voltage. Accordingly, the first switch (211) can be in a zero voltage state and / or a zero current state before turning on, and can be turned on in a state that satisfies the soft switching condition.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (210) can turn on the first switch (211) by applying a high-level first gate drive signal to the first switch (211) after a slight dead time has elapsed after the drain-source voltage (VDS1) of the first switch (211) has decreased to zero voltage. In this case, the soft switching effect can be further enhanced.

[0072] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are circuit diagrams for explaining the operation of a power converter (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram for explaining the operation of a power converter (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the power converter (200) can operate in any one of three operating modes: a first mode (Mode A), a second mode (Mode B-1), and a third mode (Mode B-2).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the power converter (200) can operate in any one of the first mode (Mode A) of FIG. 4a, the second mode (Mode B-1) of FIG. 4b, and the third mode (Mode B-2) of FIG. 4c, depending on the switching states (or on / off states) of the first switch (211), the second switch (212), and the third switch (230).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the power converter (200) can change modes by selectively turning off at least one of the first switch (211), the second switch (212), and the third switch (230) in each of the first mode (Mode A), the second mode (Mode B-1), and the third mode (Mode B-2). In each switching period (1 Period), the first mode (Mode A), the second mode (Mode B-1), and the third mode (Mode B-2) can be sequentially repeated.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the power converter (200) may include a resonant circuit (220). The resonant circuit (220) may include three resonant elements each consisting of a capacitor (221) and two inductors (222, 223). The capacitor (221), the first inductor (222), and the second inductor (223) within the resonant circuit (220) may be connected in series with each other.

[0077] In one embodiment, the resonant circuit (220) may be configured for multiple resonances depending on changes in the operating mode of the power converter (200). In one embodiment, in at least some of the operating modes of the power converter (200), the resonant characteristics (e.g., resonant frequency, resonant period, and / or impedance) of the resonant circuit (220) may appear different from each other.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the total inductance of the first inductor (222) and the second inductor (223) in the resonant circuit (220) used for multi-resonant operation can be reduced to half the inductance of the inductor used in the hard switching method. Accordingly, the overall size of the resonant circuit (220) can be reduced.

[0079] Fig. 4a shows a circuit operating state in the first mode (Mode A) of the power converter (200). According to one embodiment, when the first switch (211) among the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) disposed on the input side of the power converter (200) is turned on, the power converter (200) can operate in the first mode (Mode A) (or first state). In the first mode (Mode A), the third switch (230) disposed on the output side of the power converter (200) can be in a turned-off state.

[0080] Fig. 4b shows a circuit operating state in the second mode (Mode B-1) of the power converter (200). According to one embodiment, when the second switch (212) among the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) disposed on the input side of the power converter (200) is turned on, the operating mode of the power converter (200) may be changed from the first mode (Mode A) to the second mode (Mode B-1). In the second mode (Mode B-1), the third switch (230) disposed on the output side of the power converter (200) may be in a turned-on state.

[0081] Fig. 4c shows a circuit operating state in the third mode (Mode B-2) of the power converter (200). According to one embodiment, the turn-on state of the second switch (212) among the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) disposed on the input side of the power converter (200) is maintained, and the third switch (230) disposed on the output side of the power converter (200) is switched from a turn-on state to a turn-off state, so that the operating mode of the power converter (200) can be changed from the second mode (Mode B-1) to the third mode (Mode B-2).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4a, while the power converter (200) operates in the first mode (Mode A), only the first switch (211) among the first switch (211), the second switch (212), and the third switch (230) can be turned on.

[0083] In the first mode (Mode A), energy is not transferred to the load, but energy can be stored through the resonant circuit (220). In the first mode (Mode A), the resonant circuit (220) can be connected to the power source (101) through the turned-on first switch (211) on the input side. An input voltage from the power source (101) can be applied to the resonant circuit (220) through the turned-on first switch (211) and the first node (N1). The rectifier diode, which is the third switch (230), can be turned off due to reverse bias. As the third switch (230) is turned off, the resonant circuit (220) can be disconnected from the load.

[0084] In the first mode (Mode A), when the first node (N1) of the resonant circuit (220) is connected to the power source (101) and the second node (N2) is disconnected from the load, a first series path (LLC resonant circuit) including a resonant capacitor (221), a first inductor (222), and a second inductor (223) can be driven. Series resonance of the resonant capacitor (221), the first inductor (222), and the second inductor (223) included in the first series path (LLC resonant circuit) can occur. The resonance characteristics (e.g., resonant frequency, resonant period, and / or impedance) of the first mode (Mode A) can be determined based on the capacitance of the resonant capacitor (221) included in the first series path and the total inductance (synthetic impedance) of the first inductor (222) and the second inductor (223). As the first series path is driven, the resonant inductor current (IL) flowing in the first inductor (222) and the second inductor (223) changes due to series resonance, and energy can be charged in the resonant capacitor (221) according to the change in the resonant inductor current.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4b, while the power converter (200) operates in the second mode (Mode B-1), only the first switch (211) among the first switch (211), the second switch (212), and the third switch (230) can be turned off.

[0086] In the second mode (Mode B-1), the energy stored in the resonant circuit (220) during the first mode (Mode A) can be transferred to the load. In the second mode (Mode B-1), the first switch (211) among the first switch (211) and the second switch (212) on the input side can be turned off, and the third switch (230) on the output side can be turned on. In the second mode (Mode B-1), the resonant circuit (220) can be connected to the ground through the second switch (212) on the input side. The rectifier diode, which is the third switch (230), can be turned on due to forward bias. The resonant circuit (220) can be connected to the load through the turned-on third switch (230).

[0087] In the second mode (Mode B-1), as the first node (N1) of the resonant circuit (220) is connected to the ground and the second node (N2) is connected to the load, a second series path circuit (LC resonant circuit) by the resonant capacitor (221) and the first inductor (222) can be driven. Among the three resonant elements of the resonant capacitor (221), the first inductor (222), and the second inductor (223) included in the resonant circuit (220), both ends of the second inductor (223) can be connected to the output capacitor (Co) on the load side. The current (ILr2) flowing in the second inductor (223) can linearly decrease due to the inflow of the load current. In this state, series resonance may occur in the second series path (LC resonant circuit) including the resonant capacitor (221) and the first inductor (222). The resonance characteristics (e.g., impedance, resonant period, or resonant frequency) of the second mode (Mode B-1) may be determined based on the capacitance of the resonant capacitor (221) and the inductance of the first inductor (222) included in the second series path. In a state connected to a load, the energy charged in the resonant capacitor (221) may be discharged and supplied to the load by the series resonance occurring in the second series path. The resonant period of the second series path (LC resonant circuit) including the resonant capacitor (221) and the first inductor (222) may be shorter than the resonant period of the first series path (LLC resonant circuit).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4c, while the power converter (200) operates in the third mode (Mode B-2), only the second switch (212) among the first switch (211), the second switch (212), and the third switch (230) can be turned on.

[0089] In the third mode (Mode B-2), the rectifier diode, which is the third switch (230), can be turned off due to reverse bias. As the first node (N1) of the resonant circuit (220) is connected to the ground and the second node (N2) is disconnected from the load, the first series path (LLC resonant circuit) including the resonant capacitor (221), the first inductor (222), and the second inductor (223) can be driven again. Series resonance can occur in the first series path (LLC resonant circuit). Energy charging through the resonant capacitor (221) can be resumed by the series resonance occurring in the first series path.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the resonant circuit (220) may have different resonant frequencies in at least one of the first mode (Mode A), the second mode (Mode B-1), and the third mode (Mode B-2). The switching frequency of the switching circuit (210) may be controlled (or set) to have a higher value than the resonant frequencies of the resonant circuit (220) to achieve soft switching of each switch (211, 212).

[0091] The first section (511), the second section (512), and the third section (513) illustrated in FIG. 5 may be sections in which the power converter (200) operates in the first mode (Mode A) of FIG. 4a, the second mode (Mode B-1) of FIG. 4b, and the third mode (Mode B-2) of FIG. 4c, respectively.

[0092] In Fig. 5, one switching period (1 Period) of the power converter (200) may include a first switching period (Ton1) and a second switching period (Ton2). During the first switching period (Ton1), a first switch (211) among a pair of switches (211, 212) on the input side may be selectively turned on. During the second switching period (Ton2), a second switch (212) among a pair of switches (211, 212) on the input side may be selectively turned on. The second switching period (Ton2) may be divided into a second period (512) in which a third switch (230) on the output side is turned on, and a third period (513) in which the third switch (230) on the output side is turned off. The first section (511), the second section (512), and the third section (513) represent sections in which the power converter (200) operates in the first mode (Mode A) of FIG. 4a, the power converter (200) operates in the second mode (Mode B-1) of FIG. 4b, and the power converter (200) operates in the third mode (Mode B-2) of FIG. 4c, respectively.

[0093] In Fig. 5, G1 is a waveform diagram of a first switching signal (or first gate driving signal) applied to the gate of the first switch (211). G2 is a waveform diagram of a second switching signal (or second gate driving signal) applied to the gate of the second switch (212). VDS1 is a waveform diagram of a voltage between the drain and the source of the first switch (211). IQ1 is a waveform diagram of a first switch current flowing in the first switch (211). VDS2 is a waveform diagram of a voltage between the drain and the source of the second switch (212). IQ2 is a waveform diagram of a second switch current flowing in the second switch (212). IL is a waveform diagram of a resonant inductor current, which represents a change in the current flowing in the first inductor (222) and / or the second inductor (223). Vcr is a waveform diagram of the resonant capacitor voltage, indicating the change in the charging voltage of the resonant capacitor (221). ID is a waveform diagram of the third switch current flowing in the third switch (230). Vo is a waveform diagram of the output voltage.

[0094] According to one embodiment, during one switching cycle, the switching states of each switch (211, 212, 230) and / or the resonant inductor current (IL) flowing in the resonant circuit (220) may change according to a mode change of the power converter (200). Depending on the change in the resonant inductor current, magnetization (increase in charging current) and demagnetization (decrease in charging current) of the first inductor (222) and the second inductor (223) may occur. In conjunction with the change in the resonant inductor current, energy may be charged and discharged through the resonant capacitor (221).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the starting point of the first mode (Mode A) may be a point in time when only the first switch (211) among the first switch (211), the second switch (212), and the third switch (230) is selectively turned on. The starting point of the second mode (Mode B-1) may be a point in time when only the second switch (212) and the third switch (230) among the first switch (211), the second switch (212), and the third switch (230) are selectively turned on. The starting point of the third mode (Mode B-2) may be a point in time when only the second switch (212) among the first switch (211), the second switch (212), and the third switch (230) is selectively turned on.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 5 together, during a first period (511) in which the power converter (200) operates in the first mode, the first switch (211) is turned on as the first switching signal (G1) transitions from low to high, and the input voltage (VIN) can be applied to a first series path (LLC series resonant circuit) composed of a resonant capacitor (221) - a first inductor (222) - a second inductor (223) (Cr-Lr1-Lr2) through a first node (N1). A rectifier diode used as a third switch (230) can be turned off due to reverse bias. Due to the turn-off of the third switch (230), the resonant circuit (220) can be cut off (or separated) from the load. The first switching signal (G1) and the second switching signal (G2) can be controlled to have the same switching frequency. The switching circuit (210) can control the output voltage by directly adjusting the turn-on time (corresponding to Ton1) (or duty ratio) of the first switch (211) or by changing the switching frequency to adjust the turn-on time (corresponding to Ton1) (or duty ratio) of the first switch (211).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the turn-on time (corresponding to Ton1) of the first switch (211) can be controlled to be shorter than the resonant half-period of the first series path (LLC series resonant circuit) composed of the resonant capacitor (221) - the first inductor (222) - the second inductor (223) (Cr-Lr1-Lr2). Accordingly, the resonant frequency of the first series path can have a value lower than the switching frequency. For example, when the capacitance Cr of the resonant capacitor (221) = 60 nF, the inductance Lr1 of the first inductor (222) = 300 nH, and the inductance Lr2 of the second inductor (223) = 200 nH, the resonant half-period can be 544 ns, and the resonant frequency can be 919 kHz, which is lower than the switching frequency of 1 MHz.

[0098] During the first section (511) in which the power converter (200) operates in the first mode (Mode A), energy may be stored in the resonant capacitor (221) through the first series path (LLC series resonant circuit), and a charging voltage (Vcr) may be accumulated (built-up) in the resonant capacitor (221). During the first section (511), a resonant inductor current (IL) as illustrated in the first section (511) of FIG. 5 may flow through the first inductor (222) and the second inductor (223) included in the first series path (LLC series resonant circuit). Since the first inductor (222) and the second inductor (223) are connected in series, the resonant inductor currents (IL=ILr1=ILr2) flowing in the first inductor (222) and the second inductor (223) may be the same. The resonant inductor current (IL) may have a negative value (negative current flowing in the reverse direction) at the beginning of the first section (511). The resonant inductor current (IL) changes to a positive value (positive current flowing in the forward direction) over time, and the size (amplitude) of the resonant inductor current (IL) may increase to a maximum value and then decrease. In conjunction with this change in the resonant inductor current (IL), energy may be charged in the resonant capacitor (221), and the charging voltage of the resonant capacitor (221) may increase.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 4B and 5 together, during the second period (512) in which the power converter (200) operates in the second mode (Mode B-1), as the second switching signal (G2) switches from low to high, the second switch (212) switches from a turn-off state to a turn-on state, and both ends of the second inductor (223) can be connected to an output capacitor (or load). Series resonance of the second series path (LC series resonant circuit) composed of the resonance capacitor (221) and the first inductor (222) (Cr-Lr1) can occur.

[0100] The resonance period of the second series path (LC series resonant circuit) driven in the second mode (Mode B-1) may be shorter than the resonance period of the first series path (LLC series resonant circuit) driven in the first mode (Mode A). Before the second switch (212) is turned off, the resonance half-cycle of the second series path (LC series resonant circuit) composed of the resonant capacitor (221) and the first inductor (222) (Cr-Lr1) may be terminated. During the second section (512), the current (ID) flowing in the rectifier diode used as the third switch (230) may be determined by the difference between the first current (ILr1) flowing in the first inductor (222) and the second current (ILr2) flowing in the second inductor (223). During the second period (512), the rectifier diode can be turned on as forward bias is applied.

[0101] During the second period (512) in which the power converter (200) operates in the second mode (Mode B-1), the resonant circuit (220) can transfer the energy stored in the resonant capacitor (221) during the first period (511) to the load (or output capacitor (Co)) through the second series path (LC series resonant circuit) and the second node (N2). The charging voltage (Vcr) of the resonant capacitor (221) can be reduced to the zero voltage level.

[0102] During the second section (512), a first inductor current (ILr1) as illustrated in the second section (512) of FIG. 5 may flow through the first inductor (222) operating as a resonant element of the second series path (LC series resonant circuit). During the second section (512), a second inductor current (ILr2) flowing in the second inductor (223) connected to both ends of the output capacitor (Co) may decrease linearly. The first inductor current (ILr1) may have a positive value (positive current flowing in the forward direction) at the beginning of the second section (512). The first inductor current (ILr1) may change to a negative value (negative current flowing in the reverse direction) over time, and the magnitude (amplitude) of the first inductor current (ILr1) may decrease to a minimum value and then begin to increase. In conjunction with the change in the first inductor current (ILr1), energy is discharged from the resonant capacitor (221), and the charging voltage of the resonant capacitor (221) may decrease.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 4C and 5 together, during the third period (513) in which the power converter (200) operates in the third mode (Mode B-2), the second switch (212) is maintained turned on, and the rectifier diode used as the third switch (230) can be turned off again due to reverse bias. As the third switch (230) is turned off, the first series path (LLC resonant circuit) composed of the resonant capacitor (221) - the first inductor (222) - the second inductor (223) (Cr-Lr1-Lr2) can be driven again.

[0104] During the third section (513), a resonant inductor current (IL) as illustrated in the third section (513) of FIG. 5 may flow through the first inductor (222) and the second inductor (223) included in the first series path (LLC series resonant circuit). The resonant inductor currents (IL = ILr1 = ILr2) flowing through the series-connected first inductor (222) and second inductor (223) may be the same. The resonant inductor current (IL) is maintained as a negative value (negative current flowing in the reverse direction) during the third section (513), and the size (amplitude) of the resonant inductor current (IL) may gradually decrease.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the first switch (211), the second switch (212), and the third switch (230) included in the power converter (200) can all perform a soft switching operation in which they transition from a zero voltage and / or zero current state.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 5, in the first transition section (310), the second switch current (IQ2) flowing through the second switch (212) may be zero current (or negative current). For example, the first transition section (310) may be a section in which the power converter (200) switches from the first mode (Mode A) to the second mode (Mode B-1).

[0107] In the first transition section (310), the second switch (212), which is turned off, can be brought into a zero current and / or zero voltage state before being turned on due to the resonant inductor current (IL=ILr1=ILr2) flowing in the first series path within the resonant circuit (220). Accordingly, the turn-on of the second switch (212) can be performed in a state where the soft switching condition is satisfied.

[0108] In the first transition section (310), the third switch current (ID) (e.g., diode current) flowing through the third switch (230) (e.g., rectifier diode) may be zero current. Since the third switch (230) is turned on only during the second section (512) of one switching period (1 Period), the zero current and / or zero voltage state can be relatively easily maintained before turning on. Accordingly, the turn-on of the third switch (230) can be performed while satisfying the soft switching condition.

[0109] In the second transition section (320), the first switch current (IQ1) flowing through the first switch (211) may be zero current (or negative current). For example, the second transition section (320) may be a section in which the power converter (200) switches from the third mode (Mode B-2) to the first mode (Mode A).

[0110] In the second transition section (320), the first switch (211), which is turned off by the resonant inductor current (IL, ILr1) flowing in the second series path within the resonant circuit (220), may be in a zero-current and / or zero-voltage state before being turned on. Accordingly, the turn-on of the first switch (211) may be performed in a state in which the soft switching condition is satisfied.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the level of the output voltage transmitted to the output node (Vo) can be determined according to the length of the first section (511), which is the duration of the first mode (Mode A).

[0112] In one example, the switching circuit (210) can control the output voltage by PFM operation that maintains a duty cycle of 50% and varies the switching frequency. The switching frequency can be controlled to a value within a range higher than the resonant frequency to achieve a zero voltage switching effect. As the value of the switching frequency increases, the energy storage time through the resonant circuit (220) can decrease, and thus the output voltage can be lowered.

[0113] In one example, the switching circuit (210) can control the output voltage by a PWM operation that fixes the switching frequency and varies the turn-on time (corresponding to Ton1) of the first switch (211) (or the duty ratio of the first switching signal (G1)). The turn-on time (corresponding to Ton1) of the first switch (211) can be controlled to a value smaller than the resonant half-cycle for a zero-voltage switching effect. As the turn-on time (corresponding to Ton1) of the first switch (211) decreases, the energy storage time through the resonant circuit (220) can decrease, and thus the output voltage can be lowered.

[0114] FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are circuit diagrams illustrating examples of variations (600, 700, 800) of a power converter (200) according to one embodiment.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the power converter (200) of FIG. 2 may be implemented by omitting some configurations or including additional configurations not shown.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 6, the power converter (200) may include a switching circuit (210), a resonant circuit (220), and a third switch (230). The third switch (230) may be a rectifier diode on the output side. The power converter (200) may further include a PFM control circuit (610). The PFM control circuit (610) performs a PFM operation that varies the switching frequency of the switching circuit (210) using a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), thereby supplying a desired constant level of output voltage to the load through the output node (Vo).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 7, the power converter (200) may further include a PWM control circuit (710). The PWM control circuit (710) may supply a desired constant level of output voltage to the load through the output node (Vo) by varying the duty ratio (or duty cycle) of the first switching signal and the second switching signal.

[0118] Referring to Fig. 8, the rectifier diode in the third switch (230) of the power converter (200) can be replaced with a MOSFET (231). The MOSFET (231) used as the third switch (230) can function as a synchronous rectifier. The MOSFET (231) used as the third switch (230) can be turned on and off in response to a third switching signal from the switching circuit (210). The third switching signal can be a third gate drive signal applied to the gate of the MOSFET (231).

[0119] The switching circuit (210) can monitor the current passing through the second node (N2), for example, the current flowing from the source to the drain of the MOSFET (231), and control the MOSFET (231) to be turned on by applying a third switching signal high only when the current has a positive value.

[0120] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an electronic device (1001) including a power converter (200) according to one embodiment.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 9, an electronic device (1001) according to one embodiment may include a display (910), a display driver IC (920), and a display power management circuit (PMIC) (930). In one example, the display (910) may include an organic light emitting display (OLED) that requires a negative driving voltage in addition to a positive driving voltage. In one example, the display (910) may include a flexible display.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1001) may be implemented by omitting some components or may further include components not shown. For example, the electronic device (1001) may further include a processor (1020) and / or a battery (1089) as shown in FIG. 10, corresponding to the electronic device (1001) of FIG. 10.

[0123] In one embodiment, the display (910), the display drive IC (920), and / or the display PMIC (930) may be electrically connected.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the display drive IC (920) is for driving the display (910). The display drive IC (920) can convert data transmitted from a processor (e.g., processor (1020) of FIG. 10) into a form that can be transmitted to the display (910), and can transmit the converted data (or display data) to the display (910) so that visual information can be provided to a user through the display (910). In one example, the converted data can be transmitted in units of pixels (PX).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the display PMIC (930) includes a power converter (200) and can generate a driving voltage required to drive the display (910) and / or the display driver IC (920) using the power converter (200). The display PMIC (930) can convert an input voltage from a power source (101) (e.g., a battery (1089) or an AC adapter of FIG. 10) into a negative output voltage using the power converter (200) and supply the negative output voltage to the display driver IC (920). The display driver IC (920) can generate the driving voltage(s) required to drive the display (910) using the negative output voltage. Since the configuration and operations of the power converter (200) within the display PMIC (930) have already been described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7, and 8, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0126] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic device (1001) within a network environment (1000) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 10, in the network environment (1000), the electronic device (1001) may communicate with the electronic device (1002) via a first network (1098) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with the electronic device (1004) or a server (1008) via a second network (1099) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (1001) may communicate with the electronic device (1004) via the server (1008). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1001) may include a processor (1020), a memory (1030), an input module (1050), an audio output module (1055), a display module (1060), an audio module (1070), a sensor module (1076), an interface (1077), a connection terminal (1078), a haptic module (1079), a camera module (1080), a power management module (1088), a battery (1089), a communication module (1090), a subscriber identification module (1096), or an antenna module (1097). In some embodiments, the electronic device (1001) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (1078)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (1076), camera module (1080), or antenna module (1097)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (1060)).

[0127] The processor (1020) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (1040)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (1001) connected to the processor (1020) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1020) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (1076) or a communication module (1090)) in a volatile memory (1032), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (1032), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (1034). According to one embodiment, the processor (1020) may include a main processor (1021) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (1023) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (1021). For example, when the electronic device (1001) includes the main processor (1021) and the auxiliary processor (1023), the auxiliary processor (1023) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (1021) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (1023) may be implemented separately from the main processor (1021) or as a part thereof.

[0128] The auxiliary processor (1023) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display module (1060), the sensor module (1076), or the communication module (1090)) of the electronic device (1001), for example, on behalf of the main processor (1021) while the main processor (1021) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (1021) while the main processor (1021) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1023) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (1080) or a communication module (1090)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1023) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (1001) where the artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (1008)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0129] The memory (1030) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (1020) or the sensor module (1076)) of the electronic device (1001). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (1040)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (1030) can include volatile memory (1032) or non-volatile memory (1034).

[0130] The program (1040) may be stored as software in memory (1030) and may include, for example, an operating system (1042), middleware (1044), or an application (1046).

[0131] The input module (1050) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (1001) (e.g., a processor (1020)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1001). The input module (1050) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0132] The audio output module (1055) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (1001). The audio output module (1055) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0133] The display module (1060) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1001). The display module (1060) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (1060) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0134] The audio module (1070) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (1070) can acquire sound through the input module (1050), output sound through the sound output module (1055), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1002)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (1001).

[0135] The sensor module (1076) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (1001) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (1076) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0136] The interface (1077) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (1001) to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1002)). In one embodiment, the interface (1077) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0137] The connection terminal (1078) may include a connector through which the electronic device (1001) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1002)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (1078) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0138] The haptic module (1079) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (1079) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0139] The camera module (1080) can capture still images and videos. In one embodiment, the camera module (1080) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0140] The power management module (1088) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (1001). According to one embodiment, the power management module (1088) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0141] A battery (1089) may power at least one component of the electronic device (1001). In one embodiment, the battery (1089) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0142] The communication module (1090) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (1001) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1002), electronic device (1004), or server (1008)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1090) may operate independently from the processor (1020) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (1090) may include a wireless communication module (1092) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (1094) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (1004) via a first network (1098) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (1099) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (1092) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (1096) to verify or authenticate the electronic device (1001) within a communication network such as the first network (1098) or the second network (1099).

[0143] The wireless communication module (1092) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (1092) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (1092) may support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (1092) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (1001), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1004)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (1099)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (1092) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0144] The antenna module (1097) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1097) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1097) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (1098) or the second network (1099), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (1090). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (1090) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (1097).

[0145] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (1097) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0146] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0147] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (1001) and an external electronic device (1004) via a server (1008) connected to a second network (1099). Each of the external electronic devices (1002 or 1004) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (1001). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (1001) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (1002, 1004, or 1008). For example, when the electronic device (1001) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (1001) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (1001). The electronic device (1001) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (1001) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (1004) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (1008) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (1004) or server (1008) may be included within the second network (1099). The electronic device (1001) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0148] A power converter (e.g., power converter (200) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment is a power converter that converts an input voltage from a power source (e.g., power source (101) of FIG. 2) into a negative output voltage, and may include a switching circuit (e.g., switching circuit (210) of FIG. 2), a resonant circuit (e.g., resonant circuit (220) of FIG. 2), and a third switch (e.g., third switch (230) of FIG. 2; MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8). The switching circuit (e.g., switching circuit (210) of FIG. 2) may include a first switch (e.g., first switch (211) of FIG. 2) and a second switch (e.g., second switch (212) of FIG. 2) that are connected in series between the power source and ground and are alternately turned on. The above resonant circuit (e.g., the resonant circuit (220) of FIG. 2) may be connected to the switching circuit (e.g., the switching circuit (210) of FIG. 2) via a first node between the first switch (e.g., the first switch (211) of FIG. 2) and the second switch (e.g., the second switch (212) of FIG. 2). The above resonant circuit (e.g., the resonant circuit (220) of FIG. 2) may include a resonant capacitor (e.g., the resonant capacitor (221) of FIG. 2), a first inductor (e.g., the first inductor (222) of FIG. 2), and a second inductor (e.g., the second inductor (223) of FIG. 2) that are connected in series with each other. The third switch (e.g., the third switch (230) of FIG. 2; MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8) may be connected to the resonant circuit (e.g., the resonant circuit (220) of FIG. 2) through a second node between the first inductor (e.g., the first inductor (222) of FIG. 2) and the second inductor (e.g., the second inductor (223) of FIG. 2). The third switch (e.g., the third switch (230) of FIG. 2; MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8) may connect or disconnect between the resonant circuit (e.g., the resonant circuit (220) of FIG. 2) and a load. The operation mode of the power converter (e.g., the power converter (200) of FIG. 2) may include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode.The first mode may include a mode in which the first switch (e.g., the first switch (211) of FIG. 2) connected to the power source (e.g., the power source (101) of FIG. 2) is turned on, and the third switch (e.g., the third switch (230) of FIG. 2; MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8) is turned off. The second mode may include a mode in which the second switch (e.g., the second switch (212) of FIG. 2) connected to the ground is turned on, and the third switch (e.g., the third switch (230) of FIG. 2; MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8) is turned on. The third mode may include a mode in which the second switch (e.g., the second switch (212) of FIG. 2) connected to the ground is turned on and the third switch (e.g., the third switch (230) of FIG. 2; the MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8) is turned off.

[0149] In one embodiment, the first mode may include a mode for storing energy through the resonant circuit. The second mode may include a mode for supplying energy stored in the resonant circuit to the load. The third mode may include a mode for supporting soft switching of at least one of the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit can generate a first switching signal for the first switch and a second switching signal for the second switch by means of pulse frequency modulation (PFM) or pulse width modulation (PWM). The negative output voltage can be regulated to a certain level using the first switching signal and the second switching signal.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the switching frequency of the first switching signal and the switching frequency of the second switching signal may have a higher value than the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the first switching signal and the second switching signal may be applied alternately with a predetermined delay time.

[0153] In one embodiment, the input voltage may be a battery voltage. The switching circuit may vary the switching frequency of the first switching signal and the switching frequency of the second switching signal to regulate the negative output voltage regardless of the battery charge state or load state.

[0154] In one embodiment, while the power converter operates in the first mode, energy can be stored in the resonant capacitor through a first series path within the resonant circuit, which includes the resonant capacitor, the first inductor, and the second inductor. While the power converter operates in the second mode, energy stored in the resonant capacitor can be supplied to the load through a second series path within the resonant circuit, which includes the resonant capacitor and the first inductor. While the power converter operates in the third mode, the voltage of the first node can be reduced to zero voltage by a current flowing in the first series path within the resonant circuit, such that the turned-off first switch can satisfy a soft switching condition before turning on.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the resonant circuit may have different resonant frequencies in at least one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. The switching frequency of the switching circuit may have a higher value than the resonant frequencies.

[0156] In one embodiment, the third switch connected to the second node can be turned off based on a difference between a first current flowing in the first inductor and a second current flowing in the second inductor.

[0157] In one embodiment, the third switch comprises a rectifier diode and can be turned off based on a reverse bias being applied to the rectifier diode.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the third switch includes a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and can be turned off in response to a third switching signal from the switching circuit.

[0159] An electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (1001) of FIG. 9) according to one embodiment may include an organic light emitting display (e.g., a display (910) of FIG. 9), a display driver IC (DDI) for driving the organic light emitting display (e.g., a display driver IC (920) of FIG. 9), and a power converter (e.g., a power converter (200) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 9) for converting an input voltage from a power source into a negative output voltage, and may include a display power management IC (PMIC) for generating a driving voltage required to drive the display driver IC using the power converter (e.g., a display PMIC (930) of FIG. 9). The power converter (e.g., power converter (200) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 9) may include a switching circuit (e.g., switching circuit (210) of FIG. 2), a resonant circuit (e.g., resonant circuit (220) of FIG. 2), and a third switch (e.g., third switch (230) of FIG. 2; MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8). The switching circuit (e.g., switching circuit (210) of FIG. 2) may include a first switch (e.g., first switch (211) of FIG. 2) and a second switch (e.g., second switch (212) of FIG. 2) that are connected in series between the power source and ground and are turned on alternately. The above resonant circuit (e.g., the resonant circuit (220) of FIG. 2) may be connected to the switching circuit (e.g., the switching circuit (210) of FIG. 2) via a first node between the first switch (e.g., the first switch (211) of FIG. 2) and the second switch (e.g., the second switch (212) of FIG. 2). The above resonant circuit (e.g., the resonant circuit (220) of FIG. 2) may include a resonant capacitor (e.g., the resonant capacitor (221) of FIG. 2), a first inductor (e.g., the first inductor (222) of FIG. 2), and a second inductor (e.g., the second inductor (223) of FIG. 2) that are connected in series with each other.The third switch (e.g., the third switch (230) of FIG. 2; MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8) may be connected to the resonant circuit (e.g., the resonant circuit (220) of FIG. 2) through a second node between the first inductor (e.g., the first inductor (222) of FIG. 2) and the second inductor (e.g., the second inductor (223) of FIG. 2). The third switch (e.g., the third switch (230) of FIG. 2; MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8) may connect or disconnect between the resonant circuit (e.g., the resonant circuit (220) of FIG. 2) and a load. The operation mode of the power converter (e.g., the power converter (200) of FIG. 2) may include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. The first mode may include a mode in which the first switch (e.g., the first switch (211) of FIG. 2) connected to the power source (e.g., the power source (101) of FIG. 2) is turned on, and the third switch (e.g., the third switch (230) of FIG. 2; MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8) is turned off. The second mode may include a mode in which the second switch (e.g., the second switch (212) of FIG. 2) connected to the ground is turned on, and the third switch (e.g., the third switch (230) of FIG. 2; MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8) is turned on. The third mode may include a mode in which the second switch (e.g., the second switch (212) of FIG. 2) connected to the ground is turned on and the third switch (e.g., the third switch (230) of FIG. 2; the MOSFET (231) of FIG. 8) is turned off.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first mode may include a mode for storing energy through the resonant circuit. The second mode may include a mode for supplying energy stored in the resonant circuit to the load. The third mode may include a mode for supporting soft switching of at least one of the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit can generate a first switching signal for the first switch and a second switching signal for the second switch by means of pulse frequency modulation (PFM) or pulse width modulation (PWM). The negative output voltage can be regulated to a certain level using the first switching signal and the second switching signal.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the switching frequency of the first switching signal and the switching frequency of the second switching signal may have a higher value than the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the first switching signal and the second switching signal may be applied alternately with a predetermined delay time.

[0164] In one embodiment, the input voltage may be a battery voltage. The switching circuit may vary the switching frequency of the first switching signal and the switching frequency of the second switching signal to regulate the negative output voltage regardless of the battery charge state or load state.

[0165] In one embodiment, while the power converter operates in the first mode, energy can be stored in the resonant capacitor through a first series path within the resonant circuit, which includes the resonant capacitor, the first inductor, and the second inductor. While the power converter operates in the second mode, energy stored in the resonant capacitor can be supplied to the load through a second series path within the resonant circuit, which includes the resonant capacitor and the first inductor. While the power converter operates in the third mode, the voltage of the first node can be reduced to zero voltage by a current flowing in the first series path within the resonant circuit, such that the turned-off first switch can satisfy a soft switching condition before turning on.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the resonant circuit may have different resonant frequencies in at least one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. The switching frequency of the switching circuit may have a higher value than the resonant frequencies.

[0167] In one embodiment, the third switch connected to the second node can be turned off based on a difference between a first current flowing in the first inductor and a second current flowing in the second inductor.

[0168] In one embodiment, the third switch comprises a rectifier diode and can be turned off based on a reverse bias being applied to the rectifier diode.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the third switch includes a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and can be turned off in response to a third switching signal from the switching circuit.

[0170] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, all switches included in a power converter can perform a soft switching operation in which they transition in a zero voltage and / or zero current state, thereby reducing switching loss and improving power conversion efficiency.

[0171] Additionally, the total inductance of the inductors used in the resonant circuit can be reduced to half compared to the hard switching method, thereby reducing the overall size of the resonant circuit.

[0172] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the above description.

[0173] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0174] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0175] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0176] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (1040)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (1036) or an external memory (1038)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (1001)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (1020)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (1001)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0178] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0179] While this disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it is to be understood that the various embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it will be understood that any embodiment(s) of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In a power converter that converts an input voltage from a power source into a negative output voltage, A switching circuit comprising a first switch and a second switch connected in series between the power source and ground and turned on alternately; A resonant circuit connected to the switching circuit through a first node between the first switch and the second switch, and including a resonant capacitor, a first inductor, and a second inductor connected in series with each other; and A third switch is connected to the resonant circuit through a second node between the first inductor and the second inductor, and connects or disconnects between the resonant circuit and the load, The operating modes of the above power converter are: A first mode in which the first switch connected to the power source is turned on and the third switch is turned off; A second mode in which the second switch connected to the ground is turned on and the third switch is turned on, and A power converter comprising a third mode in which the second switch connected to the ground is turned on and the third switch is turned off.

2. In claim 1, The above first mode includes a mode for storing energy through the resonant circuit, The second mode includes a mode for supplying energy stored in the resonant circuit to the load, A power converter, wherein the third mode includes a mode for supporting soft switching of at least one of the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch.

3. In claim 1, The above switching circuit, Generating a first switching signal for the first switch and a second switching signal for the second switch by means of a PFM (pulse frequency modulation) method or a PWM (pulse width modulation) method, A power converter configured to regulate the negative output voltage to a certain level using the first switching signal and the second switching signal.

4. In claim 3, A power converter, wherein the switching frequency of the first switching signal and the switching frequency of the second switching signal have higher values ​​than the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.

5. In claim 3, A power converter in which the first switching signal and the second switching signal are alternately applied with a predetermined delay time.

6. In claim 3, The above input voltage is the battery voltage, A power converter, wherein the switching circuit is configured to vary the switching frequency of the first switching signal and the switching frequency of the second switching signal to regulate the negative output voltage regardless of the battery charge state or load state.

7. In claim 1, While the power converter operates in the first mode, energy is stored in the resonant capacitor through a first series path in the resonant circuit including the resonant capacitor, the first inductor, and the second inductor, While the power converter operates in the second mode, the energy stored in the resonant capacitor is supplied to the load through a second series path in the resonant circuit including the resonant capacitor and the first inductor, A power converter configured to reduce the voltage of the first node to zero voltage by the current flowing in the first series path in the resonant circuit so that the turned-off first switch can satisfy a soft switching condition before turning on while the power converter operates in the third mode.

8. In claim 7, The resonant circuit has different resonant frequencies in at least one of the first mode, the second mode and the third mode, A power converter wherein the switching frequency of the above switching circuit has a higher value than the above resonant frequencies.

9. In claim 1, A power converter, wherein the third switch connected to the second node is configured to be turned off based on a difference between a first current flowing in the first inductor and a second current flowing in the second inductor.

10. In claim 9, A power converter wherein the third switch comprises a rectifier diode and is configured to be turned off based on application of a reverse bias to the rectifier diode, or the third switch comprises a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and is configured to be turned off in response to a third switching signal from the switching circuit.

11. In electronic devices, organic light emitting display; A display driver IC (DDI) that drives the organic light-emitting display; and A display power management IC (PMIC) comprising a power converter that converts an input voltage from a power source into a negative output voltage, and a display power management IC (PMIC) that generates a driving voltage required to drive the display driver IC using the power converter, The above power converter: A switching circuit comprising a first switch and a second switch connected in series between the power source and ground and turned on alternately; A resonant circuit connected to the switching circuit through a first node between the first switch and the second switch, and including a resonant capacitor, a first inductor, and a second inductor connected in series with each other; and A third switch is connected to the resonant circuit through a second node between the first inductor and the second inductor, and connects or disconnects between the resonant circuit and the load, The operating modes of the above power converter are: A first mode in which the first switch connected to the power source is turned on and the third switch is turned off; A second mode in which the second switch connected to the ground is turned on and the third switch is turned on, and An electronic device comprising a third mode in which the second switch connected to the ground is turned on and the third switch is turned off.

12. In claim 11, The above first mode includes a mode for storing energy through the resonant circuit, The second mode includes a mode for supplying energy stored in the resonant circuit to the load, An electronic device, wherein the third mode includes a mode for supporting soft switching of at least one of the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch.

13. In claim 11, The above switching circuit, Generating a first switching signal for the first switch and a second switching signal for the second switch by means of a PFM (pulse frequency modulation) method or a PWM (pulse width modulation) method, An electronic device configured to regulate the negative output voltage to a certain level using the first switching signal and the second switching signal.

14. In claim 13, An electronic device wherein the switching frequency of the first switching signal and the switching frequency of the second switching signal have higher values ​​than the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.

15. In claim 13, An electronic device in which the first switching signal and the second switching signal are alternately applied with a predetermined delay time.

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