Electronic device for boosting battery voltage using charger and operation method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic device comprising: a battery; a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) including a plurality of switches and a flying capacitor, and configured to convert a voltage of power provided from the outside according to a designated ratio and supply the converted voltage to the battery or a system of the electronic device; a switch circuit disposed between the SCVD and a node for supplying power to the system; and a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to identify a battery voltage output from the battery, control the plurality of switches such that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in series in a first time interval of a switching period of the plurality of switches included in the SCVD, and control the plurality of switches such that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in parallel in a second time interval of the switching period. On the basis of applying, to the switch circuit, a voltage obtained by adding a charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage according to a duty ratio indicating a ratio of the first time interval to the switching period, a first voltage higher than a designated voltage may be supplied to the node through the switch circuit.

Description

Electronic device for boosting battery voltage using a charger and method of operating the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device for boosting a battery voltage using a charger and a method of operating the same.

[0002] Recently, the use of portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, wearable devices, and augmented reality (AR) glasses has increased. Electronic devices may include various components. Electronic devices may include a charging circuit to supply power to various components (e.g., load components of the electronic device).

[0003] In one embodiment, an electronic device (201) may include a battery (270), a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) and a flying capacitor (CF), and may include a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) (250) configured to convert a voltage of externally provided power at a specified ratio and supply the converted voltage to the battery or a system of the electronic device, a switch circuit disposed between the SCVD and a node for supplying power to the system, and a control circuit (220). In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to check a battery voltage (VBAT) output from the battery. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control the plurality of switches included in the SCVD so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in series during a first time period of a switching cycle of the plurality of switches based on checking that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control the plurality of switches so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in parallel during a second time period after the first time period of the switching cycle. In one embodiment, based on applying a voltage obtained by adding a charging voltage of the flying capacitor and a voltage of the battery to the switch circuit according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of the first time period to the switching cycle, a first voltage higher than the designated voltage may be supplied to the node through the switch circuit.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of checking a battery voltage (VBAT) output from a battery included in the electronic device. In one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of controlling a plurality of switches included in a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) included in the electronic device so that a flying capacitor included in the SCVD and the battery are connected in series during a first time period of a switching cycle of the switches, based on checking that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage. In one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of controlling the plurality of switches so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in parallel during a second time period following the first time period of the switching cycle. According to one embodiment, based on applying a voltage that is the sum of the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of the first time interval to the switching cycle to a switch circuit disposed between the SCVD and a node (350) for supplying power to the system (280), a first voltage higher than the specified voltage can be supplied to the node through the switch circuit.

[0005] A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an electronic device to perform the following operations: checking a battery voltage (VBAT) output from a battery included in the electronic device; controlling a plurality of switches included in a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) included in the electronic device so that a flying capacitor included in the SCVD and the battery are connected in series during a first time period of a switching cycle of the switches, based on checking that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage; and controlling the plurality of switches so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in parallel during a second time period following the first time period of the switching cycle. According to one embodiment, based on applying a voltage that is the sum of the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of the first time interval to the switching cycle to a switch circuit disposed between the SCVD and a node (350) for supplying power to the system (280), a first voltage higher than the specified voltage can be supplied to the node through the switch circuit.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram including a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) and a switch circuit according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an electronic device to supply a first voltage, which is a boosted voltage of a battery voltage, to a system using a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD), according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a first mode of a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating a second mode of a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 6A and 6B are graphs showing the battery voltage, the charging voltage of the flying capacitor, the first voltage supplied to the system, and the voltage applied to the switch circuit in each mode according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIGS. 7A and 7B are drawings illustrating a method of charging a battery using a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a graph showing a battery voltage, a charging voltage of a flying capacitor, a first voltage supplied to the system, and a voltage applied to a switch circuit when charging a battery according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a switch circuit disposed between a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) and a node for supplying power to a system according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a switch circuit disposed between a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) and a node for supplying power to a system according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0018] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (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 (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0019] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (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 (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (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 (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). 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.

[0020] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0021] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0022] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) 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).

[0023] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) 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.

[0024] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) 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.

[0025] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0026] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) 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 (176) 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.

[0027] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0028] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0029] The haptic module (179) 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. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0030] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0031] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0032] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0033] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (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 (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (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 (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (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 can 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 (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0034] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can 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 (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) 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.

[0035] The antenna module (197) 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 (197) 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 (197) 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 (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one 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 (197).

[0036] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) 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 side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0037] 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)).

[0038] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) 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 (101). The electronic device (101) 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 (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device (201) according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a connector (210), an over voltage protection (OVP) (215), a control circuit (220), a memory (230), a coil (240), a rectifier circuit (245), a first charger (or a first charging circuit) (250), a second charger (or a second charging circuit) (260), a battery (270), and a system (280). The electronic device (201) according to an embodiment is not limited thereto and may further include various components or may be configured by excluding some of the above components. The electronic device (201) according to an embodiment may further include all or part of the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (220) may control the overall operation of the electronic device (201). For example, the control circuit (220) may be implemented in a manner identical to or similar to the processor (120) of FIG. 1. The control circuit (220) according to one embodiment may execute software (e.g., the program (140) of FIG. 1) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (201) connected to the control circuit (220), and may perform data processing or calculations based on the instructions. The instructions according to one embodiment may include instructions configured in a machine language that can be processed by the electronic device (201) or the control circuit (220). For example, the instructions may include instructions corresponding to operation instructions used in the program.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (220) may include a control circuit related to the operation control of the first charger (250) or the second charger (260).

[0043] Meanwhile, although FIG. 2 illustrates that the electronic device (201) includes one control circuit (220), this is merely exemplary and the technical concept of the present invention may not be limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (201) may include at least one processor. For example, the control circuit (220) may be implemented with at least one processor.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the memory (230) (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1) may store at least one command (or instruction) that causes at least one operation of the electronic device (201). The at least one instruction, when executed by the control circuit (220), may cause the electronic device (201) to perform a corresponding operation.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may receive power wired from an external power transmitter (e.g., a travel adapter (TA)) via a connector (or wired interface). For example, the electronic device (201) may receive power required within the maximum power supported by the power transmitter based on the maximum power supported by the power transmitter. For example, the power transmitter may be implemented as a programmable power supply (PPS) charger.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the connector (210) (e.g., a wired interface) may include a connection portion (e.g., a USB port) that can be connected to a power transmitter. For example, the connector (210) may further include a power delivery (PD) IC (not shown) for receiving power via a wire. Depending on the implementation, the PD IC may be implemented as a separate configuration from the wired interface. The PD IC may request power required by the electronic device (201) from the power transmitter under the control of the control circuit (220).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the OVP (215) may perform a function of protecting the first charger (250) and the second charger (260) from power supplied by a wire from an external power transmitter. For example, the OVP (215) may perform an overvoltage protection function. For example, the OVP (215) may block power having a voltage greater than a specified voltage.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) can wirelessly receive power from an external wireless power transmitter through the coil (240). For example, the coil (240) can receive power by electromagnetic induction or resonant induction. The AC power received through the coil (240) can be rectified into DC power through the rectifier circuit (245). In addition, the rectified DC power can be input or provided to the first charger (250) or the second charger (260). Depending on the implementation, the rectified DC power can also be input or provided to the first charger (250).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first charger (250) may receive power provided from an external power transmitter via the OVP (215). The first charger (250) may generate power for charging the battery (270) based on the received power. For example, the first charger (250) may support fast charging. Alternatively, the first charger (250) may generate power to be provided to the system (280) based on the received power. For example, the first charger (250) may convert the voltage of the received power into a voltage (e.g., 5 V) required for the battery (270). For example, the first charger (250) may convert the voltage of the received power into a voltage required for the system (280). For example, the first charger (250) can convert the voltage of the received power to a specified ratio (e.g., a 4:1 ratio, a 3:1 ratio, or a 2:1 ratio). The first charger (250) can supply power having the converted voltage to the battery (270). Alternatively, the first charger (250) can supply power having the converted voltage to the system (280). For example, the first charger (250) can include at least one of a direct charger, a switched capacitor voltage converter, or a switched capacitor voltage divider.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first charger (250) may provide power stored in the battery (270) to the system (280). For example, the first charger (250) may boost the battery voltage when the battery voltage output from the battery (270) is lower than a specified value (e.g., 3.4 V). The first charger (250) may supply the boosted battery voltage to the system (280). For example, the first charger (250) may boost the battery voltage to a voltage range (e.g., 3.4 to 4.4 V) required by the system (280). For example, the electronic device (201) may boost the battery voltage using the first charger (250) and then supply an appropriate voltage to the system (280) when the battery voltage output from the battery (270) is lower than a specified value. At this time, the electronic device (201) can supply an appropriate voltage to the system (280) after boosting the battery voltage without using a separate booster circuit.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the second charger (260) may provide power supplied from an external power transmitter (or wireless power transmitter) to the battery (270) and / or the system (280). The second charger (260) may provide power stored in the battery (270) to the system (280). For example, the system (280) may refer to components of the electronic device (201). For example, the second charger (260) may be implemented as a switching charger (or IF (interface) PMIC). For example, the second charger may include a DC / DC converter, a buck converter, a buck booster, or a buck boost / converter.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (220) may check (or monitor) the magnitude of power (e.g., voltage magnitude) output from the battery (270). Depending on the implementation, checking or monitoring the magnitude of voltage output from the battery (270) may be performed by a fuel gauge, a limiter, an IF PMIC, and / or a processor (e.g., an application processor). However, for the convenience of explanation, the control circuit (220) will be described as the entity that checks the magnitude of voltage in the specification, but the technical idea of ​​the present invention may not be limited thereto.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (220) can check whether the voltage output from the battery (270) (hereinafter, battery voltage) is lower than a specified voltage. For example, the specified voltage may represent a voltage that must be supplied to the system (280) to operate the system (280) normally. For example, the voltage range for operating the system (280) normally may be 3.4 to 4.4 V. For example, the specified voltage may be 3.4 V. For example, when silicon ions are used as the negative electrode of the battery (270), the capacity of the battery (270) may increase as the negative electrode voltage is set lower due to the characteristics of silicon ions. For example, when silicon ions are used as the negative electrode of the battery (270), the battery voltage (VBAT) of the battery (270) may be lower than the specified voltage. Alternatively, when silicon ions are used as the negative electrode of the battery (270), the battery voltage (VBAT) of the battery (270) may frequently be lower than the specified voltage.

[0054] According to one embodiment, when the battery voltage output from the battery (270) is lower than a specified voltage, the control circuit (220) may control the first charger (250) and / or the second charger (260) to boost the battery voltage to a voltage range for normally operating the system (280) and supply the boosted voltage to the system (280). The control circuit (220) may output a control signal to the first charger (250) and / or the second charger (260) for normally operating the system (280) when the magnitude of the voltage output from the battery (270) is lower than the specified voltage. Depending on the implementation, the operation of outputting the control signal according to the magnitude of the identified battery voltage may be performed by a fuel gauge, a limiter, an IF PMIC, and / or a processor (e.g., an application processor). However, for convenience of explanation, the specification will describe the control circuit (220) as outputting a control signal, but the technical idea of ​​the present invention may not be limited thereto.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (220) may control the first charger (250) based on the magnitude of the battery voltage output from the battery (270). For example, the control circuit (220) may control the first charger (250) to boost the battery voltage output from the battery (270) using the first charger (250) and supply the boosted voltage to the system (280). For example, the control circuit (220) may determine the operating mode of a plurality of switches included in the first charger (250) based on the magnitude of the battery voltage output from the battery (270).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first charger (250) may convert the battery voltage to a specified ratio (e.g., a 4:1 ratio, a 3:1 ratio, or a 2:1 ratio) based on the determined operating mode. For example, if the control circuit (220) determines that the battery voltage is 2.5 to 2.6 V, the first charger (250) may control the first charger (250) to convert the voltage of 2.5 to 2.6 V to 3.4 to 4.4 V and supply the voltage to the system (280).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first charger (250) can control the on / off of a plurality of switches included in the first charger (250) according to the control of the control circuit (220). The first charger (250) can control the on / off of the plurality of switches to convert the battery voltage into a voltage corresponding to the corresponding operating mode. Depending on the implementation, the first charger (250) and / or the second charger (260) can further include a separate control circuit (not shown). Alternatively, the separate control circuit (not shown) may be included in the control circuit (220). The control circuit (not shown) can control the on / off of the plurality of switches based on the control of the control circuit (220). To this end, the control circuit (not shown) can output a control signal for controlling the on / off of the plurality of switches.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (220) may control a switch circuit (not shown) connecting the first charger (250) and the system (280). For example, the switch circuit may include a switch (e.g., QREV of FIG. 3) disposed between the first charger (250) and the system (280). The switch circuit may further include an inductor disposed between the switch and a node for supplying voltage to the system (280). Depending on the implementation, the inductor may not be separately included in the switch circuit. In this case, the switch may be connected to an inductor included in the second charger (260). The control circuit (220) may connect (e.g., connect a power supply path) between the first charger (250) and the system (280) through the switch circuit when the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage. Alternatively, the control circuit (220) may block the connection (or block the power supply path) between the first charger (250) and the system (280) through the switch circuit when the battery voltage is not lower than a specified voltage. Alternatively, the control circuit (220) may block the connection (or block the power supply path) between the first charger (250) and the system (280) through the switch circuit when charging the battery (270) using the first charger (250).

[0059] For example, a separate boost circuit may be further included in the electronic device (201) to boost the battery voltage. However, as the separate boost circuit is further included in the electronic device (201), additional components included in the boost circuit may be required. This may result in disadvantages in terms of cost and the inclusion of the boost circuit. Furthermore, additional power loss may occur due to the multiple components included in the boost circuit.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) can boost the battery voltage using the first charger (250) without a separate boost circuit and supply the boosted voltage to the system (280). This may provide the electronic device (201) with advantages in terms of cost and the absence of a separate circuit. In addition, the electronic device (201) may not suffer additional power loss due to the separate boost circuit.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include a switch (e.g., QBAT of FIG. 3) positioned between the first charger (250) and the system (280). The switch (e.g., QBAT of FIG. 3) may be configured as part of the second charger, or may be configured as a separate switch. The switch (e.g., QBAT of FIG. 3) may turn on / off an electrical connection between the first charger (250), the battery (270), and the system (280). FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram including a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) and a switch circuit, according to one embodiment.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2) may include a first charger (250). For example, the first charger (250) may be implemented as an SCVD or a direct charger. The first charger (250) may include a flying capacitor (CF) and a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4). For example, the flying capacitor (CF) may be connected to a point between the first switch (Q1) and the second switch (Q2) and a point between the third switch (Q3) and the fourth switch (Q4). Although FIG. 3 illustrates the first charger (250) as including the flying capacitor (CF), the flying capacitor (CF) may be disposed external to the first charger.

[0063] According to one embodiment, a switch (QREV) and an inductor (L) connected in series with each other may be disposed between a first charger (250) (e.g., a point between the first switch (Q1) and the second switch) and a node (350) for supplying power to a system (e.g., the system (280) of FIG. 2). For example, the switch circuit may include the switch (QREV) and the inductor (L). According to one embodiment, the inductor (L) may be an inductor included in a second charger (260) (e.g., an inductor connected to the node (350) for supplying power to the system (280), and the switch (QREV) may be connected to the inductor included in the second charger (260).

[0064] In one embodiment, a first charger (250), for example, a point between a third switch (Q3) and a fourth switch (Q4), may be connected to a battery (270). The battery (270) may be connected to a node (350) for supplying power to the system (280) via the battery switch (QBAT). For example, the node (350) for supplying power to the system (280) may include a node (or connector) connecting a source of the first switch (Q1) and a drain of the second switch (Q2).

[0065] According to one embodiment, when the battery voltage (VBAT) is determined to be lower than a specified voltage, the battery switch (QBAT) may be turned off (or controlled to an off state). This may prevent the battery voltage (VBAT) from being supplied to the system (280) as is. In addition, when the battery voltage (VBAT) is determined to be lower than a specified voltage, the switch (QREV) may be controlled to an on state. This may allow a first voltage based on boosting the battery voltage (VBAT) using the first charger (250) to be supplied to the system (280) through the switch (QREV). For example, the first voltage may be higher than or equal to a specified voltage.

[0066] According to one embodiment, when the battery voltage (VBAT) is determined to be lower than a specified voltage, the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) may be turned on or off under the control of a control circuit (e.g., the control circuit (220) of FIG. 2). For example, the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) may be alternately turned on or off according to a switching cycle of the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4). For example, the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery (270) may be connected in series in a first time period of the switching cycle. Additionally, the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery (270) may be connected in parallel in a second time period of the switching cycle (e.g., a time period after the first time period). A voltage that is the sum of the charging voltage of the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery voltage (VBAT) may be applied to a switch circuit (e.g., an inductor (L)) according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of the first time section in the switching cycle. Based on the voltage being applied to the switch circuit (e.g., the inductor (L)), a first voltage higher than a specified voltage may be supplied to the node (350). Accordingly, even if the battery voltage (VBAT) is lower than the specified voltage, a first voltage higher than the specified voltage may be supplied to the system (280).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may charge the battery (270) using the first charger (250) when power is received from an external source. For example, the electronic device (201) may charge the battery (270) based on the voltage (VIN) input to the first charger (250). At this time, a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) included in the first charger (250) may be alternately turned on or off.

[0068] As described above, the electronic device (201) can supply a first voltage higher than a specified voltage to the system (280) based on boosting the battery voltage (VBAT) using the first charger (250) without a separate boost circuit. Through this, the electronic device (201) can have advantages in terms of cost and not including a separate boost circuit.

[0069] The operations of the electronic device (201) described below may be controlled by a processor or a control circuit. However, for convenience of explanation, the subject of the operations will be described as the electronic device (201).

[0070] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an electronic device to supply a first voltage, which is a boosted voltage of a battery voltage, to a system using a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD), according to one embodiment.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, in operation 401, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (201) of FIG. 2) can check a battery voltage (VBAT) output from a battery (e.g., battery (270) of FIG. 2) included in the electronic device (201).

[0072] In one embodiment, at operation 403, the electronic device (201) may determine whether the battery voltage (VBAT) is less than a specified voltage. For example, the specified voltage may represent a voltage that must be supplied to the system (280) for the system (e.g., the system (280) of FIG. 2) to operate normally.

[0073] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the battery voltage (VBAT) is less than a specified voltage (example of operation 403), in operation 405, the electronic device (201) may control (e.g., control on / off) the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) included in the SCVD (e.g., the first charger (250) of FIG. 2) in the electronic device (201) so that the flying capacitor (CF) included in the SCVD (250) and the battery (270) are connected in series during a first time period of the switching cycle of the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). For example, the electronic device (201) may control the third switch (Q3) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) to be in an on state and the remaining switches (Q1, Q2, Q4) to be in an off state during the first time period of the switching cycle. Accordingly, the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery (270) can be connected in series with each other. For example, if the electronic device (201) determines that the battery voltage (VBAT) is lower than a specified voltage, the electronic device (201) can control the battery switch (QBAT) to be turned off so that the battery voltage (VBAT) is not directly supplied to the system (280). In addition, the electronic device (201) can control the switch (QREV) included in the switch circuit to be turned on.

[0074] According to one embodiment, in operation 407, the electronic device (201) may control (e.g., control on / off) the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) so ​​that the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery (270) are connected in parallel in a second time interval (e.g., a time interval after the first time interval) of the switching cycles of the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). For example, the electronic device (201) may control the second switch (Q2) and the fourth switch (Q4) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) to be in an on state, and the first switch (Q1) and the third switch (Q3) to be in an off state in the second time interval of the switching cycle. For example, a voltage that is the sum of the charging voltage of the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery voltage (VBAT) is applied to a switch circuit (e.g., an inductor (L)) during a first time period, and based on the charging voltage being applied to the switch circuit (e.g., an inductor (L)) during a second time period, a first voltage can be supplied to a node (350) through the switch circuit (e.g., an inductor (L)).

[0075] According to one embodiment, a voltage obtained by adding the charging voltage of the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery voltage (VBAT) output from the battery (270) may be applied to a switch circuit (e.g., an inductor (L)) according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of a first time section in a switching cycle of a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). For example, based on applying a voltage obtained by adding the charging voltage of the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery voltage (VBAT) according to the duty ratio to the switch circuit (e.g., the inductor (L)), a first voltage higher than a specified voltage may be supplied to the node (350) through the switch circuit (e.g., the switch (QREV) and the inductor (L)). According to one embodiment, the battery voltage (VBAT) may be boosted to the first voltage based on the duty ratio. Accordingly, the electronic device (201) may determine the duty ratio based on the magnitude of the battery voltage (VBAT).

[0076] According to one embodiment, if the battery voltage (VBAT) is determined to be less than a specified voltage (e.g., in operation 403), operations 405 and 407 may be repeatedly performed. Although operations 405 and 407 are illustrated in that order, this is only an example embodiment, and the order of operations 405 and 407 may be changed according to various embodiments.

[0077] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the battery voltage (VBAT) is not less than a specified voltage (NO of operation 403), in operation 409, the electronic device (201) may supply the battery voltage (VBAT) to the system (280). For example, if it is determined that the battery voltage (VBAT) is not less than a specified voltage, the electronic device (201) may control the battery switch (QBAT) to be turned on so that the battery voltage (VBAT) is supplied to the system (280).

[0078] As described above, the electronic device (201) can supply a first voltage higher than a specified voltage to the system (280) based on boosting the battery voltage (VBAT) using the first charger (250) without a separate boost circuit. Through this, the electronic device (201) can have advantages in terms of cost and not including a separate boost circuit.

[0079] FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a first mode of a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) according to one embodiment. FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining a second mode of a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) according to one embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B , according to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2 ) may operate an SCVD (e.g., the first charger (250) of FIG. 2 ) in a first mode and a second mode when it is determined that the battery voltage (VBAT) is lower than a specified voltage. At this time, the electronic device (201) may control the battery switch (QBAT) to be in an off state so that the battery voltage (VBAT) is not directly supplied to the system (280). In addition, the electronic device (201) may control the switch (QREV) to be in an on state.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5A, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may control (e.g., control on / off) a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) so ​​that a flying capacitor (CF) and a battery (270) included in the SCVD (250) are connected in series in a first mode. For example, the electronic device (201) may control a third switch (Q3) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) to be in an on state and the remaining switches (Q1, Q2, Q4) to be in an off state in a first time section of a switching cycle. For example, the first time section may be a time section in which the SCVD (250) is operated in the first mode in one switching cycle of the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). Since the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery (270) are connected in series with each other, a voltage (VSW) that is the sum of the charging voltage (VC) of the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery voltage (VBAT) of the battery (270) can be applied to a switch circuit (e.g., a switch (QREV) and an inductor (L)). At this time, since a voltage (VSW) higher than the target voltage to be supplied to the system (280) is applied to the inductor (L), the magnitude of the inductor current (IL) conducted to the inductor (L) can increase. Meanwhile, since the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery (270) are connected in series with each other, the magnitudes of the battery current (IBAT), the capacitor current (IC), and the inductor current (IL) can all be the same.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5B, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may control (e.g., control on / off) the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) so ​​that the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery (270) are connected in parallel in the second mode. For example, the electronic device (201) may control the second switch (Q2) and the fourth switch (Q4) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) to be in an on state and the first switch (Q1) and the third switch (Q3) to be in an off state in a second time interval of the switching cycle (e.g., a time interval after the first time interval). For example, the second time interval may be a time interval in which the SCVD (250) is operated in the second mode in one switching cycle of the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). For example, as the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery (270) are connected in parallel with each other, a voltage (VSW) corresponding to the charging voltage (VC) of the flying capacitor (CF) can be applied to the switch circuit (e.g., the switch (QREV) and the inductor (L)). At this time, as a voltage (VSW) lower than the target voltage to be supplied to the system (280) is applied to the inductor (L), the magnitude of the inductor current (IL) conducted to the inductor (L) can be reduced. Meanwhile, as the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery (270) are connected in parallel with each other, the absolute value of the battery current (IBAT) can be equal to the sum of the capacitor current (IC) and the inductor current (IL).

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, according to one embodiment, a voltage (VSW) that is the sum of the charging voltage (VC) of the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery voltage (VBAT) is applied to a switch circuit (e.g., a switch (QREV) and an inductor (L)) during a first time period of a switching cycle, and a voltage (VSW) corresponding to the charging voltage (VC) is applied to the switch circuit (e.g., a switch (QREV) and an inductor (L)) during a second time period of the switching cycle, so that a first voltage (VSYS) can be supplied to a node (350).

[0084] FIGS. 6A and 6B are graphs showing the battery voltage, the charging voltage of the flying capacitor, the first voltage supplied to the system, and the voltage applied to the switch circuit in each mode according to one embodiment.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 6A, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (201) of FIG. 2) can operate an SCVD (e.g., a first charger (250) of FIG. 2) in a first mode during a first time interval (t1) of one switching cycle of a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). In addition, the electronic device (201) can operate the SCVD (250) in a second mode during a second time interval (t2) of the switching cycle.

[0086] According to one embodiment, in a first time interval (t1), the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery (270) are connected in series with each other, and thus, a voltage (VSW) that is the sum of the charge voltage (VC) of the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery voltage (VBAT) of the battery (270) may be applied to a switch circuit (e.g., a switch (QREV) and an inductor (L)). At this time, the magnitude of the inductor current (IL) conducted to the inductor (L) may increase. In addition, the magnitudes (e.g., absolute magnitudes) of the battery current (IBAT), the capacitor current (IC), and the inductor current (IL) may all be the same.

[0087] According to one embodiment, in the second time interval (t2), the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery (270) are connected in parallel with each other, and thus, a voltage (VSW) corresponding to the charging voltage (VC) of the flying capacitor (CF) may be applied to a switch circuit (e.g., a switch (QREV) and an inductor (L)). At this time, the magnitude of the inductor current (IL) conducted to the inductor (L) may be reduced. In addition, the absolute value of the battery current (IBAT) may be equal to the sum of the capacitor current (IC) and the inductor current (IL).

[0088] According to one embodiment, a first voltage (VSYS) corresponding to an average of the voltage (VSW) applied to a switch circuit (e.g., an inductor (L)) during a switching period (e.g., a time period equal to the sum of a first time interval (t1) and a second time interval (t2)) may be applied to a node (350) for supplying power to a system (280). For example, the magnitude of the first voltage (VSYS) (e.g., 3.8 V) may be higher than a specified voltage.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the magnitude of the first voltage (VSYS) may be determined based on a duty ratio representing a ratio of the first time interval (t1) in a switching cycle. For example, as the ratio of the first time interval (t1) in a switching cycle increases, the magnitude of the first voltage (VSYS) may increase. Additionally, as the ratio of the first time interval (t1) in a switching cycle decreases, the magnitude of the first voltage (VSYS) may decrease.

[0090] Referring to Fig. 6b, compared to Fig. 6a, the proportion of the first time interval (t3) in one switching cycle may increase. Additionally, compared to Fig. 6a, the proportion of the second time interval (t4) in one switching cycle may decrease.

[0091] According to one embodiment, a first voltage (VSYS) corresponding to an average of the voltage (VSW) applied to a switch circuit (e.g., an inductor (L)) during a switching period (e.g., a time period equal to the sum of a first time period (t3) and a second time period (t4)) may be applied to a node (350) for supplying power to a system (280). For example, the magnitude of the first voltage (VSYS) (e.g., about 4.2 V) may be higher than a specified voltage. That is, as the proportion of the first time period (t3) in the switching period increases, the magnitude of the first voltage (VSYS) may increase.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may determine the duty ratio based on the magnitude of the battery voltage (VBAT). For example, the duty ratio may be determined relatively higher when the battery voltage (VBAT) is lower. Additionally, the duty ratio may be determined relatively lower when the battery voltage (VBAT) is higher. Depending on the implementation, the electronic device (201) may control a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) according to a fixed duty ratio. At this time, the designated voltage may be determined to an appropriate value so that the first voltage obtained by boosting the battery voltage (VBAT) can be included in an appropriate voltage range (e.g., 3.4 to 4.4 V).

[0093] FIGS. 7A and 7B are drawings illustrating a method of charging a battery using a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) according to one embodiment.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , according to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may charge the battery (270) using an SDVD (e.g., the first charger (250) of FIG. 2 ) when power is received from an external source. For example, the electronic device (201) may charge the battery (270) based on an input voltage (VIN) input to the first charger (250). At this time, a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) included in the first charger (250) may be alternately turned on or off.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may control a switch circuit (e.g., switch (QREV)) to disconnect the connection between the SCVD and the node based on receiving power from an external source. For example, the electronic device (201) may control the switch (QREV) to an off state in response to receiving power from an external source.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment, in a first time period of one switching cycle of a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), the first switch (Q1) and the third switch (Q3) may be controlled to be in an on state, and the second switch (Q2) and the fourth switch (Q4) may be controlled to be in an off state. At this time, the battery (270) may also be charged as the flying capacitor (CF) is charged based on the input voltage (VIN).

[0097] Referring to FIG. 7B, according to one embodiment, in a second time interval (e.g., a time interval after the first time interval) of one switching cycle of a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), the first switch (Q1) and the third switch (Q3) may be controlled to be in an off state, and the second switch (Q2) and the fourth switch (Q4) may be controlled to be in an on state. At this time, the flying capacitor (CF) may be discharged, and the battery (270) may be charged.

[0098] As described above, the electronic device (201) can charge the battery (270) using power received from the outside (e.g., input voltage (VIN)) while controlling a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) to be alternately turned on or off.

[0099] FIG. 8 is a graph showing a battery voltage, a charging voltage of a flying capacitor, a first voltage supplied to the system, and a voltage applied to a switch circuit when charging a battery according to one embodiment.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may charge the battery (270) based on the input voltage (VIN) input to the first charger (250). At this time, a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) included in the first charger (250) may be alternately turned on or off. For example, when the second switch (Q2) and the fourth switch (Q4) are turned on or off, the first switch (Q1) and the third switch (Q3) may be turned off or on. At this time, since the switch (QREV) is controlled to be in the off state, the inductor current (IL) may be 0 A.

[0101] According to one embodiment, during a first time period of one switching cycle of a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), a flying capacitor (CF) may be charged by a capacitor current (IC), and a charge voltage (VC) may also be increased. As a battery current (IBAT) is supplied to the battery (270), a battery voltage (VBAT) may be applied to the battery (270).

[0102] According to one embodiment, during a second time period of one switching cycle of the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), the flying capacitor (CF) may be discharged by the capacitor current (IC), and the charge voltage (VC) may also be reduced. Accordingly, a battery current (IBAT) may be provided to the battery (270), and a battery voltage (VBAT) may be applied to the battery (270).

[0103] In one embodiment, the duty ratio, which represents the ratio of the first time interval in a single switching cycle, may be 50%. For example, the length of the first time interval and the length of the second time interval may be equal. Depending on the implementation, the length of the first time interval and the length of the second time interval may be set differently.

[0104] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a switch circuit disposed between a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) and a node for supplying power to a system according to one embodiment.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 9, according to one embodiment, a switch circuit (290) may include a switch (QREV) and an inductor (L). The switch (QREV) and the inductor (L) may be connected in series with each other. For example, the switch circuit (290) may be disposed between the first charger (250) and a node (350) for supplying power to the system (280). For example, one end of the switch (QREV) may be connected to a point between the first switch (Q1) and the second switch (Q2). For example, the switch (QREV) and the flying capacitor (CF) may be connected in parallel with each other at the point. The other end of the switch (QREV) may be connected to the inductor (L). One end of the inductor (L) may be connected to the switch (QREV). The other end of the inductor (L) can be connected to a node (350) for supplying power to the system (280).

[0106] According to one embodiment, based on applying a voltage (VSW) that is the sum of the charging voltage (VC) of the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery voltage (VBAT) according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of a first time interval in a switching cycle of the first charger (250), a first voltage (VSYS) higher than a specified voltage can be supplied to the node (350) through the switch circuit (290).

[0107] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a switch circuit disposed between a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) and a node for supplying power to a system according to one embodiment.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 10, according to one embodiment, the switch circuit may include a switch (QREV). One end of the switch (QREV) may be connected to a first charger (250) (e.g., a point between the first switch (Q1) and the second switch (Q2), for example, at a point where the switch (QREV) and the flying capacitor (CF) may be connected in parallel with each other). The other end of the switch (QREV) may be connected to an inductor (L) included in a second charger (260). For example, the switch circuit may share the inductor (L) included in the second charger (260) without including a separate inductor.

[0109] According to one embodiment, a first voltage (VSYS) higher than a specified voltage can be supplied to the node (350) based on applying a voltage (VSW) that is the sum of the charging voltage (VC) of the flying capacitor (CF) and the battery voltage (VBAT) according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of a first time interval in a switching cycle of the first charger (250) to the inductor (L) included in the second charger (260).

[0110] As described above, the electronic device (201) can supply a first voltage higher than a specified voltage to the system (280) based on boosting the battery voltage (VBAT) using the first charger (250) without a separate boost circuit. Through this, the electronic device (201) has the effect of reducing costs. In addition, the electronic device (201) has the effect of securing more placement space.

[0111] In one embodiment, an electronic device (201) may include a battery (270), a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) and a flying capacitor (CF), and may include a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) (250) configured to convert a voltage of externally provided power at a specified ratio and supply the converted voltage to the battery or a system of the electronic device, a switch circuit disposed between the SCVD and a node for supplying power to the system, and a control circuit (220). In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to check a battery voltage (VBAT) output from the battery. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control the plurality of switches included in the SCVD so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in series during a first time period of a switching cycle of the plurality of switches based on checking that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control the plurality of switches so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in parallel during a second time period after the first time period of the switching cycle. In one embodiment, based on applying a voltage obtained by adding a charging voltage of the flying capacitor and a voltage of the battery to the switch circuit according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of the first time period to the switching cycle, a first voltage higher than the designated voltage may be supplied to the node through the switch circuit.

[0112] This embodiment improves the cost and installation area of ​​the circuit by allowing the bypass boost converter to be omitted.

[0113] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control a third switch among the plurality of switches to be turned on and the remaining switches to be turned off during the first time period of the switching cycle. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control a second switch and a fourth switch among the plurality of switches to be turned on and the first switch and the third switch to be turned off during the second time period of the switching cycle.

[0114] In the first time period, the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in series to increase the inductor current and supply a voltage higher than the first voltage. In the second time period, the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in parallel to decrease the inductor current and supply a battery voltage lower than the first voltage.

[0115] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to determine the duty ratio of the plurality of switches based on the magnitude of the battery voltage. In one embodiment, the battery voltage may be boosted to the first voltage based on the duty ratio.

[0116] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control a switch included in the switch circuit to be turned on to supply the first voltage to the node based on determining that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage.

[0117] According to one embodiment, a voltage that is the sum of the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage is applied to an inductor included in the switch circuit during the first time period, and based on the charging voltage being applied to the inductor during the second time period, the first voltage can be supplied to the node through the inductor.

[0118] According to one embodiment, one end of the switch included in the switch circuit may be connected to a point between a first switch and a second switch among the plurality of switches, and the other end of the switch may be connected to the inductor included in the switch circuit.

[0119] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a switching charger configured to supply power to at least one of the battery or the system based on power provided from an external source. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to supply the first voltage to the node using the switching charger while disconnecting the connection between the switching charger and the battery based on determining that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the voltage obtained by adding the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage during the first time period is applied to an inductor included in the switching charger, and the first voltage can be supplied to the node based on the charging voltage being applied to the inductor during the second time period.

[0121] According to one embodiment, one end of a switch included in the switch circuit may be connected to a point between a first switch and a second switch among the plurality of switches, and the other end of the switch may be connected to the inductor included in the switching charger.

[0122] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control the switch circuit to disconnect the connection between the SCVD and the node based on receiving power from an external power source. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to charge the battery using the power based on controlling the plurality of switches to on and off states according to a switching cycle.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the switch (QREV) included in the switch circuit (290) may be directly connected to a point between the first switch (Q1) and the second switch (Q2). According to one embodiment, the switch (QREV) included in the switch circuit (290) may be directly connected to an inductor (L) included in the switch circuit (290). According to one embodiment, the point between the third switch (Q3) and the fourth switch (Q4) may be directly connected to the battery (270). According to one embodiment, the switching charger (260) is connected between the battery (270) and the node (350). According to one embodiment, the switch circuit (290) may be composed of the switch (QREV) and the inductor (L).

[0124] In another embodiment, instead of the SCVD, the electronic device (201) may include a direct charger or a switched capacitor voltage converter. In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) does not include a bypass boost converter. In one embodiment, the plurality of switches may be configured as four switches.

[0125] In one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of checking a battery voltage (VBAT) output from a battery included in the electronic device. In one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of controlling a plurality of switches included in a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) included in the electronic device so that a flying capacitor included in the SCVD and the battery are connected in series during a first time period of a switching cycle of the switches, based on checking that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage. In one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of controlling the plurality of switches so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in parallel during a second time period following the first time period of the switching cycle. According to one embodiment, based on applying a voltage that is the sum of the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage to a switch circuit disposed between the SCVD and a node for supplying power to the system according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of the first time interval to the switching cycle, a first voltage higher than the specified voltage can be supplied to the node through the switch circuit.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include an operation of controlling a third switch among the plurality of switches to an on state and the remaining switches to an off state during the first time period of the switching cycle. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include an operation of controlling a second switch and a fourth switch among the plurality of switches to an on state and the first switch and the third switch to an off state during the second time period of the switching cycle.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may further include an operation of determining the duty ratio of the plurality of switches based on the magnitude of the battery voltage. According to one embodiment, the battery voltage may be boosted to the first voltage based on the duty ratio.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may further include controlling a switch included in the switch circuit to be turned on to supply the first voltage to the node based on determining that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage.

[0129] According to one embodiment, a voltage that is the sum of the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage is applied to an inductor included in the switch circuit during the first time period, and based on the charging voltage being applied to the inductor during the second time period, the first voltage can be supplied to the node through the inductor.

[0130] According to one embodiment, one end of the switch included in the switch circuit may be connected to a point between a first switch and a second switch among the plurality of switches, and the other end of the switch may be connected to the inductor included in the switch circuit.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a switching charger configured to supply power to at least one of the battery or the system based on power provided from an external source. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include an operation of supplying the first voltage to the node using the switching charger while disconnecting a connection between the switching charger and the battery based on determining that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the voltage obtained by adding the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage during the first time period is applied to an inductor included in the switching charger, and the first voltage can be supplied to the node based on the charging voltage being applied to the inductor during the second time period.

[0133] According to one embodiment, one end of a switch included in the switch circuit may be connected to a point between a first switch and a second switch among the plurality of switches, and the other end of the switch may be connected to the inductor included in the switching charger.

[0134] A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause an electronic device to perform the following operations: checking a battery voltage (VBAT) output from a battery included in the electronic device; controlling a plurality of switches included in a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) included in the electronic device so that a flying capacitor included in the SCVD and the battery are connected in series during a first time period of a switching cycle of the switches, based on checking that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage; and controlling the plurality of switches so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in parallel during a second time period following the first time period of the switching cycle. According to one embodiment, based on applying a voltage that is the sum of the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage to a switch circuit disposed between the SCVD and a node for supplying power to the system according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of the first time interval to the switching cycle, a first voltage higher than the specified voltage can be supplied to the node through the switch circuit.

[0135] Since many features other than those of the independent claims are merely optional, features of the preferred embodiments have been described in terms of "may be." Nevertheless, the preferred embodiments should be understood as being disclosed in specific preferred combinations as illustrated in the drawings, and thus, while the features depicted in the drawings should be understood as actual preferred combinations for the present invention, this does not limit the scope of the invention.

[0136] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein 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, 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.

[0137] 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).

[0138] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., built-in memory or external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device) 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 instruction called. 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' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure 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., smartphones). 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 a relay server.

[0140] According to 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 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 embodiments, 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.

Claims

1. In the electronic device (201), Battery (270); A switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) (250) comprising a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) and a flying capacitor (CF), configured to convert the voltage of externally supplied power according to a specified ratio, and supply the converted voltage to the battery or the system of the electronic device; A switch circuit disposed between the SCVD and a node (350) for supplying power to the system; and It includes a control circuit (220), and the control circuit comprises: Check the battery voltage (VBAT) output from the above battery, Based on determining that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage, controlling the plurality of switches included in the SCVD so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in series during a first time period of the switching cycle of the plurality of switches, It is set to control the plurality of switches so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in parallel in a second time period after the first time period of the switching cycle, An electronic device in which a first voltage higher than the specified voltage is supplied to the node through the switch circuit based on applying a voltage that is the sum of the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage to the switch circuit according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of the first time interval to the switching cycle.

2. In the first paragraph, the control circuit, In the first time section of the switching cycle, the third switch (Q3) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) is controlled to be in an on state, and the remaining switches (Q1, Q2, Q4) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) are controlled to be in an off state. An electronic device configured to control the second switch (Q2) and the fourth switch (Q4) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) to be in an on state and the first switch (Q1) and the third switch (Q3) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) to be in an off state during the second time period of the switching cycle.

3. In the first or second paragraph, the control circuit, It is set to determine the duty ratio of the plurality of switches based on the size of the battery voltage, An electronic device in which the battery voltage is boosted to the first voltage based on the duty ratio.

4. In any one of the first to third paragraphs, the control circuit, An electronic device configured to control a switch included in the switch circuit to be turned on to supply the first voltage to the node based on determining that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, An electronic device in which a voltage that is the sum of the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage is applied to an inductor included in a switch circuit during the first time period, and the first voltage is supplied to the node through the inductor based on the charging voltage being applied to the inductor during the second time period.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, An electronic device in which one end of the switch included in the switch circuit is connected to a point between a first switch and a second switch among the plurality of switches, and the other end of the switch is connected to the inductor included in the switch circuit.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, Further comprising a switching charger configured to supply power to at least one of the battery or the system based on power provided from an external source; An electronic device wherein the control circuit is configured to supply the first voltage to the node using the switching charger while disconnecting the connection between the switching charger and the battery based on determining that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, An electronic device in which a voltage that is the sum of the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage is applied to an inductor included in the switching charger during the first time period, and the first voltage is supplied to the node based on the charging voltage being applied to the inductor during the second time period.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, An electronic device in which one end of a switch included in the above switch circuit is connected to a point between a first switch and a second switch among the plurality of switches, and the other end of the switch is connected to the inductor included in the switching charger.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, the control circuit, Based on receiving power from an external power source, controlling the switch circuit to disconnect the connection between the SCVD and the node, and An electronic device configured to charge the battery using the power based on controlling the plurality of switches to an on state and an off state according to a switching cycle.

11. In the operating method of an electronic device (201), An operation of checking the battery voltage (VBAT) output from the battery (270) included in the electronic device; An operation of controlling a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) included in a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) (250) included in the electronic device so that a flying capacitor (CF) included in the SCVD and the battery are connected in series during a first time period of a switching cycle of the switches based on determining that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage; and An operation of controlling the plurality of switches so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in parallel in a second time period after the first time period of the switching cycle, An operating method of an electronic device in which a first voltage higher than the specified voltage is supplied to the node through the switch circuit based on applying a voltage obtained by adding the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage to a switch circuit arranged between the SCVD and a node (350) for supplying power to the system (280) according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of the first time interval to the switching cycle.

12. In paragraph 11, An operation of controlling a third switch (Q3) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) to be in an on state and the remaining switches (Q1, Q2, Q4) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) to be in an off state in the first time section of the switching cycle; and An operating method of an electronic device further comprising an operation of controlling a second switch (Q2) and a fourth switch (Q4) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) to an on state and a first switch (Q1) and a third switch (Q3) among the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) to an off state in the second time section of the switching cycle.

13. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 12, Further comprising an operation of determining the duty ratio of the plurality of switches based on the magnitude of the battery voltage, An operating method of an electronic device in which the battery voltage is boosted to the first voltage based on the duty ratio.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, An operating method of an electronic device further comprising an action of controlling a switch included in the switch circuit to be turned on so as to supply the first voltage to the node based on determining that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage.

15. In a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, When executed by at least one processor, the electronic device (201), An operation of checking the battery voltage (VBAT) output from the battery (270) included in the electronic device; An operation of controlling a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) included in a switched capacitor voltage divider (SCVD) (250) included in the electronic device so that a flying capacitor (CF) included in the SCVD and the battery are connected in series during a first time period of a switching cycle of the switches based on determining that the battery voltage is lower than a specified voltage; and Store instructions for controlling the plurality of switches so that the flying capacitor and the battery are connected in parallel during a second time period after the first time period of the switching cycle, A recording medium in which a first voltage higher than the specified voltage is supplied to the node through the switch circuit based on applying a voltage obtained by adding the charging voltage of the flying capacitor and the battery voltage to the switch circuit arranged between the SCVD and the node (350) for supplying power to the system (280) according to a duty ratio representing a ratio of the first time interval to the switching cycle.

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