Electronic device having converter for supplying power to load

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic device comprising: a converter capable of increasing power transmission efficiency by reducing conduction loss; and a control circuit. The converter includes an input terminal, an output terminal, an inductor, first and second capacitors, and a switching circuit, and converts a voltage conversion ratio indicating a ratio of voltage of power input from a power source through the input terminal to voltage output to a load through the output terminal. The switching circuit sets a converter state to one of first to fourth connection states, and the control circuit controls the switching circuit such that the converter operates in a first mode or a second mode according to the voltage conversion ratio. In the first mode, the converter state is periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the second connection state and the fourth connection state, and in the second mode, the converter state is periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the third connection state and the fourth connection state.

Description

Electronic device having a converter for supplying power to a load

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device having a converter for supplying power to a load (e.g., a battery).

[0002] The electronic device may include a DC (direct current)-DC converter for converting the ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage (voltage conversion ratio; VCR) and a control circuit for controlling the same. For example, the buck converter may include a plurality of switches (e.g., switched capacitors) and inductors. The control circuit may check the voltage output from the buck converter and, based on the check result, control the state of the switches. Depending on this control, the buck converter may lower the voltage received from a power source (e.g., a travel adapter (TA)) to a specified voltage. Power with the lowered output voltage may be output to a load.

[0003] The information described above is provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] In a DC-DC converter, a switch can be switched from a closed state (or turned on) to an open state (or turned off) or vice versa based on the control of a control circuit. When the switch is in the closed state (or when switching from the open state to the closed state), power loss may occur in the switch due to the resistance of the switch when current passes through it. When current passes through an inductor, power loss may occur in the inductor due to the parasitic resistance of the inductor. Power loss (e.g., pass loss) occurring when current passes through switches and inductors is a major factor in the reduction of efficiency.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device having a DC-DC converter configured to increase power transmission efficiency by reducing conduction losses. The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a converter and a control circuit. The converter includes an input terminal, an output terminal, an inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a switching circuit. The converter is configured to convert a voltage conversion ratio representing the ratio of the voltage output to a load through the output terminal to the voltage of power input from a power source through the input terminal. The switching circuit can set the state of the converter to one of a first connection state, a second connection state, a third connection state, and a fourth connection state. In the first connection state, the first capacitor may be connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor may be connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal. In the second connection state, the first capacitor may be connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor may be connected in series between the ground of the electronic device and the output terminal. In the third connection state, the inductor and the first capacitor may be connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the second capacitor may be connected between the ground and the output terminal. In the above fourth connection state, the inductor and the first capacitor may be connected in series between the ground and the output terminal, and the second capacitor may be connected between the ground and the output terminal. The control circuit may control the switching circuit so that the converter operates in a first mode based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than a first value (e.g., 0.25) and less than or equal to a second value (e.g., 0.5). The control circuit may control the switching circuit so that the converter operates in a second mode based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than the second value and less than or equal to a third value.In the first mode, the state of the converter may be periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the second connection state, and the fourth connection state. In the second mode, the state of the converter may be periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the third connection state, and the fourth connection state. The third value is a value less than 1.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the electronic device includes a converter; a memory for storing instructions; and a processor. The converter includes an input terminal, an output terminal, an inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a switching circuit. The converter may be configured to convert a voltage conversion ratio representing the ratio of the voltage of power input from a power source through the input terminal to the voltage output to a load through the output terminal. The switching circuit may set the converter to one of a first connection state, a second connection state, a third connection state, and a fourth connection state. In the first connection state, the first capacitor may be connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor may be connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal. In the second connection state, the first capacitor may be connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor may be connected in series between the ground of the electronic device and the output terminal. In the third connection state, the inductor and the first capacitor may be connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the second capacitor may be connected between the ground and the output terminal. In the fourth connection state, the inductor and the first capacitor may be connected in series between the ground and the output terminal, and the second capacitor may be connected between the ground and the output terminal. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device may control the switching circuit so that the converter operates in a first mode based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than a first value and less than or equal to a second value, and control the switching circuit so that the converter operates in a second mode based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than a second value and less than or equal to a third value.In the first mode, the state of the converter may be periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the second connection state, and the fourth connection state. In the second mode, the state of the converter may be periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the third connection state, and the fourth connection state. The third value is a value less than 1.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device can increase efficiency by reducing conduction losses when supplying power to a load. In addition, various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a power management module and a battery according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device configured to charge a battery and supply power to a system according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device configured to supply power from a power source to a load, according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are diagrams illustrating the connection status in a DC-DC converter.

[0014] FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c illustrate the waveforms of the inductor current (IL), the first capacitor current (IC1), and the second capacitor current (IC2) according to the operation of the control circuit of FIG. 4.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates the configuration of a DC-DC converter according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figures 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d are diagrams illustrating the connection status in a DC-DC converter.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for controlling a converter according to one embodiment.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0020] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0021] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) 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. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may 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 may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be 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 the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0022] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0023] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0024] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0025] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0026] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., 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 said 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 the force generated by said touch.

[0027] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0028] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0029] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to 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.

[0030] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can 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).

[0031] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0032] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0033] 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, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0034] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0035] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an 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 include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and 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., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0036] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), 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), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0037] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to 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 a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0038] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0039] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0040] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through 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 performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or 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 provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a 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.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram (200) of a power management module (188) and a battery (189) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2, the power management module (188) may include a charging circuit (210), a power regulator (220), or a power gauge (230). The charging circuit (210) may charge the battery (189) using power supplied from an external power source for the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment (see FIG. 1), the charging circuit (210) may select a charging method (e.g., normal charging or fast charging) based on at least some of the type of external power source (e.g., power adapter, USB, or wireless charging), the amount of power that can be supplied from the external power source (e.g., about 20 watts or more), or the attributes of the battery (189), and may charge the battery (189) using the selected charging method. The external power source can be wired to the electronic device (101), for example, through a connection terminal (178), or wirelessly through an antenna module (197).

[0042] The power regulator (220) can generate multiple powers having different voltage or different current levels by adjusting the voltage level or current level of the power supplied from, for example, an external power source or a battery (189). The power regulator (220) can adjust the power of the external power source or battery (189) to a voltage or current level suitable for each of the components included in the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power regulator (220) may be implemented in the form of a low drop-out (LDO) regulator or a switching regulator. The power gauge (230) can measure usage status information for the battery (189) (e.g., capacity of the battery (189), number of charge / discharge cycles, voltage, or temperature).

[0043] A power management module (188) can determine charge state information (e.g., lifespan, overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, overcharge, overdischarge, overheating, short circuit, or swelling) related to the charging of a battery (189) based at least part of the measured usage state information, using, for example, a charging circuit (210), a voltage regulator (220), or a power gauge (230). The power management module (188) can determine whether the battery (189) is normal or abnormal based at least part of the determined charge state information. If the state of the battery (189) is determined to be abnormal, the power management module (188) can adjust the charging of the battery (189) (e.g., reducing the charging current or voltage, or stopping the charging). According to one embodiment, at least some of the functions of the power management module (188) may be performed by an external control device (e.g., a processor (120)).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include a battery protection circuit module (PCM) (240). The battery protection circuit (240) may perform one or more of various functions (e.g., a pre-shutdown function) to prevent performance degradation or burnout of the battery (189). The battery protection circuit (240) may additionally or substantially be configured as at least part of a battery management system (BMS) capable of performing various functions including cell balancing, measuring the capacity of the battery, measuring the number of charge / discharge cycles, measuring the temperature, or measuring the voltage.

[0045] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the usage status information or charge status information of the battery (189) may be measured using a corresponding sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) among the sensor modules (176; see FIG. 1), a power gauge (230), or a power management module (188). According to one embodiment, the corresponding sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) among the sensor modules (176) may be included as part of the battery protection circuit (240) or may be placed near the battery (189) as a separate device.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device (300) configured to charge a battery (320) and supply power to a system (310) according to one embodiment.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (300) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a system (310), a battery (320) (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1), a power terminal (330), a coil (331), a charging circuit (335), and a power management circuit (340). The system (310) may include electronic components driven by power received through the power management circuit (340). For example, the system (310) may include a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1), a memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1), a communication circuit (e.g., communication module (190) of FIG. 1), a display (e.g., display module (160)), and a camera (e.g., camera module (180) of FIG. 1). The charging circuit (335) and / or power management circuit (340) may be included in the power management module (188) of FIG. 1.

[0048] According to one embodiment, a power supply unit (301) (e.g., the electronic device (102) of FIG. 1) may include an adapter (e.g., a travel adapter). For example, the adapter may convert the current characteristics of a power signal introduced from an external power source from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and adjust the voltage of the power signal to a specified voltage value. The power supply unit (301) may be electrically connected to a power terminal (e.g., a power terminal at a USB (universal serial bus) connector) (330) of the electronic device (300) via a cable (e.g., a USB cable). The power supply unit (301) may output power that has been voltage-regulated and converted to DC by the adapter to the power terminal (330) via the cable. The power supply unit (301) may be equipped with a coil for wirelessly transmitting power. Power can be wirelessly supplied from the power supply unit (301) to the electronic device (300) through electrical coupling between the coil of the power supply unit (301) and the coil of the electronic device (300).

[0049] According to one embodiment, a charging circuit (335) (e.g., the charging circuit (210) of FIG. 2) can charge a battery (320) using power received from a power supply device (301) through a power terminal (330). For example, the charging circuit (335) may include a first converter (350) configured to convert the ratio (voltage conversion ratio) of the voltage value of the power output to the battery (320) to the voltage value (in other words, voltage level) of the input power. The charging circuit (335) may include a rectifier (not shown) configured to rectify (i.e., convert the current from AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current)) the power received from the power supply device (301) through a coil (331) and output it to the first converter (350).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the power management circuit (340) may include a second converter (360) configured to convert the voltage value of power received from the battery (320) or received from the power supply device (301) through the charging circuit (335). The power management circuit (340) may supply power having the voltage value converted by the second converter (360) to the system (310). Although the second converter (360) is depicted as being included in the power management circuit (340), it is not limited thereto. For example, in the second converter (360), a switch (e.g., a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET)) for adjusting the voltage value of the power to be output to the load may be integrated into the power management circuit (340), and other circuit elements (e.g., an inductor and a capacitor) for accumulating electrical energy may be placed in the power line connecting the second converter (360) and the system (310). The second converter (360) may include a plurality of converters. Each of the multiple converters can be individually connected to the electronic components of the system (310) via a power line.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device (400) configured to supply power from a power source (440) to a load (430) according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (400) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (300)) may include a DC-DC converter (410), a control circuit (420), a load (430), and a power source (440). FIG. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are diagrams illustrating the connection state in the DC-DC converter (410).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the DC-DC converter (410) may correspond to the first converter (350) or the second converter (360) in FIG. 3. When it corresponds to the first converter (350), the load (430) may include a battery (320) that is charged by receiving power from a power source (440) (e.g., power supply unit (301)) through the DC-DC converter (410). When it corresponds to the second converter (360), the load (430) may include a system (310) that performs a given operation by receiving power from a power source (440) (e.g., battery (320) and / or charging circuit (335)) through the DC-DC converter (410).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the DC-DC converter (410) may be configured to convert the voltage conversion ratio (VCR) of the output voltage (VOUT) relative to the input voltage (VIN). According to one embodiment, the DC-DC converter (410) may include a buck converter configured to adjust the VCR to 1 or less (i.e., output the output voltage lower than the input voltage).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the DC-DC converter (410) may include an input terminal (411) connected to a power source (440), an output terminal (412) connected to a load (430), a ground terminal (413) connected to the ground of an electronic device (400), a first capacitor (C1), an inductor (L), a second capacitor (C2), and a switching circuit (414) composed of a plurality of switches. In the DC-DC converter (410), the switching circuit (414) may be included in a single integrated circuit (IC) (e.g., a charging circuit (335) or a power management circuit (340)), and the first capacitor (C1), the inductor (L), and the second capacitor (C2) may be configured separately and not included in the IC. Each terminal of the first capacitor (C1), the inductor (L), and the second capacitor (C2) may be connected to the switching circuit (414).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (414) can set the connection state of the first capacitor (C1), inductor (L), second capacitor (C2), input terminal (411), output terminal (412), and ground terminal (413) based on the control of the control circuit (420). According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (414) can set the connection state of the DC-DC converter (410) such that it is connected in series in the order of an input terminal (411) (or, ground terminal (413)), an inductor (L), one of two capacitors (C1, C2), and an output terminal (412), and connected in series in the order of an input terminal (411) (or, ground terminal (413), the other of two capacitors (C1, C2), and an output terminal (412). Depending on this connection state, the inductor (L) is always connected in series with one of the two capacitors (C1, C2) and to the output terminal (412), and is always connected in parallel with the other capacitor and to the output terminal (412) (see FIGS. 5a to 5d described later). The capacitor connected in series with the inductor (L) (hereinafter, series capacitor) accumulates (charges) electrical energy by the current passing through the inductor (L) (hereinafter, inductor current (IL)). The accumulated electrical energy (charge amount) is discharged to the load (430) through the output terminal (412). The amount of charge charged to or discharged from the series capacitor may be equal to the amount of charge transferred to the output terminal (412) through the inductor current (IL). Additionally, the amount of charge charged to or discharged from the series capacitor may be equal to the current (hereinafter, capacitor current (IC)) that passes through the capacitor connected in parallel with the inductor (L) (hereinafter, parallel capacitor) and is transferred to the output terminal (412). Compared to the total current (IC + IL) transferred to the load (430) through the output terminal (412), the inductor current is relatively small (e.g., half of the total current). Therefore, when converting voltage in the DC-DC converter (410), the power loss generated in the inductor (L) can be reduced.

[0056] In this document, while the first capacitor (C1) is connected to the output terminal (412) in parallel with the inductor (L), the current passing through the first capacitor (C1) and delivered to the output terminal (412) may be referred to as the first capacitor current (IC1). While the second capacitor (C2) is connected to the output terminal (412) in parallel with the inductor (L), the current passing through the second capacitor (C1) and delivered to the output terminal (412) may be referred to as the second capacitor current (IC2).

[0057] According to one embodiment, when the ratio of the first time (hereinafter referred to as the first duty) compared to the sum of the time (first time) when the first capacitor (C1) is connected to the output terminal (412) in parallel with the inductor (L) and the time (second time) when the second capacitor (C2) is connected to the output terminal (412) in parallel with the inductor (L) is 0.5 (i.e., the first period and the second period are the same), the first capacitor current (IC1) and the second capacitor current (IC2) can be distributed relatively evenly. Accordingly, the time during which electrical energy is charged to the series capacitor by the inductor current (IL) or discharged from the series capacitor can be relatively equal to the time during which the capacitor current (IC1 or IC2) is output to the output terminal (412). As a result, when converting voltage in the DC-DC converter (410), the power loss generated in the inductor (L) can be reduced evenly regardless of what value the VCR has.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (414) can set the connection state of the DC-DC converter (410) to one of a first connection state (Q1; see FIG. 5a), a second connection state (Q2a; see FIG. 5b), a third connection state (Q2b; see FIG. 5c), and a fourth connection state (Q3; see FIG. 5d) based on the control of the control circuit (420).

[0059] According to one embodiment, at least some of the components in the DC-DC converter (410) may correspond to at least some of the components in the first converter (350) of FIG. 3. For example, the switching circuit (414) may be included in the charging circuit (335), and at least one of the inductor (L), the first capacitor (C1), and the second capacitor (C2) may be configured separately from the charging circuit (335).

[0060] According to one embodiment, at least some of the components in the DC-DC converter (410) may correspond to at least some of the components in the second converter (360) of FIG. 3. For example, the switching circuit (414) may be included in the power management circuit (340), and at least one of the inductor (L), the first capacitor (C1), and the second capacitor (C2) may be configured separately from the power management circuit (340).

[0061] According to one embodiment (see FIG. 5a), when the DC-DC converter (410) is set to a first connection state (Q1), both ends of the first capacitor (C1) can be connected to an input terminal (411) and an output terminal (412), respectively. One end of the inductor (L) can be connected to the input terminal (411), and the other end can be connected to one end of the second capacitor (C2). The other end of the second capacitor (C2) can be connected to the output terminal (412).

[0062] According to one embodiment, while the DC-DC converter (410) is in a first connection state (Q1), the voltage of the first capacitor (C1) (potential difference between the two terminals) may be VIN-VOUT. The first capacitor current (IC1) may flow from the input terminal (411) through the first capacitor (C1) to the output terminal (412). The inductor current (IL) may flow from the input terminal (411) through the inductor (L) and the second capacitor (C2) to the output terminal (412). Electrical energy may be accumulated in the inductor (L) and the second capacitor (C2) by the inductor current (IL). The second capacitor (C2), which is connected in series with the inductor (L) from the input terminal (411) to the output terminal (412), may output the accumulated electrical energy to the output terminal (412). At this time, the voltage of the second capacitor (potential difference between the two terminals) is VOUT, and the voltage of the inductor (L) (potential difference between the two terminals) can be VIN-2VOUT.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the ratio of the third period to the sum of the time during which one end of the inductor (L) is connected to the input terminal (411) (third period) and the time during which one end of the inductor (L) is connected to the ground terminal (413) (fourth period) may be referred to as the second duty in this document. When the second duty is set to less than 0.5 while the DC-DC converter (410) is in the first connection state (Q1), the ratio of the output voltage (VOUT) to the input voltage (VIN) (VCR) may be less than 0.5. When VCR is less than 0.5, the inductor (L) may accumulate electrical energy. When the second duty is set to 0.5 or more while the DC-DC converter (410) is in the first connection state (Q1), VCR may be 0.5 or more. When VCR is 0.5 or higher, the inductor (L) can output the accumulated electrical energy to the second capacitor (C2).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5b, when the DC-DC converter (410) is set to a second connection state (Q2a), both ends of the first capacitor (C1) can be connected to the input terminal (411) and the output terminal (412), respectively. One end of the inductor (L) can be connected to the ground terminal (413), and the other end can be connected to one end of the second capacitor (C2). The other end of the second capacitor (C2) can be connected to the output terminal (412).

[0065] While the DC-DC converter (410) is in the second connection state (Q2a) (e.g., when the connection state of the DC-DC converter (410) changes from Q1 to Q2a), the electrical energy accumulated in the inductor (L) and the second capacitor (C2) is discharged, so that the inductor current (IL) can flow from the ground terminal (413) through the inductor (L) and the second capacitor (C2) to the output terminal (412). As the electrical energy accumulated in the inductor (L) is discharged, electrical energy can be accumulated in the second capacitor (C2). The voltage of the second capacitor (C2) (potential difference between the two terminals) can be VOUT. Therefore, the voltage of the inductor (L) (potential difference between the two terminals) can be -2VOUT. The voltage of the first capacitor (C1) (potential difference between the two terminals) can be VIN-VOUT. The first capacitor current (IC1) can flow from the input terminal (411) to the output terminal (412) through the first capacitor (C1).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5c, when the DC-DC converter (410) is set to the third connection state (Q2b), both ends of the second capacitor (C2) can be connected to the ground terminal (413) and the output terminal (412), respectively. One end of the inductor (L) can be connected to the input terminal (411), and the other end can be connected to one end of the first capacitor (C1). The other end of the first capacitor (C1) can be connected to the output terminal (412).

[0067] While the DC-DC converter (410) is in the third connection state (Q2b) (e.g., when the connection state of the DC-DC converter (410) changes from Q1 to Q2b), electrical energy accumulated in the second capacitor (C2) can flow from the ground terminal (413) through the second capacitor (C2) to the output terminal (412) by discharging. At this time, the voltage of the second capacitor (C2) (potential difference between the two terminals) may be equal to VOUT. An inductor current (IL) can flow from the input terminal (411) through the inductor (L) and the first capacitor (C1) to the output terminal (412). Electrical energy can be accumulated in the inductor (L) and the first capacitor (C1) by the inductor current (IL). A first capacitor (C1) connected in series from an input terminal (411) to an output terminal (412) together with an inductor (L) can output accumulated electrical energy to the output terminal (412). At this time, the voltage of the second capacitor (potential difference between the two terminals) can be VIN - VOUT and the voltage of the inductor (L) (potential difference between the two terminals) can be 2VIN - 2VOUT.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5d, when the DC-DC converter (410) is set to the fourth connection state (Q3), both ends of the second capacitor (C2) can be connected to the ground terminal (413) and the output terminal (412), respectively. One end of the inductor (L) can be connected to the ground terminal (413), and the other end can be connected to one end of the first capacitor (C1). The other end of the first capacitor (C1) can be connected to the output terminal (412).

[0069] While the DC-DC converter (410) is in the fourth connection state (Q3) (e.g., when the connection state of the DC-DC converter (410) changes from Q2a or Q2b to Q3), the electrical energy accumulated in the inductor (L) and the first capacitor (C1) is discharged, so that the inductor current (IL) can flow from the ground terminal (413) through the inductor (L) and the first capacitor (C1) to the output terminal (412). Electrical energy accumulated in the inductor (L) can be accumulated in the first capacitor (C1) as the electrical energy accumulated in the inductor (L) is discharged. The voltage of the first capacitor (C1) (potential difference between the two terminals) can be VIN - VOUT. The voltage of the inductor (L) (potential difference between the two terminals) can be VIN - 2VOUT. The voltage of the second capacitor (C2) (potential difference between the two terminals) can be VOUT. As the electrical energy accumulated in the second capacitor (C2) is discharged, the second capacitor current (IC2) can flow from the ground terminal (413) through the second capacitor (C2) to the output terminal (412).

[0070] While the DC-DC converter (410) is in the fourth connection state (Q3), if the second duty cycle is set to less than 0.5, the ratio of the output voltage (VOUT) to the input voltage (VIN) (VCR) may be less than 0.5. When VCR is less than 0.5, the inductor (L) may accumulate electrical energy. While the DC-DC converter (410) is in the fourth connection state (Q3), if the second duty cycle is set to 0.5 or more, VCR may be 0.5 or more. When VCR is 0.5 or more, the inductor (L) may output the accumulated electrical energy to the first capacitor (C1).

[0071] The control circuit (420) can check the input voltage (VIN) and output voltage (VOUT), and control the DC-DC converter (410) based on the check result (input voltage value, output voltage value).

[0072] The control circuit (420) can change the ratio (VCR) of the output voltage (VOUT) to the input voltage (VIN) by setting the first duty and the second duty described above and periodically changing the connection state of the DC-DC converter (410) based on the set switching frequency.

[0073] The control circuit (420) may be a circuit configured in an IC (e.g., the charging circuit (335) or power management circuit (340) of FIG. 3). The control circuit (420) may also be a circuit configured separately from the IC. For example, the control circuit (420) may be part of a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0074] FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c illustrate waveforms of an inductor current (IL), a first capacitor current (IC1), and a second capacitor current (IC2) according to the operation of the control circuit (420) of FIG. 4. Specifically, FIG. 6a illustrates the waveform when the switching circuit (414) operates in a first mode (or, Low VCR mode). FIG. 6b illustrates the waveform when the switching circuit (414) operates in a second mode (or, Mid VCR mode). FIG. 6c illustrates the waveform when the switching circuit (414) operates in a third mode (or, High VCR mode).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (420) can control the switching circuit (414) in a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode and the second mode, the first duty (DC) is fixed at 0.5 and the second duty (D) can be changed. In the first mode and the second mode, the VCR can be defined as “(0.5 + D) / 2”. In the first mode, the minimum value of the VCR can be 0.25 and the maximum value can be 0.5. In the second mode, the minimum value of the VCR can be 0.5 and the maximum value can be 0.75.

[0076] According to one embodiment, when a first mode is required (i.e., when a VCR smaller than 0.5 is required), the control circuit (420) can set the second duty (D) to be smaller than 0.5. Additionally, the control circuit (420) can control the switching circuit (414) so ​​that the connection state of the DC-DC converter (410) changes periodically in the order of Q1, Q2a, and Q3. When the sum of the times when the connection state of the DC-DC converter (410) is set to Q1 and Q2a is 0.5T and the time when it is set to Q3 is 0.5T, the waveforms of the inductor current (IL), the first capacitor current (IC1), and the second capacitor current (IC2) may be as shown in FIG. 6a. Here, T is the time representing one alternating cycle. Referring to FIG. 6a, in the first mode, the inductor current (IL) may have a tendency to increase linearly when the connection state is Q1, decrease linearly when it is Q2a, and increase linearly when it is Q3. In the first mode, the first capacitor current (IC1) may have a tendency to decrease non-linearly when the connection state is Q1 and Q2a, decrease sharply when switching from Q2a to Q3, decrease linearly when it is Q3, and increase sharply when switching from Q3 to Q1. In the first mode, the second capacitor current (IC2) may have a tendency to increase linearly when the connection state is Q1, decrease linearly when it is Q2a, decrease sharply when switching from Q2a to Q3, increase non-linearly when it is Q3, and increase sharply when switching from Q3 to Q1.

[0077] According to one embodiment, when a second mode is required (i.e., when a VCR of 0.5 or higher is required), the control circuit (420) can set the second duty (D) to a value of 0.5 or higher. Additionally, the control circuit (420) can control the switching circuit (414) so ​​that the connection state of the DC-DC converter (410) changes periodically in the order of Q1, Q2b, and Q3. When the time during which the connection state of the DC-DC converter (410) is set to Q1 is 0.5T and the sum of the times during which it is set to Q2a and Q3 is 0.5T, the waveforms of the inductor current (IL), the first capacitor current (IC1), and the second capacitor current (IC2) may be as shown in FIG. 6b. Here, T is the time representing one alternating cycle. Referring to FIG. 6b, in the first mode, the inductor current (IL) may have a tendency to decrease linearly when the connection state is Q1, increase linearly when it is Q2b, and decrease linearly when it is Q3. In the first mode, the first capacitor current (IC1) may have a tendency to decrease non-linearly when the connection state is Q1, decrease sharply when switching from Q1 to Q2b, decrease linearly when it is Q2b, increase linearly when it is Q3, and increase sharply when switching from Q3 to Q1. In the first mode, the second capacitor current (IC2) may have a tendency to decrease linearly when the connection state is Q1, decrease sharply when switching from Q1 to Q2b, and increase non-linearly when it is Q2b and Q3.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (420) can control the switching circuit (414) in a third mode when a VCR greater than 0.75 is required. In the third mode, the first duty (DC) is changed (e.g., 0.5 ≤ DC ≤ 1) and the second duty (D) can be fixed at 1. In the third mode, the VCR can be defined as “(DC + 1) / 2”. In the third mode, the minimum value of the VCR can be 0.75 and the maximum value can be 1.

[0079] In the third mode, the control circuit (420) can control the switching circuit (414) so ​​that Q2b and Q1 are changed periodically. At this time, the waveforms of the inductor current (IL), the first capacitor current (IC1), and the second capacitor current (IC2) may be as shown in FIG. 6c. Referring to FIG. 6c, in the first mode, the inductor current (IL) may have a tendency to increase linearly when the connection state is Q2b and decrease linearly when it is Q1. In the first mode, the first capacitor current (IC1) may have a tendency to increase non-linearly when the connection state is Q2b, increase rapidly when switching from Q2b to Q1, and decrease linearly when it is Q1. In the first mode, the second capacitor current (IC2) may have a tendency to decrease linearly when the connection state is Q2b, increase rapidly when switching from Q2b to Q1, and decrease non-linearly when it is Q1.

[0080] FIG. 7 illustrates the configuration of a DC-DC converter (410) according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the DC-DC converter (410) may include 10 switches (e.g., MOSFETs (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors)) together with the aforementioned plurality of terminals (411, 412, 413), inductor (L), first capacitor (C1), and second capacitor (C2). For example, the switching circuit (414) in FIG. 4 may include 10 switches (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10). FIG. 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d are drawings for explaining the connection state in the DC-DC converter (410).

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 7, according to one embodiment, switches S1 and S2 can be connected in series from an input terminal (411) to a ground terminal (413) in the order of S1 and S2. For example, a first terminal of S1 (e.g., the drain terminal of a MOSFET) can be connected to the input terminal (411) and a second terminal (e.g., the source terminal) can be connected to the first terminal of S2 (e.g., the drain terminal). The second terminal of S2 (e.g., the source terminal) can be connected to the ground terminal (413).

[0082] Switches S3 and S4 can be connected in series from the input terminal (411) to the output terminal (412) in the order of S3 and S4. For example, the first terminal of S3 (e.g., the drain terminal of a MOSFET) can be connected to the input terminal (411) and the second terminal (e.g., the source terminal) can be connected to the first terminal of S4 (e.g., the drain terminal). The second terminal of S4 (e.g., the source terminal) can be connected to the output terminal (412).

[0083] Switches S9 and S10 can be connected in series from the output terminal (412) to the ground terminal (413) in the order of S9 and S10. For example, the first terminal of S9 (e.g., the drain terminal of a MOSFET) can be connected to the output terminal (412), and the second terminal (e.g., the source terminal) can be connected to the first terminal (e.g., the drain terminal) of S10. The second terminal of S10 (e.g., the source terminal) can be connected to the ground terminal (413).

[0084] One end (701) of the inductor (L) can be connected to a conductive line connecting S1 and S2, or to the second end of S1 or the first end of S2.

[0085] Switches S5 and S6 can be connected in series from the output terminal (412) to the other terminal (702) of the inductor (L) in the order of S5 and S6. For example, the first terminal of S5 (e.g., the drain terminal of the MOSFET) can be connected to the output terminal (412). The first terminal of S6 (e.g., the drain terminal) can be connected to the other terminal (702) of the inductor (L). The second terminal of S5 (e.g., the source terminal) can be connected to the second terminal of S6 (e.g., the source terminal).

[0086] Switches S7 and S8 can be connected in series from the other end (702) of the inductor (L) to the output terminal (412) in the order of S7 and S8. For example, the first end of S7 (e.g., the drain terminal of a MOSFET) can be connected to the first end (e.g., the drain terminal) of S8. The second end of S7 (e.g., the source terminal) can be connected to the other end (702) of the inductor (L). The second end of S8 (e.g., the source terminal) can be connected to the output terminal (412).

[0087] One end (731) of the first capacitor (C1) may be connected to a conductive line connecting S3 and S4, or to the second end of S3 or the first end of S4. The other end (732) of the first capacitor (C1) may be connected to a conductive line connecting S6 and S5, or to the second end of S6 or the second end of S5.

[0088] One end (751) of the second capacitor (C2) may be connected to a conductive line connecting S9 and S10, or to the second end of S9 or the first end of S10. The other end (752) of the second capacitor (C2) may be connected to a conductive line connecting S7 and S8, or to the first end of S7 or the first end of S8.

[0089] The control circuit (420) can output a first control signal (CD) to switch S1 (e.g., the gate terminal of a MOSFET) and output a second control signal (-CD), which is the inverted signal of the first control signal (CD), to switch S2 (e.g., the gate terminal of a MOSFET). For example, when the logic value of the first control signal (CD) is '1', the logic value of the second control signal (-CD) is '0', and when the logic value of the first control signal (CD) is '0', the logic value of the second control signal (-CD) is '1'.

[0090] If the first control signal (CD) is a signal having a high level voltage (e.g., logic value “1”), switch S1 can be in a closed state (or turned on state) where current can flow between the first terminal and the second terminal (e.g., drain terminal, source terminal) of S1. Switch S2 can be in an open state (or turned off state) where the flow of current between the two terminals of S2 can be blocked. If the first control signal (CD) is a signal having a low level voltage (e.g., logic value “0”), switch S1 can be in an open state and S2 can be in a closed state. The ratio of the time spent in the closed state to the sum of the time spent in the open state (one cycle) may correspond to the second duty cycle (D) described above.

[0091] The control circuit (420) can output a third control signal (CDC) to switches S4, S6, S8, and S10 (e.g., the gate terminal of each switch (MOSFET)) and output a fourth control signal (-CDC), which is the inverted signal of the third control signal (CDC), to switches S3, S5, S7, and S9 (e.g., the gate terminal of each switch (MOSFET)). For example, when the logic value of the third control signal (CDC) is '1', the logic value of the fourth control signal (-CDC) is '0', and when the logic value of the third control signal (CDC) is '0', the logic value of the fourth control signal (-CDC) is '1'.

[0092] If the third control signal (CDC) is a signal having a high level voltage (e.g., logic value “1”), switches S4, S6, S8, and S10 may be in a closed state and switches S3, S5, S7, and S9 may be in an open state. If the third control signal (CDC) is a signal having a low level voltage (e.g., logic value “0”), switches S4, S6, S8, and S10 may be in an open state and S3, S5, S7, and S9 may be in a closed state. The ratio of the time spent in the closed state to the sum of the time spent in the closed state and the time spent in the open state (one cycle) may correspond to the first duty cycle (DC) described above.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 8a, according to one embodiment, a DC-DC converter (410) can be set to a first connection state (Q1; see FIG. 5a) by outputting a high-level first control signal (CD) and a low-level third control signal (CDC) from a control circuit (420). For example, the first connection state (Q1) described above can be configured in the DC-DC converter (410) by closing S1, S3, S5, S7, and S9 and opening S2, S4, S6, S8, and S10.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 8b, the DC-DC converter (410) can be set to a second connection state (Q2a; see FIG. 5b) by outputting a low-level first control signal (CD) and a low-level third control signal (CDC) from the control circuit (420). For example, the second connection state (Q2a) described above can be configured in the DC-DC converter (410) by opening S1, S4, S6, S8, and S10 and closing S2, S3, S5, S7, and S9.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 8c, the DC-DC converter (410) can be set to a third connection state (Q2b; see FIG. 5c) by outputting a high-level first control signal (CD) and a high-level third control signal (CDC) from the control circuit (420). For example, the aforementioned third connection state (Q2b) can be configured in the DC-DC converter (410) by closing S1, S4, S6, S8, and S10 and opening S2, S3, S5, S7, and S9.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 8d, the DC-DC converter (410) can be set to a fourth connection state (Q3; see FIG. 5d) by outputting a low-level first control signal (CD) and a high-level third control signal (CDC) from the control circuit (420). For example, the aforementioned fourth connection state (Q3) can be configured in the DC-DC converter (410) by opening S1, S3, S5, S7, and S9 and closing S2, S4, S6, S8, and S10.

[0097] To summarize, the relationship between the voltage level of the control signal output from the control circuit (420) and the connection state of the DC-DC converter (410) is as shown in Table 1 below.

[0098] 1st control signal (CD) 2nd control signal (-CD) 3rd control signal (CDC) 4th control signal (-CDC) Connection status High Level Low Level Low Level High Level 1st connection status (Q1) Low Level High Level Low Level High Level 2nd connection status (Q2a) High Level Low Level High Level Low Level 3rd connection status (Q2b) Low Level High Level High Level Low Level 4th connection status (Q3)

[0099] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for controlling a converter according to one embodiment. The converter may include the DC-DC converter (410) of FIG. 4. The object to be controlled may include a switching circuit (e.g., a switching circuit (414)) configured in the DC-DC converter (410). According to one embodiment, the operation of FIG. 9 may be performed in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4). For example, a control circuit (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the control circuit (420)) may be configured to perform the operation of FIG. 9. According to one embodiment, instructions stored in memory (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1 and / or the internal memory of the processor) may be configured to perform the operation of FIG. 9 when executed by the processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0100] In operation 910, the electronic device can determine the voltage conversion ratio (VCR). For example, the output voltage value (VOUT) can be specified (or fixed) depending on the load receiving power from the converter. For example, if the load is a battery, the output voltage value (VOUT) can be specified as 4.5V. The electronic device can check the voltage value (VIN) of the input power to the converter and determine the VCR based on the checked input voltage value (VIN) and the specified output voltage value (VOUT).

[0101] In operation 920, the electronic device can control the switching circuit so that the converter operates in the first mode, second mode, or third mode described above, based on the VCR.

[0102] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101, 300, or 400)) includes a converter and a control circuit. The converter includes an input terminal, an output terminal, an inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a switching circuit. The converter is configured to convert a voltage conversion ratio representing the ratio of the voltage of power input from a power source through the input terminal to the voltage output to a load through the output terminal. The switching circuit can set the state of the converter to one of a first connection state, a second connection state, a third connection state, and a fourth connection state. In the first connection state, the first capacitor may be connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor may be connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal. In the second connection state, the first capacitor may be connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor may be connected in series between the ground of the electronic device and the output terminal. In the third connection state, the inductor and the first capacitor may be connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the second capacitor may be connected between the ground and the output terminal. In the fourth connection state, the inductor and the first capacitor may be connected in series between the ground and the output terminal, and the second capacitor may be connected between the ground and the output terminal. The control circuit may control the switching circuit so that the converter operates in a first mode based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than a first value (e.g., 0.25) and less than or equal to a second value (e.g., 0.5). The control circuit may control the switching circuit so that the converter operates in a second mode based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than the second value and less than or equal to a third value.In the first mode, the state of the converter may be periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the second connection state, and the fourth connection state. In the second mode, the state of the converter may be periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the third connection state, and the fourth connection state. The third value is a value less than 1.

[0103] While the converter is operating in the first mode or the second mode, the control circuit may fix the first duty cycle to a specified value. The first duty cycle is a value representing the ratio of the first time to the sum of the first time, during which the inductor is connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal together with the first capacitor, and the second time, during which the inductor is connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal together with the second capacitor. The control circuit may adjust the voltage conversion ratio by adjusting the second duty cycle. The second duty cycle is a value representing the ratio of the third time to the sum of the third time, during which one end of the inductor is connected to the input terminal, and the fourth time, during which one end of the inductor is connected to ground.

[0104] The control circuit above can fix the first duty cycle to 0.5 and perform the first mode or the second mode.

[0105] The control circuit above can control the switching circuit so that the converter operates in a third mode based on the voltage conversion ratio being greater than the third value and set to be less than or equal to the fourth value. In the third mode, the state of the converter may be periodically changed in the order of the third connection state and the first connection state. The fourth value is 1 or less.

[0106] While the converter is operating in the third mode, the control circuit can fix the second duty to a specified value. The control circuit can adjust the voltage conversion ratio by adjusting the first duty.

[0107] The above control circuit can fix the second duty to 1 and perform the third mode.

[0108] The switching circuit may include switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, and S10. Switches S1 and S2 are connected in series from the input terminal to the ground in the order S1 and S2. Switches S3 and S4 are connected in series from the input terminal to the output terminal in the order S3 and S4. Switches S9 and S10 are connected in series from the output terminal to the ground in the order S9 and S10. One end of the inductor is connected to a conductive line connecting S1 and S2. Switches S5 and S6 are connected in series from the output terminal to the other end of the inductor in the order S5 and S6. Switches S7 and S8 are connected in series from the other end of the inductor to the output terminal in the order S7 and S8. One end of the first capacitor is connected to a conductive line connecting S3 and S4. One end of the second capacitor is connected to a conductive line connecting S9 and S10. The other end of the second capacitor is connected to a conductive line connecting S7 and S8.

[0109] The control circuit can output a first control signal to the switch S1 and a second control signal, which is the inverted signal of the first signal, to the switch S2. The control circuit can output a third control signal to the switches S4, S6, S8, and S10 and a fourth control signal, which is the inverted signal of the third control signal, to the switches S3, S5, S7, and S9. When the first control signal has a high level and the third control signal has a low level, the state of the converter can be configured to the first connection state. When the first control signal has a low level and the third control signal has a low level, the state of the converter can be configured to the second connection state. When the first control signal has a high level and the third control signal has a high level, the state of the converter can be configured to the third connection state. When the first control signal has a low level and the third control signal has a high level, the state of the converter can be configured to the fourth connection state.

[0110] Switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, and S10 may include MOSFETs.

[0111] The above load may include a battery. The electronic device may further include a power receiving module; and a charging circuit configured to charge the battery using power received from an external power supply device through the power receiving module. The switching circuit may be included in the charging circuit.

[0112] The power receiving module may include a power terminal for receiving power via a wire and / or a coil for receiving power wirelessly.

[0113] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101, 300, or 400)) comprises a converter; a memory for storing instructions; and a processor. The converter comprises an input terminal, an output terminal, an inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a switching circuit. The converter may be configured to convert a voltage conversion ratio representing the ratio of the voltage of power input from a power source through the input terminal to the voltage output to a load through the output terminal. The switching circuit may set the converter to one of a first connection state, a second connection state, a third connection state, and a fourth connection state. In the first connection state, the first capacitor may be connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor may be connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal. In the second connection state, the first capacitor may be connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor may be connected in series between the ground of the electronic device and the output terminal. In the third connection state, the inductor and the first capacitor may be connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the second capacitor may be connected between the ground and the output terminal. In the fourth connection state, the inductor and the first capacitor may be connected in series between the ground and the output terminal, and the second capacitor may be connected between the ground and the output terminal. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device may control the switching circuit so that the converter operates in a first mode based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than a first value and less than or equal to a second value, and control the switching circuit so that the converter operates in a second mode based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than a second value and less than or equal to a third value.In the first mode, the state of the converter may be periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the second connection state, and the fourth connection state. In the second mode, the state of the converter may be periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the third connection state, and the fourth connection state. The third value is a value less than 1.

[0114] When the above instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device may adjust the voltage conversion ratio by fixing the first duty to a specified value and adjusting the second duty while the converter is operating in the first mode or the second mode.

[0115] When the above instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device may control the switching circuit so that the converter operates in a third mode based on the voltage conversion ratio being greater than the third value and set to be less than or equal to the fourth value. In the third mode, the state of the converter may be periodically changed in the order of the third connection state and the first connection state. The fourth value is 1 or less.

[0116] When the above instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device may adjust the voltage conversion ratio by fixing the second duty to a specified value and adjusting the first duty while the converter is operating in the third mode.

[0117] In the above explanation, prefixes such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are intended merely to distinguish components of the same name and are not assigned any special meaning in themselves, such as importance or order.

[0118] In the present disclosure, the expression 'connection' means not only a direct connection between components, but also an electrical connection where other components (e.g., resistors, inductors, etc.) are present between components.

[0119] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0120] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said 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 said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "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" may each 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 simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0121] The term “module” as used in the 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, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. According to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0122] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) 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 created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0124] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components 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 an electronic device, A converter comprising an input terminal, an output terminal, an inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a switching circuit, configured to convert a voltage conversion ratio representing the ratio of the voltage output to a load through the output terminal to the voltage of power input from a power source through the input terminal; and It includes a control circuit, The switching circuit sets the state of the converter to one of a first connection state, a second connection state, a third connection state, and a fourth connection state, and In the first connection state above, a first capacitor is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor are connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal, and In the second connection state above, the first capacitor is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor are connected in series between the ground of the electronic device and the output terminal, and In the third connection state above, the inductor and the first capacitor are connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the second capacitor is connected between the ground and the output terminal, and In the above fourth connection state, the inductor and the first capacitor are connected in series between the ground and the output terminal, and the second capacitor is connected between the ground and the output terminal, and The above control circuit is, Based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than a first value and less than or equal to a second value, the switching circuit is controlled so that the converter operates in a first mode, and Based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than the second value and less than or equal to the third value, the switching circuit is configured to control the converter to operate in a second mode, and In the first mode, the state of the converter is periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the second connection state, and the fourth connection state, and In the second mode above, the state of the converter is periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the third connection state, and the fourth connection state, and The above third value is a value less than 1, Electronic device.

2. In claim 1, the control circuit, while the converter is operating in the first mode or the second mode, A first duty cycle representing the ratio of the first time is fixed to a specified value by comparing the sum of the first time, during which the inductor is connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal together with the first capacitor, and the second time, during which the inductor is connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal together with the second capacitor. An electronic device configured to adjust the voltage conversion ratio by adjusting a second duty cycle representing the ratio of the third time, compared with the sum of the third time, when one end of the inductor is connected to the input terminal, and the fourth time, when one end of the inductor is connected to the ground.

3. In claim 2, the control circuit is, An electronic device configured to fix the first duty cycle to 0.5 and perform the first mode or the second mode.

4. In claim 1, the control circuit is, Based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than the third value and less than or equal to the fourth value, the switching circuit is configured to control the converter to operate in a third mode, and In the above third mode, the state of the converter is periodically changed in the order of the third connection state and the first connection state, and The above fourth value is 1 or less, Electronic device.

5. In claim 4, the control circuit, while the converter is operating in the third mode, A second duty cycle representing the ratio of the third time is fixed to a specified value by comparing the third time, when one end of the inductor is connected to the input terminal, with the sum of the fourth time, when one end of the inductor is connected to the ground, and An electronic device configured to adjust the voltage conversion ratio by adjusting a first duty cycle representing the ratio of the first time, compared with the sum of a first time in which the inductor is connected in series with the first capacitor to the input terminal and the output terminal, and a second time in which the inductor is connected in series with the second capacitor to the input terminal and the output terminal.

6. In claim 5, the control circuit is, An electronic device configured to fix the second duty to 1 and perform the third mode.

7. In claim 1, the switching circuit comprises switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, and S10, and The switches S1 and S2 are connected in series from the input terminal to the ground in the order of S1 and S2, and The switches S3 and S4 are connected in series from the input terminal to the output terminal in the order of S3 and S4, and The switches S9 and S10 are connected in series from the output terminal to the ground in the order of S9 and S10, and One end of the above inductor is connected to a conductive line connecting S1 and S2, and The switches S5 and S6 are connected in series from the output terminal to the other terminal of the inductor in the order of S5 and S6, and The switches S7 and S8 are connected in series from the other end of the inductor to the output terminal in the order of S7 and S8, and One end of the first capacitor is connected to a conductive line connecting S3 and S4, and One end of the second capacitor is connected to a conductive line connecting S9 and S10, and An electronic device in which the other end of the second capacitor is connected to a conductive line connecting S7 and S8.

8. In claim 7, the control circuit is, A first control signal is output through the switch S1, and a second control signal, which is an inverted signal of the first signal, is output through the switch S2. It is configured to output a third control signal through switches S4, S6, S8, and S10, and to output a fourth control signal, which is an inverted signal of the third control signal, through switches S3, S5, S7, and S9. When the first control signal has a high level and the third control signal has a low level, the state of the converter is configured as the first connection state, and When the first control signal has a low level and the third control signal has a low level, the state of the converter is configured to the second connection state, and When the first control signal has a high level and the third control signal has a high level, the state of the converter is configured to the third connection state, and An electronic device in which the state of the converter is configured as the fourth connection state when the first control signal has a low level and the third control signal has a high level.

9. In claim 8, switches S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, and S10 are electronic devices comprising MOSFETs.

10. In claim 1, the load includes a battery, and It further includes a power receiving module; and a charging circuit configured to charge the battery using power received from an external power supply device through the power receiving module. The above switching circuit is an electronic device included in the above charging circuit.

11. In claim 10, the power receiving module is an electronic device comprising a power terminal for receiving power via a wire and / or a coil for receiving power via wireless.

12. In electronic devices, A converter comprising an input terminal, an output terminal, an inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a switching circuit, configured to convert a voltage conversion ratio representing the ratio of the voltage output to a load through the output terminal to the voltage of power input from a power source through the input terminal; Memory for storing instructions; and Includes a processor, The switching circuit sets the converter to one of a first connection state, a second connection state, a third connection state, and a fourth connection state, and In the first connection state above, a first capacitor is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor are connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal, and In the second connection state above, the first capacitor is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the inductor and the second capacitor are connected in series between the ground of the electronic device and the output terminal, and In the third connection state above, the inductor and the first capacitor are connected in series between the input terminal and the output terminal, and the second capacitor is connected between the ground and the output terminal, and In the above fourth connection state, the inductor and the first capacitor are connected in series between the ground and the output terminal, and the second capacitor is connected between the ground and the output terminal, and When the above instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device, Based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than a first value and less than or equal to a second value, the switching circuit is controlled so that the converter operates in a first mode, and Based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than the second value and less than or equal to the third value, the switching circuit is controlled so that the converter operates in a second mode, and In the first mode, the state of the converter is periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the second connection state, and the fourth connection state, and In the second mode above, the state of the converter is periodically changed in the order of the first connection state, the third connection state, and the fourth connection state, and The above third value is a value less than 1, Electronic device.

13. In claim 12, when the instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device, While the converter is operating in the first mode or the second mode, A first duty cycle representing the ratio of the first time is fixed to a specified value by comparing the sum of the first time, during which the inductor is connected in series with the first capacitor to the input terminal and the output terminal, and the second time, during which the inductor is connected in series with the second capacitor to the input terminal and the output terminal. An electronic device that adjusts the voltage conversion ratio by adjusting a second duty cycle representing the ratio of the third time, compared with the sum of the third time, when one end of the inductor is connected to the input terminal, and the fourth time, when one end of the inductor is connected to the ground.

14. In claim 12, when the instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device, Based on the voltage conversion ratio being set to be greater than the third value and less than or equal to the fourth value, the switching circuit is controlled so that the converter operates in a third mode, and In the above third mode, the state of the converter is periodically changed in the order of the third connection state and the first connection state, and The above fourth value is 1 or less, Electronic device.

15. In claim 14, when the instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device, While the above converter is operating in the above third mode, A second duty cycle representing the ratio of the third time is fixed to a specified value by comparing the third time, when one end of the inductor is connected to the input terminal, with the sum of the fourth time, when one end of the inductor is connected to the ground, and An electronic device for adjusting the voltage conversion ratio by adjusting a first duty cycle representing the ratio of the first time, compared with the sum of a first time in which the inductor is connected in series with the first capacitor to the input terminal and the output terminal, and a second time in which the inductor is connected in series with the second capacitor to the input terminal and the output terminal.

Images