Adaptive DC-DC Boost Converter Filtering Ceramic Capacitor Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods to suppress noise from ceramic capacitors are either costly, complex, or inefficient, or require additional components, or reduce the power consumption of the battery supply.

Innovation Solution

The adaptive DC-DC boost converter arrangement comprises a circuit board with a plurality of electronic components, the plurality of electronic components comprising an adaptive DC-DC boost converter circuit and a boost decoupling capacitor connected to an output of the adaptive DC-DC boost converter circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If ceramic capacitors are used in DC-DC boost converters to boost supply voltage efficiently, then energy efficiency is improved, but audible noise is generated due to capacitor vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidaudible noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An acoustical noise suppression filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the DC-DC boost converter and the audio amplifier. The filter receives the boosted supply voltage and removes resonance frequencies above 4 kHz that cause capacitor vibration, while maintaining the efficient voltage boosting function. This mediator approach allows the system to retain energy efficiency while eliminating the harmful audible noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If known methods are used to suppress audible noise from capacitors, then noise is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudible noiseVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple, cost-effective acoustical noise suppression filter with minimal circuitry rather than complex active noise cancellation systems or specialized low-noise capacitors. The filter uses basic electronic components to achieve noise suppression without requiring expensive materials or complex layouts, thereby reducing both device complexity and cost while effectively suppressing audible noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If known methods are used to suppress audible noise from capacitors, then noise is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and layout requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudible noiseVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustical noise suppression function is extracted as a separate, standalone filter circuit that can be independently implemented and manufactured. This modular approach allows the filter to be designed and manufactured separately from the main DC-DC boost converter circuitry, simplifying the overall manufacturing process and reducing layout complexity compared to integrated solutions that require complex PCB trace routing and component placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adaptive DC-DC boost converter arrangement effectively suppresses audible noise from ceramic capacitors while maintaining efficient power consumption and reducing complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

audible noise originating from a ceramic capacitor included on a (printed) circuit board when applying an AC signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

an acoustical noise suppression filter having a filter input connected to the control output of the adaptive DC-DC boost control unit, and a filter output connected to the converter set value input of the DC-DC boost converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFilter (electronic): Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP3934079B1Adaptive DC-DC boost converter arrangement
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 SHENZHEN GOODIX TECH CO LTD
  • EP3934079B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3934079B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3934079B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Adaptive DC-DC boost converter arrangement and electronic circuit comprising such an arrangement, e.g. an (audio) amplifier. The arrangement includes a circuit board with a plurality of electronic components mounted thereon, implementing an adaptive DC-DC boost converter circuit (3) and a boost decoupling capacitor (Cbst). The adaptive DC-DC boost converter circuit (3) comprises a DC-DC boost converter (4) having a converter set value input (4i), a boost supply input (4s), and a boost voltage output (4o), and an adaptive DC-DC boost control unit (5) having a control input (5i) and a control output (5o). An acoustical noise suppression filter (6) is present having a filter input (6i) connected to the control output (50) of the adaptive DC-DC boost control unit (5) and a filter output (60) connected to the converter set value input (4i) of the DC-DC boost converter (4).