Adaptive Charge-Pump Regulation for Switching Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charge-pump circuits introduce switching noise that can cause faulty operations in system circuitry, and existing filtering methods depend on consistent output from the charge-pump, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising an oscillator, charge-pump, amplifier, current mirror, and filter that adjusts the frequency of the oscillator based on output voltage and reference voltage to suppress noise, providing a relatively constant current and further filtering to stabilize the output voltage, while isolating the filter from the load circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If filtering of the output voltage is used to provide consistent regulated voltage, then noise suppression is improved, but the filter depends on active devices which require consistent charge-pump output, creating a circular dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The charge-pump frequency is made dynamic and adaptive rather than fixed. The control circuit adjusts the operating frequency of the charge-pump based on feedback from the output voltage and reference voltage, allowing the system to adapt to changing load conditions and minimize noise without requiring complex filtering dependent on fixed-frequency operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (frequency) of the charge-pump dynamically. By varying the frequency based on feedback signals, the system optimizes the balance between noise generation and power delivery, reducing the need for complex noise filtering while maintaining consistent voltage regulation.
2Device complexity
If the charge-pump operates at fixed frequency, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but switching noise causes faulty operation in system circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback control circuit is implemented that monitors the output voltage and reference voltage, then adjusts the charge-pump frequency accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain reliable operation by dynamically adjusting frequency to minimize noise impact on sensitive circuitry while keeping the overall circuit design relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the charge-pump and the load circuitry. It processes feedback signals and generates appropriate frequency control signals, mediating the interaction between the noisy charge-pump and the sensitive system circuitry to ensure reliable operation without requiring major redesign of either component.
3Power
If the charge-pump frequency is increased to improve power delivery, then power output is improved, but switching noise increases causing more faulty operations
Solution Approach 1:
The charge-pump operates at dynamically adjusted frequency rather than fixed frequency. The control circuit increases frequency when power delivery is needed and decreases it when noise becomes problematic, allowing the system to optimize the trade-off between power output and noise generation based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic modulation of the charge-pump frequency based on feedback signals. By varying the frequency in a controlled periodic manner, the system can deliver power efficiently while spreading out the switching noise in frequency domain, reducing its impact on sensitive circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a circuit for suppressing noise with adaptive charge-pump regulation. The circuit comprises an oscillator circuit, a charge pump, an amplifier, a current mirror, and a filter. The charge-pump receives an oscillating signal and provides an output voltage. The amplifier is responsive to the output voltage and a reference voltage and provides a control signal. The control signal alters a frequency of the oscillator and the output voltage is responsive to this frequency. The current mirror and filter suppress a noise component of the output voltage. The current mirror provides a supply current to a regulator loop. The regulator loop is operable to generate a consistent regulator voltage. In this manner, the adaptive charge-pump allows for a more consistent, noise free, regulator voltage.