Analog Switch Control Pin Powering via Charge Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog switches in electronic devices require a dedicated power connection, which increases size and cost, and struggle to pass signals with amplitudes greater than the control voltage without clipping.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit design that powers both the voltage converter and switch circuits via a single control connection, using a charge pump circuit to provide a higher output voltage for signal amplification and activation, allowing the switch to pass signals with greater amplitude without clipping, and optionally includes a buffer circuit for hysteresis and timing delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated power connection is used to power the switch circuit, then the switch circuit can operate reliably, but the package size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power delivery function into the control signal line. The control connection serves dual purposes: it provides the control voltage to activate the switch and simultaneously powers the voltage converter circuit through capacitive coupling. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated power connection, reducing package size while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control connection is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the control signal input and the power supply for the voltage converter circuit. The voltage converter circuit extracts power from the control signal through its capacitor, enabling the single control line to universally provide both control and power functions.
2Device complexity
If the switch circuit uses standard voltage levels, then the design is simple, but the switch cannot pass signals with amplitudes greater than the control voltage without clipping
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converter circuit transforms the voltage level parameter from the control connection voltage to a higher output voltage. By using a capacitor to store energy from the control signal and releasing it at a higher voltage level, the circuit dynamically changes the voltage parameter to enable the switch to pass higher amplitude signals without clipping, while maintaining design simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate power connections are used for the voltage converter and switch circuits, then each circuit can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity and connection count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function for both the voltage converter circuit and the switch circuit into a single control connection. The voltage converter circuit is powered capacitively from the control signal, and this same control connection ultimately powers the switch circuit through the voltage converter's output. This consolidation reduces the connection count from multiple power connections to a single control connection, simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
Enables a smaller, cost-effective analog switch package that can handle signals with higher amplitudes than the control voltage without clipping, reducing the need for separate power connections and improving dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage converter circuit optionally includes a charge pump circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises at least one input connection, at least one output connection, at least one control connection, a voltage converter circuit having an input coupled to the control connection and an output, wherein the voltage converter circuit is configured to provide a voltage at its output that is greater than a voltage present at its input, and at least one switch circuit coupled to the input connection, the output connection, and the output of the voltage converter circuit. The switch circuit passes a signal received at the input to the output when the switch circuit is activated by the voltage converter output. Power to the voltage converter circuit is provided via the control connection, and power to the switch circuit is provided via the output of the voltage converter circuit.