Bidirectional Charger IC Switching for Stable Wired and Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging circuits in electronic devices face issues with over-current during mode transitions and struggle to seamlessly switch between wired and wireless charging modes, leading to instability and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional switching converter integrated into a charger IC, utilizing a 3-level DC-DC converter with multiple switching elements and a controller that adjusts switching operations based on inductor current direction to maintain seamless mode transitions and flying capacitor balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charging circuit supports multiple switching modes (buck, boost, buck-boost) for stable wireless and wired charging, then charging stability and versatility are improved, but over-current occurs during mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode transition control where the charging circuit seamlessly switches between buck, boost, and buck-boost modes based on real-time operating conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts switching signals to prevent over-current during transitions by monitoring current levels and adjusting the switching sequence, enabling stable wireless and wired charging without harmful current spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms where the controller monitors sensing signals from the charging circuit during mode transitions. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts switching signals to maintain current within safe limits, preventing over-current conditions while enabling versatile charging modes. The feedback loop ensures stable operation during transitions between wired and wireless charging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a charging circuit enables seamless transition between wired and wireless charging modes, then adaptability and user convenience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal charging circuit that can operate in multiple modes (buck, boost, buck-boost) and support both wired and wireless charging through a single integrated circuit. The bidirectional switching converter structure enables the same circuitry to handle different charging scenarios, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode while maintaining adaptability and user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic mode transition control where the charging circuit seamlessly switches between buck, boost, and buck-boost modes based on real-time operating conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts switching signals to prevent over-current during transitions by monitoring current levels and adjusting the switching sequence, enabling stable wireless and wired charging without harmful current spikes.
3Productivity
If a bidirectional switching converter uses multiple switching elements for seamless mode transitions, then charging efficiency and stability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switching elements (first, second, third, and fourth switching elements) into a single integrated bidirectional switching converter structure. This consolidation enables seamless mode transitions between buck, boost, and buck-boost operations while improving charging efficiency. The integrated design reduces the number of discrete components needed compared to separate circuits for each mode, thereby managing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal charging circuit that can operate in multiple modes (buck, boost, buck-boost) and support both wired and wireless charging through a single integrated circuit. The bidirectional switching converter structure enables the same circuitry to handle different charging scenarios, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode while maintaining adaptability and user convenience.
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 solution enables stable and efficient charging in multiple modes, including buck, boost, and buck-boost, ensuring smooth transitions between wired and wireless charging while maintaining optimal voltage levels and reducing output ripple.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured to generate a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and a second PWM signal based on a plurality of sensing signals received from the bidirectional switching converter
Implementation Method 2
an inductor connected between a first end of the third switching element and a second input/output node
Implementation Method 3
a capacitor connected to a second end of the second switching element and a third end of the third switching element
Data Source
AI summary
A charger integrated circuit includes a bidirectional switching converter including first to fourth switching elements connected in series, an inductor connected to a third switching element, and a capacitor connected to a second switching element and the third switching element, and a controller configured to generate, a first PWM signal and a second PWM signal based on sensing signals from the bidirectional switching converter, and a first switching signal controlling first and fourth switching elements based on the first PWM signal in response to an average of an inductor current being positive, a second switching signal controlling second and third switching elements based on the second PWM signal, and generate the first switching signal based on the second PWM signal, and the second switching signal based on the first PWM signal in response to the average value of the inductor current being negative.