Bi-directional DC Power Circuit for Step-Up and Step-Down Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current DC-DC power conversion circuits require multiple pathways and external components for step-up and step-down voltage conversions, leading to increased complexity and cost in managing power consumption for portable devices.

Innovation Solution

A bi-directional DC power circuit with a signal processing module, PWM module, and switch rectifying module that uses NMOS and PMOS transistors along with an inductor to control voltage conversions through pulse-width modulation, enabling both step-up and step-down modes with a single circuit configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two different pathways with power conversion modules and external components are used for step-up and step-down voltage conversions, then voltage conversion functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage conversion functionalityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single DC-DC power conversion module that can perform both step-up and step-down voltage conversions by switching between two operational modes. The same inductor, capacitors, and control circuitry are utilized for both voltage conversion directions, eliminating the need for separate power conversion modules and external components for each pathway. This multi-functional approach directly reduces device complexity while maintaining full voltage conversion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the step-up and step-down voltage conversion pathways into a single integrated circuit architecture. The control module combines the control logic for both conversion modes, and the power conversion module consolidates all necessary components (inductor, capacitors, switching elements) into one unified structure. This consolidation eliminates redundant components and interconnections, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two different pathways with power conversion modules and external components are used for step-up and step-down voltage conversions, then voltage conversion functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage conversion functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single DC-DC power conversion module that can perform both step-up and step-down voltage conversions by switching between two operational modes. The same inductor, capacitors, and control circuitry are utilized for both voltage conversion directions, eliminating the need for separate power conversion modules and external components for each pathway. This multi-functional approach directly reduces device complexity while maintaining full voltage conversion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the step-up and step-down voltage conversion pathways into a single integrated circuit architecture. The control module combines the control logic for both conversion modes, and the power conversion module consolidates all necessary components (inductor, capacitors, switching elements) into one unified structure. This consolidation eliminates redundant components and interconnections, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple independent components and pathways are used for power conversion, then reliable voltage conversion is achieved, but circuit size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the step-up and step-down voltage conversion pathways into a single integrated circuit architecture. The control module combines the control logic for both conversion modes, and the power conversion module consolidates all necessary components (inductor, capacitors, switching elements) into one unified structure. This consolidation eliminates redundant components and interconnections, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a single DC-DC power conversion module that can perform both step-up and step-down voltage conversions by switching between two operational modes. The same inductor, capacitors, and control circuitry are utilized for both voltage conversion directions, eliminating the need for separate power conversion modules and external components for each pathway. This multi-functional approach directly reduces device complexity while maintaining full voltage conversion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 simplifies voltage conversion processes, reduces manufacturing costs, and minimizes circuit size by integrating multiple functions into a single bi-directional circuit, effectively managing power in portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

the inductor stores power... and the inductor releases power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the switch rectifying module configured to turn on and off based on the pulse signals from the PWM module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField effect transistor operation:

Data Source

PatentUS8154266B2Bi-directional DC power circuit
Publication Date: 2012.04.10 BYD SEMICON CO LTD
  • US8154266B2 patent drawing
  • US8154266B2 patent drawing
  • US8154266B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Bi-directional direct current (DC) power circuit having: a signal processing module for processing feedbacks of output voltage and voltage drop, and outputting pulse control and directional control signals; a pulse width modulation (PWM) module for outputting pulse signals in response to the control signals from the signal processing module; and a switch rectifying module for switching on and off in response to the pulse signals from the PWM module. The pulse control signal from the signal processing module can be in response to an input current signal from a sense resistor. The circuit is capable of achieving both step-up and step-down voltage conversions.