Bootstrap Capacitor Pulse Generator for Low-Power Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transceiver designs face challenges in reducing size, power dissipation, and build cost, particularly when compared to charge pump-based systems, which often require larger components and higher power dissipation for comparable pulse operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of a bootstrap arrangement, including a bootstrap capacitor with one side coupled to an internal bus and the other side selectively coupled to current sources, allows for the addition of sync or data pulses to an outlet power supply signal, reducing the size and power dissipation by eliminating or reducing the need for charge pump components and leveraging internal bus power for pulse operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If charge pump components are used for pulse operations, then pulse generation capability is achieved, but integrated circuit area increases and power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the charge pump components from the transceiver design, replacing them with a bootstrap capacitor-based pulse generator. This removal of unnecessary components directly reduces power dissipation (from 374 mW to 58 mW) and simplifies the device structure while maintaining pulse generation capability through the bootstrap capacitor and current source arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by switching from charge pump-based voltage multiplication to bootstrap capacitor-based pulse generation. This parameter change involves using a single capacitor with selective current source coupling, fundamentally altering the pulse generation mechanism to achieve lower power consumption and reduced component complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If charge pump components are used for pulse operations, then pulse generation capability is achieved, but integrated circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes charge pump components from the circuit design, replacing them with a compact bootstrap capacitor arrangement. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple capacitors and complex switching networks, directly reducing the integrated circuit area while maintaining full pulse generation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single bootstrap capacitor structure that performs pulse generation, voltage boosting, and timing functions simultaneously. This consolidation of functions into one component significantly reduces the total component count and integrated circuit area compared to separate charge pump components.
3Power
If bootstrap arrangement is used instead of charge pump, then power dissipation is reduced and circuit area is reduced, but pulse generation capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pulse generation mechanism from charge pump-based to bootstrap capacitor-based operation, fundamentally altering how pulses are generated while maintaining the required capability. The bootstrap capacitor with selectively coupled current sources provides the necessary voltage boosting and pulse shaping without the high power consumption of charge pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The bootstrap capacitor arrangement is self-sufficient, using the outlet power supply signal itself to recharge the capacitor after each pulse discharge. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous pulse generation capability without requiring external power management components, maintaining reliability while reducing overall power dissipation.
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
This approach results in a transceiver that is at least four times smaller in integrated circuit area and achieves significant reductions in power dissipation, with estimated power dissipation reduced from 374 mW to 58 mW for a four-channel configuration, while maintaining compliance with specifications like peripheral sensor interface 5 (PSI5).
Implementation Method 1
the pulse generator includes a bootstrap capacitor with a first side coupled to the internal bus and a second side selectively coupled to at least one current source
Data Source
AI summary
A transceiver device includes a pulse generator, an output node, and an internal bus that couples the pulse generator and the output node. The pulse generator is configured to selectively add at least one pulse to an outlet power supply signal conveyed by the internal bus to the output node, wherein the pulse generator includes a bootstrap capacitor with a first side coupled to the internal bus and a second side selectively coupled to at least one current source. A transceiver method includes receiving an inlet power supply signal and providing an outlet power supply signal to an output node, wherein the outlet power supply signal is based on the inlet power supply signal. The transceiver method also includes selectively adding a sync or data pulse to the outlet power supply signal based on a pulse scheme and a bootstrap capacitor coupled to the output node.