Multi-Level Buck-Boost Converter Inductor Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for fourth-generation wireless handsets require multiple voltage generation stages to produce different voltage levels, leading to increased cost, space consumption, and interference due to the proliferation of inductors.
Innovation Solution
A buck-boost converter with a voltage generation apparatus using a single inductor and multiple capacitors, where error determination and control means manage switching between buck and boost modes to regulate output voltages, ensuring only one capacitor is connected to the inductor at a time, and control signals are generated to connect capacitors based on error deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage generation stages are used to generate different voltage levels, then the required voltage levels can be provided, but the cost, space consumption, and interference increase due to the proliferation of inductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage generation functions into a single buck-boost converter stage. Instead of using separate voltage generation stages for different voltage levels, the invention uses one converter with multiple capacitors (C1, C2, C3) that can be selectively connected to generate different output voltages (V1, V2, V3). This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple inductors while maintaining the capability to provide multiple voltage levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The single buck-boost converter stage is designed to perform multiple functions by generating different voltage levels through selective capacitor connections. The converter can operate in different modes (buck mode for voltage reduction, boost mode for voltage increase) and can serve multiple voltage rails simultaneously, making it a universal solution for multi-voltage generation in wireless handsets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage generation stages are used, then different voltage levels can be generated, but the space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple voltage generation stages into a single integrated circuit stage, dramatically reducing the space required on the circuit board. By using one buck-boost converter with multiple capacitors instead of multiple separate converters each with their own inductors, the overall footprint is minimized while still providing all required voltage levels for digital cores, I/O, analogue circuits, and power amplification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage generation stages are used, then different voltage levels can be generated, but interference increases due to the proliferation of inductors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reduces electromagnetic interference by consolidating multiple inductor-based voltage generation stages into a single stage. Since inductors are primary sources of electromagnetic interference, reducing their number from multiple to just one significantly lowers the overall interference level while still maintaining the capability to generate all required voltage levels for different circuit blocks.
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 allows for efficient generation of multiple voltage levels from a single voltage source, reducing the number of inductors needed, minimizing cost and space, and effectively controlling voltage errors across multiple output voltages.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor, wherein a first terminal of the inductor is switchably connected to the voltage source
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of capacitors switchably connected to a second terminal of the inductor, wherein a respective plurality of voltages are formed across the plurality of capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a buck-boost converter comprising: a voltage source; an inductor, wherein a first terminal of the inductor is switchably connected to the voltage source; and a plurality of capacitors switchably connected to a second terminal of the inductor, wherein a respective plurality of output voltages are formed across the plurality of capacitors, further comprising: an error determination means, for determining an error in each of the plurality of voltages, an inner control loop adapted to switchably connect one of the plurality of capacitors to the second terminal of the inductor in dependence on the determined errors; and an outer control loop adapted to control switching between buck mode and boost mode in dependence upon the determined errors.