Buck-Boost Circuit Single Inductor Switch Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage conversion circuits in electronic devices suffer from inefficiency due to high power consumption by switch elements, which degrades performance and reduces operation time in portable devices.

Innovation Solution

An electronic circuit configuration that minimizes power consumption by using a single inductive element and strategically placed switch elements to provide current paths for voltage conversion, allowing for efficient conversion of input voltage to multiple output voltages with reduced switch element power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If multiple switch elements are used in the voltage conversion circuit, then voltage conversion functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases and efficiency degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcircuit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple switch elements into a single switch element that performs the functions of both the first and second switch elements in conventional buck-boost circuits. This merging reduces the number of active components and minimizes power consumption while maintaining voltage conversion functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single switch element in the patent is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as both the first switch element (controlling input current to the inductor) and the second switch element (controlling current from the inductor to output). This multi-functionality reduces component count and power loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If multiple switch elements are used in the voltage conversion circuit, then voltage regulation is achieved, but conversion efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower lossVSAvoidvoltage conversion reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple switch elements into one, reducing the cumulative on-resistance and conduction losses associated with multiple switches. This directly reduces power loss while the single switch maintains reliable control over the energy transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates the harmful effect of multiple switch losses by using a single switch, and the reduced component count actually improves reliability by reducing potential failure points while maintaining conversion functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Duration of action of moving object

If conventional voltage conversion circuit configuration is used, then voltage level conversion is achieved, but operation time of portable devices is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power-consuming switch elements into a single switch element, directly reducing the power consumption of the voltage conversion circuit. This extends battery operation time in portable devices while maintaining necessary voltage conversion capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration enhances the efficiency of voltage conversion by minimizing power loss in switch elements, thereby improving the performance and extending the operation time of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

A first end of the inductive element may be connected to an input voltage... The conversion circuit may output a current through an inductive element based on an input voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The capacitive element may be connected between a second end of the first switch element and a second end of the inductive element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10615696B2Electronic circuit performing buck-boost conversion using single inductive element

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic circuit includes an inductive element, a capacitive element, and switch elements. A first end of the inductive element is connected to an input voltage. A first end of a first switch element is connected to the first end of the inductive element. The capacitive element is connected between a second end of the first switch element and a second end of the inductive element. A second switch element is connected between the second end of the first switch element and a reference voltage. A third switch element is connected between the second end of the inductive element and the reference voltage. A fourth switch element is connected between the second end of the inductive element and a first output voltage. A fifth switch element is connected between the second end of the inductive element and a second output voltage.