Capacitive Voltage Multiplier Circuit for Efficient Fractional Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply circuitry for devices like implantable neurostimulators is inefficient, particularly in battery-powered devices, due to the need for complex and power-consuming voltage up-conversion methods like inductive and capacitive voltage multipliers, which introduce electromagnetic noise and waste energy when changing output voltages.
Innovation Solution
The development of a capacitive voltage multiplier circuit that provides voltage conversion in increments less than integer multiples of the battery voltage, using a binary ladder distribution and non-matched pump and storage capacitors to minimize component count and energy waste, allowing for on-demand output voltage generation without discharging previously charged capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If inductive voltage up-converters are used to provide voltage up-conversion, then the desired voltage can be achieved, but electromagnetic noise is introduced and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inductive voltage conversion (which uses magnetic fields and inductors) with a capacitive voltage conversion system. This substitution eliminates the electromagnetic noise generated by inductive components while achieving the same voltage up-conversion function through capacitive charge transfer mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the inductor component from the voltage conversion system entirely, extracting the harmful electromagnetic noise-generating element while retaining the essential voltage conversion function through a purely capacitive approach using switched capacitor networks.
2Power
If complex power supply circuitry is used to provide voltage up-conversion, then the desired voltage can be achieved, but the circuit complexity increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage conversion function with the existing battery power supply structure by using the battery voltage directly in a switched capacitor configuration. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex inductive conversion circuits while achieving the required voltage multiplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive voltage conversion circuit serves multiple functions: it provides voltage up-conversion, acts as a power management element, and integrates with the battery interface. This multi-functionality reduces overall circuit complexity compared to dedicated inductive conversion stages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional capacitive voltage multipliers are used to provide integer multiple voltages, then voltage up-conversion is achieved, but energy is wasted when changing output voltages due to discharging previously charged capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switched capacitor network where the capacitor configuration can be reconfigured on-the-fly between different voltage multiplication modes (1x, 2x, 3x, 4x battery voltage) without requiring discharge. The switching mechanism allows seamless transition between voltage levels while maintaining charge efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the capacitor network by switching between different series/parallel configurations to achieve various voltage multiples. This parameter change approach allows flexible voltage output selection without the energy-wasting discharge-recharge cycle inherent in traditional fixed-configuration voltage multipliers.
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 more efficient voltage multiplier that reduces power consumption and extends battery life in small, battery-powered devices by providing precise voltage increments, minimizing energy waste, and reducing electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive voltage multiplier circuit that provides voltage conversion in increments less than integer multiples of the battery voltage, using a binary ladder distribution and non-matched pump and storage capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods which provide voltage conversion in increments less than integer multiples of a power supply (e.g., battery) voltage. A representative embodiment provides power supply voltage multipliers in a binary ladder distribution to provide a desired number of output voltage steps using a relatively uncomplicated circuit design. By using different sources in various combinations and/or by “stacking” different sources in various ways, the voltage multiplier circuit may be used to provide desired voltages. In order to minimize the number of components used in a voltage converter of an embodiment, a capacitive voltage converter circuit uses one or more storage capacitors in place of pump capacitors in a voltage generation cycle. Also, certain embodiments do not operate to generate an output voltage until the time that voltage is needed.