Capacitor-Based Power Converter for Buck Gate Voltage Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power systems for memory sub-systems are inefficient and costly due to the need for additional components like LDO regulators or additional buck converters to generate gate voltages for buck converters, which occupy space and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor-based power converter using a combination of capacitive voltage doubler or divider circuits with LDO regulators to generate gate voltages for buck converters, allowing for efficient voltage boosting or bucking based on input power supply voltages, thereby reducing component count and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional power systems use additional LDO regulators or buck converters to generate gate voltages, then the gate voltage generation is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gate voltage generation function with the existing buck converter circuit by using the switch node voltage as the gate voltage source. This eliminates the need for separate LDO regulators or additional buck converters, directly reducing component count while maintaining reliable gate voltage generation for power management operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the buck converter circuit serve multiple functions: it performs its primary voltage conversion function while simultaneously generating the gate voltage for power management devices. This multi-functionality approach eliminates dedicated gate voltage generation components, reducing overall device complexity without compromising the gate voltage generation capability
2Reliability
If additional components like LDO regulators or buck converters are used for gate voltage generation, then the gate voltage is generated, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gate voltage generation function into the existing buck converter circuit, eliminating the need for additional LDO regulators or buck converters. This consolidation directly reduces the bill of materials and assembly costs, making the power management system more cost-effective while maintaining reliable gate voltage generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the buck converter to perform dual functions: voltage conversion and gate voltage generation. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count, thereby lowering manufacturing costs including PCB real estate, assembly steps, and testing complexity, while ensuring reliable gate voltage supply for power management devices
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 solution provides a more efficient and cost-effective method for generating gate voltages for buck converters, enabling flexible support of different power supply voltages and reducing the overall footprint and cost of the power system.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitive circuit comprises a capacitive voltage doubler circuit
Implementation Method 2
the capacitive circuit comprises a capacitive voltage divider circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein provide a system that uses a capacitor-based power converter to generate a gate voltage (e.g., boot strap voltage) for a buck converter. According to various embodiments described herein, the capacitor-based power converter includes at least one of a combination of a capacitive voltage divider circuit with a low-dropout (LDO) regulator, or a combination of a capacitive doubler circuit with an LDO regulator, to generate the gate voltage for the buck converter.