Voltage-Dividing Capacitor Circuit for Fast Multi-Level Supply Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage converters in integrated circuits face inefficiencies when handling high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) and large bandwidth signals, particularly in wireless communication devices, leading to reduced power amplifier efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A voltage dividing capacitor circuit and supply modulator design that includes multiple capacitor dividers and load capacitors, connected in series, with a DC-DC converter generating current based on battery voltage to provide multiple voltage levels for efficient power management, allowing quick response and reduced load capacitor size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a single large load capacitor is used to maintain stable voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but the response time to voltage changes increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large load capacitor into multiple smaller load capacitors (first load capacitor, second load capacitor, third load capacitor) connected in series. This segmentation allows the circuit to achieve both stable voltage operation and fast response times, as the smaller capacitors can charge and discharge more quickly while still providing adequate voltage regulation when combined in series.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flying capacitors and switching networks that dynamically reconfigure the capacitor connections based on operating conditions. The flying capacitors can be switched in parallel with the load capacitors during transient conditions to provide additional charge storage and faster response, while during steady-state operation the load capacitors operate in series for efficient voltage regulation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a single large load capacitor is used to maintain stable voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the total capacitance into multiple smaller load capacitors connected in series, the patent reduces the overall power consumption while maintaining voltage stability. Each smaller capacitor requires less energy to charge and discharge, and the series configuration allows the voltage to be distributed across multiple elements, reducing the energy demand on the power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic switching network controlled by the control logic selectively engages flying capacitors only when needed for transient response, rather than continuously operating large capacitors. This dynamic reconfiguration reduces average power consumption by minimizing the energy required for voltage regulation during steady-state operation.
3Loss of energy
If discrete voltage levels are used for power management, then power amplifier efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the voltage conversion circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple load capacitors connected in series to create discrete voltage levels at different nodes (first intermediate voltage node, second intermediate voltage node, etc.). This segmentation approach provides multiple selectable voltage levels for efficient power amplifier operation without requiring complex DC-DC converters for each voltage level.
Solution Approach 2:
The flying capacitors and switching network serve multiple functions: they enable voltage level selection, provide transient response support, and allow the same circuit topology to serve different power amplifier voltage requirements. This multi-functionality reduces overall circuit complexity compared to having separate voltage conversion circuits for each voltage level.
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
Enhances efficiency by rapidly providing current to target voltage nodes, reducing power consumption and extending battery life in wireless communication devices, while maintaining high performance.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage dividing capacitor circuit and supply modulator design that includes multiple capacitor dividers and load capacitors, connected in series
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage dividing capacitor circuit includes first capacitor through third capacitor dividers and first through fourth load capacitors. The first capacitor divider includes a first flying capacitor and a plurality of first switches connected in series between a first voltage node and a ground node, and is connected to a second voltage node. The second capacitor divider is connected to the first voltage node, the second voltage node, and a first intermediate voltage node. The third capacitor divider is connected to the second voltage node, the ground voltage node, and a second intermediate voltage node. The first through fourth load capacitors are connected in series between the first voltage node and the ground node. The second capacitor divider includes a second flying capacitor and a plurality of second switches connected in series between the first voltage node and the second voltage node.