Charge Pump Adjustable Resistance Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Charge pumps face challenges in effectively regulating output voltage due to the limitations of traditional switched capacitor designs, which struggle to accurately maintain voltage levels across varying load conditions.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an adjustable resistance circuit connected in series with switches and driven by an error amplifier, allowing for real-time modulation of resistance to regulate output voltage by adjusting the flying capacitor voltage based on feedback signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional switched capacitor designs are used, then the charge pump structure is simple, but the output voltage regulation accuracy deteriorates under varying load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage regulation accuracyVSAvoidcharge pump structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed resistance elements with a dynamically adjustable resistance circuit. The resistance value is modulated in real-time based on feedback from the output voltage, allowing the charge pump to adapt to varying load conditions and maintain accurate voltage regulation. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling high regulation accuracy without requiring an overly complex fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the output voltage and using this information to adjust the resistance circuit accordingly. The feedback loop compares the actual output voltage with the desired reference voltage and modulates the resistance to minimize the error, thereby achieving precise voltage regulation. This feedback mechanism directly addresses the regulation accuracy issue while maintaining a manageable device complexity through efficient control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed resistance circuits are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to varying load conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to load conditionsVSAvoidresistance circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static resistance circuit into a dynamic one that can adjust its resistance value based on load conditions. This dynamic capability enables the charge pump to adapt to varying loads effectively. The resistance modulation is controlled through a relatively simple control mechanism driven by the error amplifier, thus achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If no adjustable resistance circuit is used, then the charge pump efficiency is lower, but the device complexity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge pump efficiencyVSAvoidoverall circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent improves charge pump efficiency by dynamically changing the resistance parameter in the circuit. By adjusting the resistance value optimally under different operating conditions, the charge pump achieves better efficiency. The parameter change is implemented through a controlled resistance modulation mechanism that adds minimal complexity while delivering significant efficiency improvements through optimized current flow and reduced power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables precise voltage regulation, ensuring output voltage stability across different load conditions by dynamically adjusting the resistance in response to error signals, thereby improving the overall efficiency and accuracy of the charge pump.

Implementation Method 1

an error amplifier, operable to provide an error signal responsive to the output voltage and a reference voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback: Feedback

Implementation Method 2

an adjustable resistance circuit, connected in series with the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit, having a resistance that is modulated based on the error signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS7397677B1Apparatus and method for charge pump control with adjustable series resistance
Publication Date: 2008.07.08 NAT SEMICON CORP
  • US7397677B1 patent drawing
  • US7397677B1 patent drawing
  • US7397677B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A charge pump is provided. The charge pump may include an oscillator, a first switch, a second switch, a capacitor/switch network, an error amplifier, an adjustable resistance circuit, a first switch driver, and a second switch driver. In one embodiment, the first and second drivers each receive the oscillator voltage, and drive the first and second switches, respectively. Further, the adjustable resistance circuit is connected in series with the first and second switch circuits. The charge pump is arranged in a closed loop with the error amplifier driving the adjustable resistance circuit. The resistance of the adjustable resistance circuit is modulated to regulate the output voltage.