Charge Pump Bypass Circuit for Low-Voltage Bus Current Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bus systems that transmit differential signals through a pair of wiring lines, fluctuations in input voltage can cause temporary interruptions in current supply to loads, leading to decreased power efficiency and increased circuit complexity, especially when high input voltage and large currents are required.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit with a charge pump circuit and control circuit that operates the charge pump to supply current through a bypass line during periods of low input voltage, ensuring continuous current supply to the load and improving power efficiency by reducing circuit scale and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a backflow prevention circuit is used to block reverse current flow, then power efficiency is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backflow prevention function with the charge pump circuit by integrating the backflow prevention circuit between the AC filter and charge pump circuit, rather than as a separate component. This merging approach maintains the power efficiency benefit of backflow prevention while reducing overall circuit complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bypass line as an intermediary path that allows current to flow directly to the output terminal when the charge pump is not operating. This bypass line acts as a mediator that simplifies the circuit by providing a direct current path, eliminating the need for complex switching mechanisms while maintaining backflow prevention functionality.
2Reliability
If circuit components are increased to handle voltage fluctuations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic charge pump circuit that activates only when voltage fluctuations occur and normal operation conditions are not met. The control circuit dynamically switches the charge pump on or off based on real-time voltage conditions, providing reliable current supply during fluctuations while maintaining simple circuit operation during normal conditions, thus avoiding the need for permanently complex circuit configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump circuit serves multiple functions: it boosts voltage during fluctuations, prevents backflow, and can operate in conjunction with the bypass line to provide versatile current management. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated circuit to handle various operating conditions without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Loss of energy
If charge pump circuit operates during voltage fluctuations, then power efficiency is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit operates periodically only when voltage fluctuations are detected, rather than continuously. The control circuit monitors voltage conditions and activates the charge pump intermittently only when needed, allowing the circuit to dissipate heat between activation cycles and avoiding continuous heat generation. This periodic operation maintains power efficiency benefits while managing thermal output.
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
The solution enables continuous current supply to loads even during voltage fluctuations, enhancing power efficiency and allowing the semiconductor integrated circuit to be applied in applications requiring high input voltage and large currents without significant heat generation or increased circuit complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump circuit provided on the bypass line
Data Source
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AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first backflow prevention circuit provided on a first power line between a first AC filter and a first power output terminal, a bypass line that bypasses the first backflow prevention circuit, a charge pump circuit provided on the bypass line, and a control circuit configured to operate the charge pump circuit such that a current flows into the bypass line and the first power output terminal, when an input voltage between a first power input terminal and a second power input terminal is lower than a first threshold voltage.