Charge Pump Controller Dynamic PVT Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional charge pumps experience performance degradation and high power consumption under normal or best case process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) conditions, leading to high current peaks and output ripples that can damage load circuits.

Innovation Solution

A method and integrated circuit device with a charge pump controller that monitors power-on status, calculates duty cycles, and adjusts clock frequency and capacitance settings to adapt to various PVT conditions, optimizing performance and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional charge pumps are designed to meet specifications under worst case PVT conditions, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and high current peaks occur under normal or best case PVT conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge pump reliability under worst case PVT conditionsVSAvoidpower consumption under normal or best case PVT conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The charge pump system dynamically adjusts its operating parameters (clock frequency and capacitance settings) based on real-time monitoring of duty cycle and PVT conditions. The controller module continuously monitors the power-on status and calculates duty cycle, then adjusts the charge pump clock frequency setting and charge pump capacitance setting accordingly, transitioning the system from static worst-case design to adaptive dynamic operation that optimizes power consumption for each operating condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (clock frequency and capacitance) based on monitored duty cycle values. When duty cycle exceeds thresholds, the controller adjusts these parameters to reduce power consumption. This parameter adaptation allows the charge pump to operate efficiently across varying PVT conditions rather than being optimized for worst-case scenarios only.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional charge pumps are designed to meet specifications under worst case PVT conditions, then reliability is improved, but high current peaks occur that require large power switches and decoupling capacitors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge pump reliability under worst case PVT conditionsVSAvoiddevice complexity for stabilizing voltage supply
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic adjustment of clock frequency and capacitance settings based on real-time duty cycle monitoring to prevent high current peaks before they occur. This dynamic control eliminates the need for oversized static components (large power switches and decoupling capacitors) that were required in conventional designs to handle peak currents, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller module continuously monitors the power-on status and calculates duty cycle, then uses this feedback to adjust charge pump operating parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents high current peaks by adapting operation to actual load conditions, eliminating the need for large decoupling capacitors and complex voltage stabilization circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional charge pumps operate under normal or best case PVT conditions, then power consumption is reduced, but output ripples increase that may damage load circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption under normal or best case PVT conditionsVSAvoidoutput ripples under normal or best case PVT conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The controller module continuously monitors duty cycle and uses this feedback to adjust charge pump operating parameters. When duty cycle indicates conditions that may generate harmful output ripples, the controller adjusts clock frequency and capacitance settings to suppress these ripples, maintaining clean output even when operating for extended periods at lower power consumption levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters (clock frequency and capacitance) based on monitored duty cycle values to maintain clean output. By adapting parameters to actual operating conditions rather than using fixed worst-case settings, the system reduces power consumption while preventing harmful output ripples through real-time parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If the duty cycle of the charge pump is high, then voltage supply stability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage supply stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts charge pump operating parameters based on real-time duty cycle monitoring. When duty cycle is high indicating stable voltage supply conditions, the controller reduces clock frequency and/or capacitance settings to lower power consumption. This dynamic adaptation maintains voltage stability while optimizing power efficiency according to actual operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes operational parameters (clock frequency and capacitance) based on duty cycle thresholds. When duty cycle exceeds upper thresholds indicating stable operation, parameters are adjusted to reduce power consumption. This parameter adaptation enables the system to maintain voltage stability while consuming less power during stable operating periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2889992B1Method and system for controlling a charge pump
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 NXP BV
  • EP2889992B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2889992B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2889992B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of a method for controlling a charge pump (104,204) and a control device (106,206) for a charge pump (104,204) are described. In one embodiment, a method for controlling a charge pump (104,204) involves monitoring (702) a power-on status of the charge pump (104,204), calculating (704) a duty cycle of the charge pump (104,204) within a time period based on the power-on status of the charge pump (104,204), and adjusting (706) at least one of a clock frequency setting and a capacitance setting of the charge pump (104,204) based on the duty cycle of the charge pump (104,204). Other embodiments are also described.