Charge-Pump Controller With Feedback Current Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor charge-pump circuits face challenges in achieving low pin count, low cost, and accurate current regulation, often requiring trade-offs between these parameters.
Innovation Solution
A charge-pump controller using no more than six external terminals, configured with three transistor switches to alternately charge and supply current to a load, regulating the current through a feedback mechanism that compares a sense signal to a reference signal to ensure accurate current delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a voltage doubler uses four transistors configured as two transistor pairs to provide charging of the capacitor, then the voltage regulation is improved, but the pin count and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single charge-pump circuit that can operate in different modes (voltage doubling, voltage tripling, etc.) using the same basic transistor and capacitor structure. This eliminates the need for separate circuits for different voltage multiplication factors, reducing pin count while maintaining regulation capability through a unified control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge-pump circuit is designed to perform multiple functions - it can achieve voltage doubling, tripling, and other multiplication factors using the same basic circuit topology by controlling the switching sequence and timing. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and pin requirements compared to having separate dedicated circuits for each function.
2Measurement precision
If a voltage doubler includes a feedback loop to set the output voltage value, then the regulation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the output voltage is monitored and used to control the charging and discharging cycles of the capacitor. The feedback loop adjusts the duty cycle or switching timing to maintain the desired output voltage, achieving accurate regulation without requiring complex additional circuitry beyond the basic charge-pump structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuits are used for different voltage multiplication factors, then the adaptability is improved, but the pin count and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charge-pump circuit employs dynamic control of the switching elements to achieve different voltage multiplication factors. By changing the switching sequence, timing, and control signals, the same physical circuit can adapt to provide voltage doubling, tripling, or other factors, eliminating the need for multiple static circuits and reducing pin count.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a charge-pump controller is formed to control a value of current supplied to a load.