Charge Pump Efficiency Tracking via Dynamic Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charge pumps experience efficiency losses due to varying switching frequency and parameters like flying capacitors, which are not optimally adjusted, leading to suboptimal performance, especially at high loads where ohmic losses dominate.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Maximum Efficiency Point Tracking (MEPT) system that measures and compares successive output voltage values to adjust the charge pump's switching frequency and other parameters, such as the number of flying capacitors, using a measurement circuit and logic circuit to self-adapt to varying parameters like RDSON, CF, CR, and ILOAD, thereby optimizing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the charge pump operates with fixed switching frequency and parameters, then the device complexity is low, but the efficiency losses increase especially at high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where successive output voltage values are measured and compared, and the comparison result is used to adjust the switching frequency or number of flying capacitors. This closed-loop control enables the charge pump to adapt to varying load conditions and minimize efficiency losses dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the charge pump operating parameters dynamic by allowing the switching frequency and number of flying capacitors to change based on real-time output voltage measurements. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize efficiency across different operating conditions rather than being fixed.
2Loss of energy
If the switching frequency is increased to improve efficiency, then the efficiency improves, but the loss of time due to switching operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic sampling and comparison of output voltage values at defined intervals to determine when parameter adjustments are needed. This periodic measurement approach allows the system to maintain optimal efficiency without requiring continuous high-frequency switching, thereby reducing unnecessary switching time losses.
3Power
If the number of flying capacitors is increased to handle high loads, then the power handling capacity improves, but the device complexity and energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of flying capacitors based on load conditions by measuring output voltage and comparing successive values. Under high load conditions, additional capacitors are engaged to increase power handling capacity, while under light loads, fewer capacitors are used to minimize ohmic losses and improve overall efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a charge pump where successive values of a charge pump output voltage are measured and compared is presented. The result of the comparison is used to adjust one or more parameters of the charge pump operation A charge pump's maximum efficiency is tracked by storing and comparing successive output voltage values, with sample and hold circuitry.