Parallel Charge Pump Control for Lower Switching Power Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Known charge pump devices with multiple parallel-connected charge pumps suffer from high power consumption due to static consumption linked to switching, particularly when delivering a DC output voltage.
Innovation Solution
A system that selectively enables or disables charge pumps based on comparing an operating parameter's current value with thresholds, adjusting the number of active charge pumps to match load current consumption, using circuits to control the number of enabled pumps based on the comparison results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple charge pumps are connected in parallel to deliver DC output voltage, then the output voltage delivery capability is improved, but the power consumption increases due to static consumption linked to switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of enabled charge pumps variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the number of active charge pumps based on real-time comparison between the operating parameter and threshold values, allowing the power delivery capability to adapt to actual load requirements while minimizing unnecessary power consumption from idle pumps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors the operating parameter (such as output current or voltage), compares it with threshold values, and adjusts the number of enabled charge pumps accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal power consumption by enabling only the necessary number of pumps to meet the current demand
2Productivity
If the number of enabled charge pumps is increased to meet higher current demand, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the number of enabled charge pumps based on the operating conditions. When the operating parameter exceeds the first threshold, the system increases the number of active pumps to meet higher current demand. When it falls below the second threshold, the system reduces the number of active pumps to minimize power consumption, thus adapting the system's productivity to actual needs
3Use of energy by moving object
If the number of charge pumps is reduced to lower power consumption, then the power consumption is improved, but the output voltage stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism ensures output voltage stability is maintained while optimizing power consumption. By continuously monitoring the operating parameter and comparing it with thresholds, the system only reduces the number of enabled pumps when the operating parameter indicates sufficient headroom (below the second threshold), thereby preventing voltage instability while minimizing power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes charge pumps, wherein each charge pump has an input receiving an input voltage, another input receiving a periodic control signal and an output delivering an output voltage. Each charge pump is selectively enabled or disabled. A first circuit delivers an error signal based on a difference between the output voltage and a reference voltage. A second circuit changes an operating parameter of the charge pumps on the basis of the error signal. A third circuit compares a current value of the operating parameter with two thresholds and, based on the result of the threshold comparisons, controls one of an increase in, a decrease in, and a retention of a number of enabled charge pumps.