Charge Pump Regulator Ripple Reduction via Variable Clock Frequencies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charge pump regulators experience output signal ripple due to fixed source clock frequencies, which affects the stability and efficiency of voltage regulation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a charge pump regulator with multiple charge pump circuits and a clock generator that adjusts source clock frequencies over time, using filters and ring oscillators to generate filtered clocks with varying frequencies, enabling charge pump circuits at different times to reduce output signal ripple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed frequency source clock is used in the charge pump regulator, then the circuit operation is simple and stable, but the output signal contains ripple and regulation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the source clock frequency variable rather than fixed. The clock generator adjusts the source clock frequency based on feedback signals - using higher frequencies when output voltage is low and lower frequencies when output voltage is high. This dynamic frequency adjustment reduces output ripple while maintaining regulation stability, resolving the contradiction between simple fixed-frequency operation and stable ripple-free output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the source clock dynamically during operation. The clock generator modifies the source clock frequency according to the output voltage level and load conditions, transitioning between different frequency states. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both simple operation and reduced output ripple, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Power
If multiple charge pump circuits are enabled simultaneously, then the current supply capability is improved, but the output signal ripple increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charge pump circuits and enables them at different times based on frequency intervals rather than simultaneously. The clock generator activates specific charge pump circuits corresponding to different frequency ranges, allowing the system to maintain current supply capability while reducing ripple by avoiding simultaneous operation of all circuits. This segmentation approach resolves the contradiction between power capability and ripple reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling charge pump circuits in alternating frequency intervals. During high-frequency intervals, certain charge pump circuits are enabled while others remain inactive, and this pattern alternates based on output voltage requirements. This periodic enabling strategy maintains adequate current supply while reducing output ripple, resolving the technical contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A charge pump regulator at least includes a first charge pump circuit and a second charge pump circuit. In an enabled period, a first clock signal is provided to the first charge pump circuit. Consequently, the first charge pump circuit generates an output voltage to an output terminal of the charge pump regulator. In the enabled period, a second clock signal is provided to the second charge pump circuit. Consequently, the second charge pump circuit generates the output voltage to the output terminal of the charge pump regulator. In a first time interval of the enabled period, the first clock signal has a first frequency and the second clock signal is maintained at a fixed level. In a second time interval of the enabled period, both of the first clock signal and the second clock signal have a second frequency.