Charge Pump Circuit for Variable 1x-2x Boost Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charge pump circuits are unable to achieve boosting ratios less than two times, such as 1.5 times, and do not support continuous variation of the boosting ratio with low loss.

Innovation Solution

A charge pump circuit design incorporating a charging stand, capacitors, FETs, and a control unit that allows for continuous adjustment of boosting ratios between 1 to 2 times by alternating modes of operation, including a 1.5 times mode, achieved through precise timing and soft switching to minimize losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional charge pump circuits are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the boosting ratio cannot be continuously changed and is limited to fixed ratios (e.g., 2 times)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboosting ratio adjustment rangeVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charge pump circuit is divided into multiple charge pump units, each capable of operating in different modes (first mode for 1x boosting, second mode for 2x boosting). By segmenting the circuit into modular units with independent switching control, the system can selectively activate different units or combinations thereof to achieve continuous boosting ratio adjustment while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit employs dynamic switching control where the operating mode of each charge pump unit can be changed in real-time based on the desired boosting ratio. The control unit dynamically adjusts the switching states of multiple charge pump units, enabling continuous variation of the overall boosting ratio from 1x to 2x and beyond, transforming a static circuit into a dynamically adaptable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If fixed boosting ratio modes are used, then the circuit operation is simple, but the loss increases when switching between different boosting ratios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching lossVSAvoidboosting ratio switching operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements periodic switching sequences where charge pump units alternate between different operating modes in a predetermined pattern. This periodic action allows the system to achieve intermediate boosting ratios (such as 1.5x) by combining the output of units operating in different modes, reducing the need for abrupt transitions and minimizing switching losses associated with changing boosting ratios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that charge pump units operate in a coordinated manner where the output of individual units is continuously combined to produce the desired overall boosting ratio. This continuous operation without complete shutdowns or abrupt mode changes minimizes energy losses and maintains smooth transitions between different boosting ratios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed boosting ratios are selected, then the circuit can handle different ratios, but continuous variation between ratios is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous boosting ratio variationVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each charge pump unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in multiple modes (first mode for 1x boosting, second mode for 2x boosting) within the same hardware structure. This universal design allows the same physical unit to serve different boosting functions, enabling continuous ratio variation through software/control logic rather than requiring separate hardware for each ratio, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves continuous boosting ratio variation by changing the operational parameters (switching states, mode selection) of the charge pump units rather than physically reconfiguring the circuit. The control unit adjusts parameters such as the duty cycle and switching frequency of individual units to continuously vary the overall boosting ratio, transforming a discrete system into one that behaves continuously through parameter modulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables continuous adjustment of boosting ratios with minimal loss, supporting efficient voltage conversion in applications like battery electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a reactor and a second capacitor connected in series with each other and connected in parallel with the charging stand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first capacitor connected in parallel with the charging stand; a third capacitor and a fourth capacitor connected in series with each other and connected in parallel with the charging stand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

a first FET, a second FET, a fifth FET, and a sixth FET connected to the charging stand; a third FET and a fourth FET connected in series with each other and connected in parallel with the charging stand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField Effect:

Data Source

PatentEP4580023A1Charge pump circuit
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4580023A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4580023A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4580023A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A charge pump circuit includes: a charging stand (11); a battery (12); a first capacitor (31); a reactor (21) and a second capacitor connected in series with each other and connected in parallel with the charging stand (11); a first FET (41), a second FET (42), a fifth FET (45), and a sixth FET (46); a third FET (43) and a fourth FET (44) connected in series with each other and connected in parallel with the charging stand (11); a third capacitor (33) and a third capacitor (33) connected in series with each other and connected in parallel with the charging stand (11); and a control unit (60), in which the control unit (60) performs a boosting ratio 1.5 times mode by performing a boosting ratio 1 time mode and a boosting ratio 2 times mode in a predetermined order; and performs arbitrary boosting between boosting ratios of 1 to 2 times by performing the boosting ratio 1.5 times mode and the boosting ratio 1 time mode in a predetermined order, or performing the boosting ratio 1.5 times mode and the boosting ratio 2 times mode in a predetermined order.