Charge Pump Voltage Doubler Using Oscillation Signal Swing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge pump circuits face issues with destroying MOS devices due to electrostatic discharge or latchup when outputting large currents, and they have low energy output efficiency, especially when the output voltage is higher than the input voltage.
Innovation Solution
A signal output apparatus that generates oscillation signals with a swing of V_IN to 2*V_IN and uses these signals to convert the input voltage into an output signal with a swing of 0 to 2*V_IN, avoiding direct high voltage connections to MOS devices and employing a charge storage module to manage capacitor charging and discharging efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a charge pump outputs large current, then the output current capability is improved, but the MOS devices may be destroyed due to electrostatic discharge or latchup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an oscillation signal with swing of V_IN to 2×V_IN as an intermediary control signal. This signal controls the charge storage module to manage capacitor charging and discharging, thereby controlling the output current without directly exposing MOS devices to high voltage stress that would cause electrostatic discharge or latchup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage swing parameter of the control signal from the conventional 0 to V_IN to a new range of V_IN to 2×V_IN. This parameter change allows the charge pump to achieve large current output capability while the MOS devices operate within safe voltage ranges, preventing destruction
2Power
If the output voltage is higher than the input voltage, then the voltage boosting capability is improved, but the energy output efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic oscillation signals with swing of V_IN to 2×V_IN to control the charge storage module. The periodic charging and discharging of capacitors through this oscillation enables efficient voltage doubling while minimizing energy loss, as the periodic action allows optimal timing for charge transfer without dissipative losses
3Productivity
If a capacitor with large capacitance is used to provide large current, then the current output capability is improved, but the capacitor must be connected externally via chip pins, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large capacitance requirement into multiple smaller capacitors that can be integrated within the chip. The charge storage module uses several capacitors working in parallel or sequence to achieve the equivalent of a large capacitor, eliminating the need for external capacitor connections while maintaining large current output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single large capacitor (one-dimensional solution requiring external connection) to multiple smaller capacitors arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration within the chip. This dimensional change allows the equivalent large capacitance to be achieved through spatial arrangement of multiple small capacitors, integrating the function within the chip without external pins
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
This solution prevents MOS device destruction and improves energy output efficiency by allowing large current output without exposing MOS devices to high voltage pins, while reducing charge loss and parasitic capacitance issues.
Implementation Method 1
a charge storage module configured to use the first output signal as a triggering signal to charge one plate of a capacitor by an input voltage V_IN and provide a voltage higher than 0 volt to the other plate of the capacitor
Implementation Method 2
a signal output apparatus that generates an oscillation signal with a swing of an input voltage V_IN to 2×V_IN and uses the oscillation signal to convert the input voltage into an output signal with a swing of 0 to 2×V_IN
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A signal output apparatus, a charge pump, a voltage doubler and a method to output current. They use the interior circuit of a chip to generate an oscillation signal whose swing is between 0 and 2 × VIN, and use it to drive a charge pump type voltage doubler which uses a large capacitor outside the chip to output a large current.