Charge Pump Voltage Conversion Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for generating additional voltages in devices, such as memory devices, are often inefficient or inapplicable, particularly when trying to convert between supply voltages of different levels using regulators or charge pumps.
Innovation Solution
A charge pump system that includes an oscillator, signal generator, voltage generator, and output monitor to generate an output voltage within a specific range by controlling capacitors and switches with non-overlapping control signals, achieving high output current and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a regulator is used to generate a lower voltage from a higher supply voltage, then voltage conversion is achieved, but efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional regulator-based voltage conversion mechanism with a charge pump circuit that uses capacitive energy transfer. Instead of dissipating excess voltage as heat through resistive regulation, the charge pump uses switched capacitors to transfer and store electrical energy, converting voltage levels with significantly improved efficiency by avoiding energy dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of voltage conversion by using variable capacitance values in the charge pump circuit. By adjusting the capacitance ratios and switching frequencies, the system optimizes energy transfer efficiency across different voltage conversion scenarios, achieving adaptive high efficiency rather than fixed inefficient regulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a charge pump is used to generate a higher voltage from a lower supply voltage, then voltage boosting is achieved, but the technique may be inapplicable in some devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal charge pump circuit that can operate in multiple modes: voltage boosting (generating higher voltage from lower supply), voltage stepping (generating lower voltage from higher supply), and direct supply operation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate circuits for different voltage conversion needs, making the technique broadly applicable across various device configurations without increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the charge pump circuit through programmable switching signals that can adjust the circuit's operating mode based on real-time voltage requirements. The system can dynamically switch between boosting, stepping, and direct operation modes, adapting to different device states and voltage demands, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized control.
3Productivity
If traditional voltage generation methods are used, then device operations are supported, but output current efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional resistive voltage regulation with capacitive energy transfer in the charge pump circuit. This substitution enables high output current efficiency by storing and transferring electrical energy directly through capacitor charging and discharging cycles, avoiding the energy dissipation inherent in regulator-based systems and thereby improving both productivity and driving capability.
4Power
If traditional voltage generation methods are used, then device operations are supported, but power efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes regulator-based power conversion with charge pump-based capacitive energy transfer. This replacement dramatically improves power efficiency by eliminating the resistive heating losses that occur in traditional voltage regulation, where excess voltage is dissipated as heat. The charge pump transfers energy through capacitor charging/discharging cycles with minimal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes power efficiency by dynamically adjusting operating parameters such as switching frequency and capacitance values in the charge pump circuit. By adapting these parameters to match the specific voltage conversion requirements and load conditions, the system minimizes energy losses and maximizes power transfer efficiency across different operating scenarios.
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
The system effectively generates an output voltage that is greater than the supply voltage but less than the higher supply voltage, maintaining efficiency and driving capability for device circuitry, with up to 66% output current efficiency and 75% power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A charge pump includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods having an input node to receive a first voltage, an output node to provide an output voltage, and a charge pump to generate the output voltage based on the first voltage. The charge pump can include a control node to receive a control signal for controlling at least one switch of the charge pump, such that the output voltage includes a value greater than a value of the first voltage. The control signal can include a level corresponding to a second voltage having a value greater than the value of the output voltage. Additional apparatus and methods are described.