Charge Pump Circuits with Active Voltage Inversion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some charge pump circuits lack current capability or have high output resistance in reverse current flow, making them intolerant to excess voltage from external sources, which can damage the circuit or the circuitry powered by them.
Innovation Solution
The proposed charge pump circuits incorporate a voltage inverter circuit and a current source controlled by a control circuit, which generates a negative voltage and passes current to the output when the voltage falls below a desired level, preventing overvoltage or undervoltage without requiring Zener diodes, and are suitable for high-impedance analog inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a charge pump circuit uses switched capacitors to generate voltage, then voltage conversion capability is improved, but reverse current flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary between the switched capacitor charge pump and the output. This control circuit actively monitors and manages reverse current flow, preventing it from damaging the circuit while maintaining the voltage conversion capability of the charge pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit implements feedback mechanisms to detect voltage conditions and regulate the charge pump operation. By continuously monitoring the output voltage and controlling the switching elements, the system prevents reverse current flow that would otherwise occur in conventional charge pump designs.
2Device complexity
If a charge pump circuit operates with high output resistance, then circuit simplicity is improved, but tolerance to external voltage fluctuations worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically adjusts its operation based on detected voltage conditions without requiring external intervention or complex protection circuits. The system self-regulates to maintain reliable operation across varying external voltage conditions while keeping the overall circuit design relatively simple.
3Reliability
If Zener diodes are used for voltage regulation, then protection against overvoltage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive Zener diode-based voltage regulation with an active control circuit that uses electronic switching and feedback control. This substitution provides equivalent or superior overvoltage protection while allowing for more flexible and integrated circuit design without requiring discrete protection components.
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 enables the charge pump circuits to effectively regulate voltage, preventing damage from external voltage fluctuations and ensuring reliable operation in high-impedance analog environments without the need for Zener diodes.
Implementation Method 1
Charge pump circuits use switched capacitors to convert an input voltage to an output voltage
Implementation Method 2
The current source is coupled to the voltage output terminal and is configured to increase a voltage at the voltage output terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A charge pump circuit includes a voltage output terminal, a flying capacitor, and a current source. The flying capacitor includes a first terminal coupled to the voltage output terminal, and a second terminal coupled to an output terminal of a drive circuit. The current source includes a first terminal coupled to the voltage output terminal, and a second terminal coupled to a power supply rail.