Constant Vgs Driver Architecture for SMPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switched-mode power supply (SMPS) circuits face limitations in maintaining constant gate-to-source voltage (VGs) driving capability across varying input voltages, which affects power efficiency and compatibility with different operating modes, such as three-level buck converter, divide-by-two charge pump, and USB on-the-go (OTG) modes.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit architecture that includes a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) and a charge pump with a driver architecture providing constant VGs driving capability, featuring a reconfigurable three-level buck converter and divide-by-two charge pump operation, supported by a single external capacitor and voltage regulator, allowing operation across a wide input voltage range from 5 V to 20 V.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional SMPS circuit is used, then the circuit can operate with varying input voltages, but the gate-to-source voltage driving capability varies across different input voltages, affecting power efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The driver architecture dynamically adjusts the gate-to-source voltage based on the operating mode and input voltage level. The circuit automatically switches between different driving current sources (first and second driving current sources) depending on whether USB OTG mode or other modes are active, ensuring optimal driving capability across the full input voltage range from 5V to 20V
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage levels and current sources) provided to the gate driver based on operating conditions. The driver receives different voltage levels from the voltage regulator and switching node, and selects between different current sources to maintain constant gate-to-source voltage driving capability regardless of input voltage variations
2Reliability
If separate voltage regulators and capacitors are used for each operating mode, then each mode can be optimized, but the circuit complexity and layout area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions across different operating modes. It regulates voltage for both USB OTG mode and other modes, and the same switching node and capacitor serve both charge pump and buck converter operations, eliminating the need for separate components for each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage regulation function and capacitance function into shared components that serve both USB OTG mode and other modes. The first and second capacitors are used in both charge pump and buck converter configurations, and the voltage regulator provides output voltage for multiple operating scenarios, significantly reducing the total component count and layout area
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage regulators and capacitors are used to support different operating modes, then each mode can be independently optimized, but the cost and layout area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator and capacitors are designed as universal components that support multiple operating modes (USB OTG mode, charge pump mode, buck converter mode) with a single implementation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each mode, reducing both manufacturing cost and PCB layout area while maintaining full adaptability across all operating modes
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically reconfigures the existing components to serve different functions based on the active operating mode. The same voltage regulator and capacitors are switched between different circuit configurations to support USB OTG mode, charge pump mode, and buck converter mode, eliminating the need for multiple static component sets and thereby reducing cost and layout area
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 solution ensures consistent power efficiency and supports multiple operating modes with reduced cost and layout area, minimizing input/output pads and enabling seamless switching between different driving current sources.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitive element having a first terminal and a second terminal
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and apparatus for supplying power to gate drivers of a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) circuit. One example power supply circuit generally includes a SMPS circuit having a first input voltage node and a second input voltage node, and a charge pump. The charge pump generally includes a first capacitive element having a first terminal and a second terminal; a first switch coupled between a first input node of the charge pump and the first terminal of the first capacitive element; a second switch coupled between the second terminal of the first capacitive element and a second input node of the charge pump; a third switch coupled between the first terminal of the first capacitive element and the first input voltage node of the SMPS circuit; and a fourth switch coupled between the second terminal of the first capacitive element and the second input voltage node of the SMPS circuit.