DC-DC Converter Boosting Charge Pump Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for DC-DC converters in portable wireless communication devices that are low cost, small, and efficient, while also minimizing size and power consumption, as existing converters often fail to balance these requirements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A DC-DC converter with a boosting charge pump and control circuitry that selects between a boost disabled mode, a first boost operating mode, and a second boost operating mode based on the DC source voltage, providing output voltages of one and a half times or twice the source voltage, respectively, to optimize efficiency and impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a DC-DC converter is designed to be simple and small in size, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but power consumption efficiency and voltage regulation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit dynamically switches between different operating modes (first boost mode, second boost mode, and bypass mode) based on the DC source voltage level. This dynamic operation allows the converter to adapt to varying input conditions, maintaining high efficiency across different voltage ranges while using a simple charge pump structure rather than a complex continuous-regulation converter
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage boosting function is segmented into discrete operating modes with specific voltage multiplication factors (1.5x in first boost mode, 2x in second boost mode). This segmentation allows the system to achieve efficient voltage conversion at specific operating points using simple charge pump circuits, rather than requiring a continuously adjustable complex converter design
2Power
If the charge pump provides high voltage gain (2x or 1.5x multiplication), then output voltage capability is improved, but device complexity and voltage rating requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between first and second boost modes based on the DC source voltage level. When the source voltage is higher, the system uses the first boost mode (1.5x multiplication) with lower voltage stress on components. When the source voltage is lower, it switches to the second boost mode (2x multiplication). This dynamic adaptation allows high voltage gain capability while keeping component voltage ratings manageable by matching the boost ratio to the input conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the charge pump (switching nodes, flying capacitor connections, and boost ratio) are changed based on the DC source voltage level. The control circuitry adjusts which switching nodes are active and how the flying capacitors are connected, thereby changing the effective voltage multiplication ratio to optimize component stress and achieve the required output voltage with appropriate voltage ratings
3Use of energy by moving object
If the converter operates in boost disabled mode with high impedance, then power consumption is reduced, but voltage regulation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The converter dynamically transitions between bypass mode (high impedance, low power consumption) and charge pump active modes (voltage regulation enabled) based on whether voltage boosting is required. When the DC source voltage is sufficient to meet the output voltage requirement, the charge pump is disabled and presents high impedance, minimizing power consumption. When voltage regulation is needed, the appropriate boost mode is activated to provide the required voltage conversion
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 enables efficient voltage boosting while minimizing size and power consumption, reducing undesirable paths and increasing efficiency by using a charge pump with high impedance in disabled mode and switching elements with appropriate voltage ratings, thus addressing the need for compact and cost-effective converters.
Implementation Method 1
a boosting charge pump, which has a charge pump output... During the first boost operating mode, the boosting charge pump provides a charge pump output voltage via the charge pump output, such that a nominal value of the charge pump output voltage is equal to about one and one-half times the DC source voltage. During the second boost operating mode, the boosting charge pump provides the charge pump output voltage via the charge pump output, such that a nominal value of the charge pump output voltage is equal to about two times the DC source voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A DC-DC converter, which provides a converter output voltage using a DC source voltage, is disclosed. The DC-DC converter includes converter control circuitry and a boosting charge pump. The converter control circuitry selects one of a first boost operating mode, a second boost operating mode, and a boost disabled mode based on the DC source voltage. During the boost disabled mode, the boosting charge pump presents a high impedance at a charge pump output of the boosting charge pump. Otherwise, the boosting charge pump provides a charge pump output voltage. During the first boost operating mode, a nominal value of the charge pump output voltage is equal to about one and one-half times the DC source voltage. During the second boost operating mode, a nominal value of the charge pump output voltage is equal to about two times the DC source voltage.