Switched Capacitor DC-DC Converter Noise Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Head-wearable hearing devices face challenges due to electromagnetic noise disturbances from switched capacitor DC-DC converters interfering with magnetic inductance antennas, which affect the reception of wireless data signals.

Innovation Solution

A head-wearable hearing device with a magnetic inductance antenna and a switched capacitor DC-DC converter that uses a charge pump circuit to generate output current pulses with a mutual pulse delay corresponding to half of the antenna's resonance period, reducing electromagnetic noise through destructive interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a switched capacitor DC-DC converter is used to convert DC voltage, then energy conversion efficiency is improved and device dimensions are compacted, but electromagnetic noise is generated that interferes with the magnetic inductance antenna reception

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidelectromagnetic noise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The charge pump circuit generates periodic output current pulses with a specific pulse delay that corresponds to half the resonance period of the magnetic inductance antenna. This periodic action creates destructive interference of electromagnetic noise pulses, reducing the overall noise level affecting antenna reception while maintaining the efficient DC-DC conversion function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Volume of moving object

If the housing dimensions are compacted, then portability is improved, but the physical distance between the DC-DC converter and magnetic inductance antenna is reduced, increasing electromagnetic noise coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing dimensionsVSAvoidelectromagnetic noise coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful electromagnetic noise pulses generated by the charge pump circuit into a beneficial effect by timing the pulses to create destructive interference. The pulse delay is specifically set to half the antenna's resonance period, causing the noise pulses to cancel each other out through destructive interference, thereby reducing the harmful coupling effect despite the compact housing dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Power

If output current pulses are generated by the charge pump circuit, then DC voltage conversion is achieved, but electromagnetic noise bursts are coupled into the magnetic inductance antenna

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDC voltage conversion capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic noise bursts

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Significantly suppresses electromagnetic noise in the magnetic inductance antenna, improving the reception of wireless data signals by optimizing the timing of output current pulses.

Implementation Method 1

reducing electromagnetic noise through destructive interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDestructive interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic inductance antenna exhibiting a predetermined resonance period

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS10602283B2Hearing device comprising switched capacitor DC-DC converter with low electromagnetic emission

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 GN HEARING AS

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a head-wearable hearing device which comprises a magnetic inductance antenna having a predetermined resonance period for receipt of wireless data signals and a switched capacitor DC-DC converter configured for converting a DC input voltage into a higher or lower DC output voltage in accordance with a clock signal. The charge pump circuit is configured to charge an output capacitor by output current pulses where the output current pulses at least comprise first and second consecutive output current pulses having a mutual pulse delay corresponding to substantially one-half of the predetermined resonance period of the magnetic inductance antenna.