DC/DC Converter with Dynamic Phase Control for Voltage Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC/DC converters require complex structures and higher costs due to their ability to perform both up and down conversions, which is not efficiently achieved by conventional buck-boost converters.
Innovation Solution
A DC/DC converter design utilizing an inductive element and switching elements, including a p-channel field-effect transistor, with a control unit that manages phases and sub-phases to efficiently perform up and down conversions with reduced energy loss, allowing for both up and down voltage conversions with a simple structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If buck-boost converters are used to perform both up and down conversion, then the converter can handle changing input or output voltages, but the structure becomes more complicated and the area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single DC/DC converter circuit that can perform both buck (down) conversion and boost (up) conversion by using the same inductive element and switching elements controlled in different modes. The control unit switches between buck mode and boost mode based on the relationship between input voltage and desired output voltage, eliminating the need for separate converter circuits for each function.
2Device complexity
If conventional buck converters or low dropout regulators are used for down conversion, then the structure remains simple, but energy loss increases during voltage conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the switching elements with multiple phases (first phase, second phase with first sub-phase and second sub-phase) to optimize energy transfer during down conversion. The control unit dynamically adjusts the switching states and timing to minimize energy losses while maintaining the simple converter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter operates with periodic switching cycles consisting of distinct phases and sub-phases. During the second phase, the control unit provides control voltages to the gate terminal of the second switching element in a periodic manner, creating controlled current flow patterns that reduce energy loss during down conversion compared to conventional continuous operation.
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 proposed solution improves the efficiency of DC/DC converters during down conversion compared to conventional buck converters and low dropout regulators, enabling efficient voltage regulation and extending battery life by minimizing energy loss during up and down conversions.
Implementation Method 1
During the first phase, the inductive element is coupled between the input connection and the reference potential connection such that current flows through the inductive element and energy is stored within
Implementation Method 2
during the first sub-phase, a current can flow from the second terminal of the inductive element to the output connection via the fully closed second switching element
Implementation Method 3
during the second sub-phase, due to the control voltage applied and the current flowing from the inductive element, the p-channel field-effect transistor is conducting with a high resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A DC/DC converter comprises an inductive element (L) having a first terminal connected to an input connection (1) and a second terminal (4) coupled to a reference potential connection (3) by a first switching element (N1). A second switching element (P1) being a p-channel field-effect transistor couples the second terminal (4) to an output connection (2). A control unit (CTL) comprises a detection unit which is configured to detect a first mode of operation in which an input voltage (VIN) is higher than a desired output voltage (VOUT). The control unit is configured, upon detection of the first mode of operation, during a first phase (PH1) to control the first switching element (N1) to a closed state and a second switching element (P1) to an open state, during a second phase (PH2) which comprises a first sub-phase (PH2A) and a second sub-phase (PH2B), to control the first switching element (N1) to an open state, during the first sub-phase (PH2A), to control the second switching element (P1) to a closed state, and, during the second sub-phase (PH2B), to provide a control voltage to a gate terminal of the second switching element (P1) which is higher than a difference between an output voltage (VOUT) and a threshold voltage of the second switching element (P1).