DC-DC Converter Gate Drive Circuit Area Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-output DC-DC converters require a dedicated output system without a p-MOS switch for driving gate voltages, leading to increased circuit area and cost due to the need for additional components like diodes and capacitors.
Innovation Solution
A DC-DC converter design that selects a p-MOS switch to act as a reference for gate voltage supply, allowing other p-MOS switches to be turned on and off based on output voltages, eliminating the need for a dedicated output system and reducing circuit complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated output system without a p-MOS switch is provided for driving gate voltages, then the p-MOS switches can be turned off using this output voltage, but the circuit area increases due to additional components like diodes and capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The output system 1 that originally served only as a dedicated gate drive system is made universal by allowing it to function as both a gate drive source and a usable power output. The control circuit intelligently directs current to either the gate terminals or external loads based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components while maintaining reliable gate voltage control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the previously separate gate drive function and power output function into a single unified output system 1. By combining these functions and using control circuitry to manage the shared resources, the patent eliminates redundant components (diodes, capacitors) while ensuring that gate voltage control remains reliable through intelligent current direction.
2Reliability
If the output voltages of other output systems are increased to be at least the output voltage of output system 1, then the p-MOS switches can be turned off, but the output voltage of output system 1 cannot be reduced below the voltage of other output systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic control where the output voltage relationships between different output systems are no longer fixed. The control circuit dynamically adjusts voltage distribution based on real-time operational needs, allowing output system 1 to have variable voltage levels independent of other output systems. This dynamic approach enables both reliable p-MOS switch control and flexible output voltage adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by allowing output voltage levels to be independently controlled for each output system. Through the control circuit, the voltage of output system 1 can be adjusted without being constrained by the voltages of other output systems, while still maintaining sufficient voltage levels for proper p-MOS switch operation when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If output system 1 is connected to no external load and used solely for driving gate voltages, then the limitation among output voltages is eliminated, but additional components (diode, output terminal, capacitor) are required, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
Output system 1 is designed with multi-functionality, serving dual purposes as both a gate drive source and a potential power output to external loads. The control circuit determines the function based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for dedicated gate drive components while maintaining output voltage independence through intelligent current management.
Solution Approach 2:
The output system 1 serves itself by intelligently directing its current output based on system needs. When gate drive voltage is required, it directs current to gate terminals; when power delivery is needed, it connects to external loads. This self-service capability eliminates redundant components while maintaining both output voltage independence and functional versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a DC-DC converter, includes: an inductor configured to be supplied with an input voltage; a plurality of rectifiers connected in parallel to the inductor; a plurality of p-MOS transistors connected in series to the respective rectifiers; a switch configured to connect an output side of the inductor to a reference potential; and a control circuit configured to control the p-MOS transistors and the switch. The control circuit performs control to supply a voltage to turn on a first p-MOS transistor selected from among the p-MOS transistors to a gate terminal of the first p-MOS transistor, and to supply a voltage depending on an output voltage of the first p-MOS transistor to a gate terminal of a second p-MOS transistor other than the first p-MOS transistor among the p-MOS transistors.