DC-DC Transformer Inductor Layout for Adiabatic Charge Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power converters face challenges in efficiently carrying out voltage transformation and adiabatic charge transfer due to the dual function of the regulator, which limits the efficiency and size of the circuit.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves redistributing the functionality of components within the power converter to separate the regulation and adiabatic charge transfer functions, adding a magnetic filter to promote adiabatic charge transfer, and optimizing the placement of the regulator to reduce current handling requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the regulator performs both voltage regulation and adiabatic charge transfer functions, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but the die area and power conversion efficiency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoiddie area

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the regulator into two separate components: a dedicated voltage regulator and a magnetic filter for adiabatic charge transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall die area while maintaining circuit simplicity through functional specialization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adiabatic charge transfer function is extracted from the voltage regulator and implemented as a separate magnetic filter component. This extraction enables the voltage regulator to focus solely on regulation while the magnetic filter handles charge transfer, improving power conversion efficiency and reducing die area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the regulator performs both voltage regulation and adiabatic charge transfer functions, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but the power conversion efficiency is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidpower losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the regulator into a voltage regulator and a magnetic filter, the patent enables optimized switching strategies for each component. The magnetic filter can operate at higher switching frequencies with lower losses, while the voltage regulator maintains stable output, collectively improving power conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Extracting the adiabatic charge transfer function to a separate magnetic filter allows for specialized design that minimizes energy losses during charge transfer, while the voltage regulator can operate independently with optimized regulation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of energy

If the regulator is relocated to reduce current handling requirements, then the power losses are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower lossesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic filter is extracted as a separate component to handle adiabatic charge transfer, which reduces the current handling requirements of the voltage regulator. This extraction enables the regulator to be relocated to a position with lower current stress, reducing power losses despite the increased device complexity from the additional component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This approach reduces the die area required for the circuit, enhances the efficiency of power conversion by allowing more efficient voltage transformation within the charge pump, and reduces power losses by minimizing switch-related losses.

Implementation Method 1

promote adiabatic charge transfer among the capacitors within the charge pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdiabatic charge transfer:

Implementation Method 2

A magnetic filter comprises two terminals coupled in a circuit path without any switching activity. The magnetic filter opposes changes in the current flowing through at least one of the terminals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic filter:

Implementation Method 3

The inductor in this regulator performs two functions. One is to control the output voltage of the converter. The other is to promote adiabatic charge transfer among the capacitors within the charge pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductor: Inductor

Data Source

PatentUS12237765B2DC-DC transformer with inductor for the facilitation of adiabatic inter-capacitor charge transport

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 PSEMI CORP

AI summary

In a power converter, a switching network having switches that operate at a common frequency and duty cycle interconnects circuit elements. These circuit elements include capacitors that are in a capacitor network and a magnetic filter. When connected to the capacitors by a switch from the switching network, the magnetic filter imposes a constraint upon inter-capacitor charge transfer between the capacitors to maintain the filter's second terminal at a voltage. The switching network transitions between states. These states include a first state, a second state, and a third state. In both the first state and the third state, the first magnetic-filter terminal couples to the capacitor network. In the second state, which occurs between the first and third state, the switches ground the first magnetic-filter terminal.