Dual-Domain Mobile Power Distribution With Shared Voltage Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices require multiple power domains, leading to increased cost, complexity, and space usage due to numerous power converters, which complicates power management and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power supply that generates a supply voltage and a power converter to produce a converted voltage, with two global power domains: one for lower-power components and another for higher-power components, using distributed boosted amplifier ICs connected via a communications bus to manage power consumption dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power domains are implemented in existing mobile devices, then power requirements for different electronic components are met, but device complexity and cost increase due to numerous power converters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power converter functions into a single integrated power converter that can operate in different modes (first power converter mode and second power converter mode) to serve multiple power domains. This single device performs the work of what would traditionally require multiple separate power converters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to meet diverse power requirements of different electronic components
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power converters are used to serve different power domains, then specific voltage requirements are satisfied, but the area occupied within the mobile device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated power converter is designed to be universal, capable of providing different output voltages by switching between first and second power converter modes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple dedicated power converters for different voltage domains, significantly reducing the area occupied within the mobile device while still satisfying diverse voltage requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous power converters are implemented, then power distribution to various components is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple power converter functions into a single integrated device, the patent reduces the total component count, assembly complexity, and bill of materials cost. The single power converter can be manufactured and integrated more efficiently than multiple separate converters, directly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining comprehensive power distribution capability across all power domains
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 power consumption, optimizes power delivery, and minimizes complexity by allowing multiple devices to function as a single system while maintaining low impact and simplicity, effectively managing power distribution across different load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply configured to generate a supply voltage
Implementation Method 2
a power converter configured to generate a converted voltage from the supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device may include a power supply configured to generate a supply voltage, a power converter configured to generate a converted voltage from the supply voltage wherein the converted voltage is significantly different than the supply voltage, and a plurality of power domains. The plurality of power domains may include a first power domain that is global to the mobile device and comprising a first plurality of electronic components powered from the converted voltage and a second power domain that is global to the mobile device and comprising a second plurality of electronic components powered from the supply voltage, wherein power requirements of each of the second plurality of electronic components are significantly higher than power requirements of each of the first plurality of electronic components.