Dynamic Charge Pump Frequency Control for Energy Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices often face inefficiencies in managing charge due to unpredictable power demands, leading to waste and reduced battery life, as traditional charge pumps operate at a constant frequency regardless of varying power needs.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic charge management system that uses a charge sensor to monitor current draw and adjust the frequency of a timing control signal, which is then used to control a voltage converter, such as a charge pump, to provide power on demand based on real-time needs, reducing inefficiencies and waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a charge pump operates at a constant frequency, then the power delivery is stable and simple to control, but it cannot adapt to varying power demands leading to energy waste and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump's operating frequency is made dynamic by coupling it to a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that adjusts the frequency based on the power needs of the powered device. The controller modifies the clock signal frequency in real-time, allowing the charge pump to adapt its delivery rate to match actual demand, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining simple control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the controller monitors the power needs of the powered device and adjusts the VCO frequency accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the charge pump operates at the optimal frequency to meet power demands without excessive energy consumption, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and adaptability.
2Power
If a charge pump operates at high frequency to meet peak power demands, then sufficient power is delivered, but Joule heating increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the charge pump frequency to match actual power demands rather than operating at constant high frequency. The VCO modulates the clock signal frequency based on real-time power needs, ensuring sufficient power delivery during peaks while minimizing frequency (and thus Joule heating) during lower demand periods, extending battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating frequency parameter of the charge pump is changed dynamically based on power demand conditions. By varying this key parameter, the system achieves adequate power delivery when needed while reducing energy losses through Joule heating during normal operation, directly addressing the contradiction between power delivery and energy loss.
3Reliability
If the charge pump operates continuously at full capacity, then power availability is maximized, but inefficiency and waste increase during periods of lower demand
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump transitions from static full-capacity operation to dynamic operation where the frequency is continuously adjusted to match actual power demands. This ensures power availability is maintained when needed while improving charge management efficiency during lower demand periods by operating at reduced frequencies, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic clock signals from the VCO to drive the charge pump, allowing for rhythmic on/off cycles that match power demand patterns. This periodic action enables the charge pump to be active at full capacity only when power is needed, while entering lower-activity states during reduced demand, thereby maintaining reliability while improving overall efficiency.
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 enhances charge management efficiency by reducing waste and extending battery life by dynamically adjusting power delivery to match the device's current needs, thereby minimizing Joule heating and electrical overload.
Implementation Method 1
the apparatus controls or adjusts the operation of a voltage converter that transfers charge from the power source to a temporary power store
Implementation Method 2
the charge sensor senses a present current draw on the power source by the powered device
Implementation Method 3
the apparatus uses a frequency multiplier that increases the frequency of the timing control signal by an amount at least partially determined by the current draw on the power source
Implementation Method 4
the increased frequency signal is created using a phase-locked loop (PLL) to generate a feedback voltage signal to control operation of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a current sensor configured to couple to a power source and to sense a present current draw on the power source by a powered device. A voltage converter is coupled to the current sensor. The voltage converter includes an output line configured to couple to the powered device to provide an output charge to the powered device. The voltage converter is configured to adjust the output charge in relation to the sensed present current draw on the power source.