Dynamic Voltage Pump Circuit Efficiency Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Voltage pump circuits face inefficiencies due to multiple stages required to achieve higher output voltages, leading to wasted energy and reduced overall efficiency, especially at low output voltages.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic voltage pump circuit comprising a first stage voltage pump, a second stage voltage pump, a limiter, and a comparator, where the second stage is enabled only when necessary, allowing the circuit to bypass unnecessary stages and adjust the pump signal based on reference voltages to optimize efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple stages of voltage pumps are used to achieve higher output voltages, then the output voltage capability is improved, but the overall efficiency deteriorates due to cumulative energy losses in each stage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage capabilityVSAvoidoverall efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic multi-stage voltage pump system where the number of active pump stages is adjusted in real-time based on the required output voltage. The controller activates only the necessary number of stages to achieve the target voltage, avoiding the cumulative energy losses that would occur if all stages operated continuously. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain high efficiency while providing the capability to generate higher output voltages when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If more stages of voltage pumps are added to increase output voltage, then the voltage multiplication capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage multiplication capabilityVSAvoidnumber of pump stages
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal voltage pump architecture where multiple pump stages share common control logic and can be selectively activated. The same pump circuit design is replicated across stages, and the controller universally manages all stages through a single control interface. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve high voltage multiplication capability while minimizing the effective complexity by using standardized, reusable circuit blocks rather than entirely separate systems for each voltage level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If a fixed multi-stage configuration is used, then the maximum output voltage is improved, but the adaptability to different voltage requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum output voltageVSAvoidvoltage level flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic configuration system where the controller selectively activates pump stages based on the required output voltage level. The system can operate with one stage, two stages, or more stages active simultaneously, depending on the voltage multiplication needed. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware infrastructure to provide a range of output voltages from single-stage to multi-stage operation, achieving both high maximum voltage capability and flexibility for different voltage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7633331B2Dynamic voltage pump circuit and method of dynamically generating an output supply voltage thereof
Publication Date: 2009.12.15 NAN YA TECH
  • US7633331B2 patent drawing
  • US7633331B2 patent drawing
  • US7633331B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dynamic voltage pump circuit includes a first stage voltage pump, a second stage voltage pump, a limiter, and a comparator. The first stage voltage pump generates an intermediate supply voltage according to an input supply voltage and a pump signal. The second stage voltage pump generates an output supply voltage according to the intermediate supply voltage, the pump signal, and an enable signal; the second stage voltage pump is enabled and disabled when the enable signal is asserted and de-asserted, respectively. The limiter controls the pump signal according to a comparison of the output supply voltage with a first reference voltage. The comparator compares the first reference voltage with a second reference voltage to generate the enable signal, and can assert the enable signal when the desired output supply voltage exceeds the maximum possible intermediate supply voltage generated by the first stage voltage pump.