Feedback Buck Timing DC-DC Converter Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional multi-mode multi-band RF communications devices require complex and costly circuitry to support various wireless communications protocols, including different modes and frequency bands, which complicates their design and increases size, cost, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a first shunt switching element and switching control circuitry in a switching power supply, which refines the timing of switching between series and shunt switching elements to enhance efficiency, and the use of feedback mechanisms to optimize the buck output signal for efficient power amplification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-mode multi-band RF communications devices use specific circuitry for each mode and frequency band, then they can support various wireless communications protocols, but the device complexity, size, cost, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for various wireless communications protocolsVSAvoidcomplexity of RF circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal switching power supply circuit that can operate in multiple modes (buck, boost, buck-boost) and support multiple frequency bands using the same core circuitry. The circuit uses controllable switching elements that can be configured through feedback control to adapt to different operating conditions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode or frequency band.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic feedback control mechanisms that continuously adjust the switching timing and duty cycle based on real-time output voltage monitoring. This dynamic adaptation allows the same circuit to efficiently support multiple operating modes and frequency bands by changing its behavior in response to control signals, rather than requiring fixed dedicated hardware for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for various wireless communications protocolsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control circuits that monitor the output voltage and adjust the switching timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures efficient power transfer by preventing over-voltage conditions and optimizing the duty cycle, thereby reducing power losses. The feedback control allows the same circuit to efficiently support multiple modes without the power penalties associated with dedicated circuits operating outside their optimal range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operating parameters such as switching frequency and duty cycle dynamically based on the required output voltage and load conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the circuit can efficiently operate in different modes (buck, boost, buck-boost) and support multiple frequency bands without requiring dedicated hardware, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for various wireless communications protocolsVSAvoidsize of device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions (buck, boost, buck-boost conversion) into a single integrated switching power supply circuit. By combining these functions and using shared components controlled through feedback mechanisms, the circuit achieves multi-mode and multi-band support without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby significantly reducing the overall device size while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 results in a more efficient, cost-effective, and compact multi-mode multi-band RF communications system that meets performance requirements while minimizing size and power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

refines the timing of switching between series and shunt switching elements based on feedback from the buck output signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFeedback: Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8913967B2Feedback based buck timing of a direct current (DC)-DC converter

Publication Date: 2014.12.16 QORVO US INC

AI summary

At least a first shunt switching element and switching control circuitry of a first switching power supply are disclosed. At least the first shunt switching element is coupled between a ground and an output inductance node of the first switching power supply. The first switching power supply provides a buck output signal from the output inductance node. The switching control circuitry selects one of an ON state and an OFF state of the first shunt switching element. When the buck output signal is above a first threshold, the switching control circuitry is inhibited from selecting the ON state. The first switching power supply provides a first switching power supply output signal based on the buck output signal. By using feedback based on the buck output signal, the switching control circuitry may refine the timing of switching between series switching elements and shunt switching elements to increase efficiency.