Floating-Capacitor Voltage Converter for Multi-Input Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices require multiple voltage converters to handle various internal and external voltage levels, leading to increased manufacturing costs and device size.
Innovation Solution
A voltage converter with a switch controller and multiple floating capacitors that alternately connect capacitors in series with switches to output charging currents from different input voltages, reducing the need for multiple conversion circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage converters are included to handle various voltage levels, then voltage conversion capability is improved, but device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage converter functions into a single integrated circuit that can handle multiple input voltages (e.g., 3.7V, 7.4V, 11.1V, 14.8V) and output a standardized charging voltage. This is achieved through a unified converter architecture with configurable switching networks and capacitor arrangements that adapt to different input conditions, eliminating the need for separate converter circuits for each voltage level.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage converter is designed as a universal device that can accept multiple different input voltages and provide appropriate voltage conversion for various charging scenarios. The converter includes adaptive control mechanisms that automatically detect the input voltage level and configure the internal switching and capacitor network accordingly, enabling a single device to perform multiple voltage conversion functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage converters are included to handle various voltage levels, then voltage conversion capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple voltage conversion functions into a single integrated circuit, reducing the total component count and assembly complexity. By sharing common components such as switching elements, capacitors, and control logic across different voltage conversion modes, the design simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces per-unit costs compared to implementing separate dedicated converters for each voltage level.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal voltage converter design allows manufacturers to produce a single standardized component that can serve multiple voltage conversion needs, rather than producing and inventorying multiple specialized converter types. This multi-functionality approach reduces manufacturing complexity, assembly steps, and supply chain requirements, leading to lower overall manufacturing costs.
3Area of stationary object
If a single voltage converter handles multiple input voltages, then device size is reduced, but converter complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converter employs segmentation by dividing the capacitor network into multiple floating capacitors that can be independently switched and configured. Each capacitor can be connected in different arrangements (series, parallel, or individually) based on the input voltage level, allowing the converter to simplify its effective circuit topology for each operating mode while maintaining the ability to handle multiple voltages within a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter uses dynamic switching control to reconfigure the capacitor and switch network based on the detected input voltage level. The control circuit automatically adjusts the switching states and capacitor connections in real-time, transforming the static complex structure into a dynamically adaptable system that presents a simplified effective circuit for each operating condition, thereby managing complexity through temporal reconfiguration rather than permanent structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage converter including switches includes first to fourth capacitors, each connected to an output node configured to output a charging current, and a switch controller configured to control the switches. The switch controller is configured to control the switches in response to a first voltage control signal, based on a first input voltage, having a first ratio with respect to a charging voltage based on the charging current, being applied from a voltage source, to alternatively perform a first operation of connecting the first capacitor to the voltage source, the third capacitor to ground, and the second capacitor and the fourth capacitor in series between the ground and the output node, and a second operation of connecting the first capacitor and the third capacitor in series between the ground and the output node, connecting the second capacitor to the voltage source, and connecting the fourth capacitor to the ground.