Flying Capacitor Voltage Division for Multi-Output DC Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC to DC multiple output voltage converters for integrated circuit devices face challenges in efficiently converting high voltage inputs to multiple voltage outputs while minimizing space and improving efficiency, often resulting in larger components and poorer regulation performance due to high conversion ratios and high voltage passive components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multiple output DC to DC converter using a flying capacitor interface with switching elements and an inductor, which divides the input voltage by a predetermined fixed ratio, allowing for flexible step-up or step-down conversions using low-voltage switching elements and reducing the size and complexity of the circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single inductor is used to serve multiple voltage outputs in a SIMO voltage converter to save space, then the footprint is reduced, but the conversion ratio increases leading to larger inductor size requirements which counteracts the space savings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage conversion function into multiple independent converter circuits, each handling a specific output voltage. This segmentation allows each converter to operate at optimal conversion ratios with appropriately sized inductors, rather than one converter handling all outputs with high conversion ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a shared inductor for multiple converter circuits that can serve different output voltages. This multi-functional approach allows the inductor to be reused across multiple conversion paths, reducing the total component count and footprint while maintaining optimal conversion ratios for each output.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high voltage passive components are used to handle high voltage inputs in multiple output converters, then the input voltage can be converted to multiple outputs, but the switching frequency decreases and component size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage conversion into multiple independent circuits, each operating at lower voltage levels appropriate for their specific output requirements. This allows each circuit to use low-voltage optimized components with higher switching frequencies, rather than all circuits being constrained by the highest input voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter for each converter circuit to match its specific output requirements. Each converter operates at voltage levels appropriate for its output, allowing optimization of switching frequency and component size for each circuit rather than being constrained by the maximum input voltage across all circuits.
3Reliability
If multiple independent voltage converters are used to serve multiple digital voltage domains, then each domain receives appropriate voltage, but the number of passive components increases consuming more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple converter circuits into a single integrated module with shared components. Multiple converters share common inductors, capacitors, and control logic, reducing the total component count and footprint while maintaining independent voltage regulation for each digital domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal building block circuits that can be configured for different voltage conversions. These modular units share common components and control mechanisms, allowing multiple voltage domains to be served with fewer unique components compared to fully independent converters.
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 solution enables efficient conversion of high voltage inputs to multiple outputs with reduced component size and improved efficiency, allowing for flexible voltage adjustments and extended battery life by maintaining flying capacitor voltages within nominal values, thus addressing the limitations of existing converters.
Implementation Method 1
a flying capacitor interface having a plurality of switching elements and at least one flying capacitor, the flying capacitor interface to divide the input DC voltage to provide a predetermined fixed ratio of the input DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
an inductor having an input-side switch node and an output-side switch node
Data Source
AI summary
Voltage dividing circuitry is provided for use in a voltage converter for converting at least one input Direct Current, DC voltage to a plurality of output DC voltages. The voltage dividing circuitry including a voltage input port to receive an input DC voltage and an inductor having an input-side switch node and an output-side switch node. The output side switch node is connectable to one of a plurality of voltage output ports to supply a converted value of the input DC voltage as an output DC voltage. The flying capacitor interface has a plurality of switching elements and at least one flying capacitor, the flying capacitor interface to divide the input DC voltage to provide a predetermined fixed ratio of the input DC voltage at the input-side switch node of the inductor. A voltage converter and a power management integrated circuit having the voltage dividing circuitry are also provided.