Fractional Charge Pump Topology for Low-Ripple Voltage Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge pump converters are inefficient in producing fractional output voltages, lacking in size, cost-effectiveness, and output voltage ripple control.
Innovation Solution
A fractional charge pump converter design utilizing multiple switches and charge storage devices, such as capacitors, to operate in charging and multiplying states, allowing for efficient multiplication of input voltage to produce desired fractional output voltages with high efficiency and low ripple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional charge pump converters are used to produce fractional output voltages, then the basic voltage multiplication function is achieved, but the efficiency is low and output voltage ripple is high
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple independent flying capacitors (first flying capacitor, second flying capacitor) that can be independently charged and discharged. This segmentation allows for more flexible voltage multiplication paths and better control over charge transfer, improving both efficiency and reducing ripple compared to conventional single-capacitor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter operates in periodic switching cycles between charging state and multiplying state. During each cycle, switches are periodically activated to charge flying capacitors from the input voltage source, then periodically switched to discharge these capacitors in series to the output. This periodic charge-transfer action enables efficient fractional voltage multiplication with reduced ripple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more switches and charge storage devices are added to improve voltage multiplication capability, then fractional output voltages are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each flying capacitor serves multiple functions: it acts as a charge storage element, a voltage source for multiplication, and part of the switching network. The same capacitors and switches are reused in different configurations during charging and multiplying states, achieving fractional voltage multiplication (1.5x, 1.33x, etc.) without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thus limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit topology is dynamically reconfigured through switch control. The same physical components (capacitors and switches) are dynamically connected in different series/parallel arrangements depending on the operating state (charging vs. multiplying). This dynamic reconfiguration enables multiple fractional multiplication ratios using the same component set, achieving versatility without proportional complexity increase.
3Device complexity
If conventional charge pump design is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the size and cost advantages are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flying capacitors are merged into a single integrated converter architecture with shared switching control. The first and second flying capacitors, along with their associated switches, are combined into one unified circuit that achieves fractional voltage multiplication. This merging allows for compact layout and potential monolithic integration, reducing overall converter size while maintaining the necessary functionality.
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
The solution enables the production of fractional output voltages with high efficiency and low output voltage ripple, achieving advantages in size, cost, and performance compared to existing converters.
Implementation Method 1
a first charge storage device connected between the first switch and the second switch; a third switch; and a second charge storage device connected between the second switch and the third switch
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a charge pump converter are disclosed. In some embodiments, the charge pump converter includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a first charge storage device, and a second charge storage device. The first charge storage device is connected between the first switch and the second switch. The second charge storage device is connected between the second switch and the third switch. In a charging state, the charge pump converter charges the first charge storage device and the second charge storage device. In a multiplying state, the charge pump converter discharges the first charge storage device and the second charge storage device. The multiplying state allows for the charge pump converter to generate voltage higher than an input voltage.