Frequency Modulated DC-DC Voltage Controller for Compact Multi-Level Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC-DC converters, particularly in portable devices like mobile phones, face challenges in minimizing size and weight while generating multiple discrete voltage levels efficiently, as they often require large inductors and capacitors, which can generate spurious output signals and increase noise, and existing solutions like PWM-based converters require large filter components that are undesirable for size and weight reasons.
Innovation Solution
A DC-DC voltage converter apparatus utilizing a switch matrix with configurable switches and control logic that adjusts switch states based on frequency modulation and pulse skipping modes to efficiently generate multiple voltage levels without the need for large inductive components, using an oscillator and voltage-controlled current sources to dynamically adjust switching frequencies and modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PWM-based DC-DC converter is used to generate multiple discrete voltage levels, then the number of discrete voltages increases, but large filter capacitors and inductors are required to minimize spurious signals, increasing size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the switching frequency parameter dynamically based on the output voltage level. By operating at lower switching frequencies for higher voltage levels and higher frequencies for lower voltage levels, the design eliminates the need for large filter components while maintaining clean output signals across multiple discrete voltage levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching frequency adjustment where the oscillator frequency is modulated based on the selected voltage level. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the converter to adapt its operating characteristics to different voltage levels, achieving clean output without fixed large filter components
2Adaptability or versatility
If switched-mode DC-DC converter with multiple inductors and capacitors is used to generate multiple discrete voltage levels, then the number of discrete voltages increases, but the size and weight of the converter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single inductor and capacitor that serve multiple functions across different voltage levels. By dynamically adjusting the switching frequency and duty cycle, the same components provide filtering and energy storage for multiple discrete voltage levels, eliminating the need for separate components for each voltage level
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operating parameters (switching frequency, duty cycle) to achieve multiple voltage levels with fixed components, rather than changing the physical configuration of inductors and capacitors. This allows a minimal component set to provide multiple discrete voltage outputs
3Weight of stationary object
If conventional DC-DC converter is used to minimize size and weight, then size and weight are reduced, but spurious output signals and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the switching frequency based on the output voltage level to minimize spurious signals. By lowering the switching frequency at higher voltage levels where spurious signals are more problematic, the design maintains clean output signals while using minimal filter components for size and weight reduction
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage converter can be switched among two or more modes to produce an output voltage tracking a reference voltage that can be of an intermediate level between discrete levels corresponding to the modes. One or more voltages generated from a power supply voltage, such as a battery voltage, can be compared with the reference voltage to determine whether to adjust the mode. The reference voltage can be independent of the power supply voltage. Further, the voltage converter may implement frequency modulation and a pulse skipping mode to improve the efficiency of switching operational states of the voltage converter.