Graphene Capacitors for Voltage Ripple Smoothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switching DC-DC regulators experience voltage ripples and high-frequency electromagnetic disturbances due to periodic loading, which existing voltage regulation methods struggle to stabilize effectively, especially in portable electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating graphene capacitors proximate to the output of voltage regulator circuit components, which have variable capacitance dependent on applied voltage, to smooth the signalling and reduce ripple amplitude, and using a low dropout regulator for enhanced efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If switching DC-DC regulators are used for voltage conversion, then power efficiency is improved, but voltage ripples and high-frequency electromagnetic disturbances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces graphene capacitors as an intermediary component between the switching regulator and the load. These capacitors act as a mediator that absorbs high-frequency voltage ripples and electromagnetic disturbances generated by the switching regulator, while allowing the efficient power conversion function to continue operating. The graphene capacitors' unique electrical properties enable them to filter these harmful fluctuations without significantly impacting the overall power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the voltage-dependent capacitance parameter of graphene capacitors to dynamically adapt to changing operating conditions. As the voltage across the graphene capacitor changes during switching cycles, its capacitance value changes accordingly, allowing it to effectively counteract voltage ripples at different amplitude levels. This parameter change capability enables the graphene capacitor to maintain optimal filtering performance across varying load conditions while preserving the switching regulator's efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional voltage regulation methods are employed to stabilize output voltage, then output voltage stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphene capacitors perform multiple functions simultaneously: they serve as the output stage capacitor for voltage regulation, act as high-frequency filters for electromagnetic disturbances, and provide energy storage for the switching regulator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate filtering components and additional regulation circuits, thereby maintaining output voltage stability without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphene capacitors automatically adjust their capacitance value in response to voltage changes during switching cycles, providing self-regulating voltage stabilization without requiring external control circuits. This self-service capability allows the capacitors to maintain stable output voltage and filter high-frequency disturbances autonomously, reducing the need for additional active regulation components and simplifying the overall circuit design.
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 provides smoother, more linear output signalling with reduced ripple amplitude and lower effective impedance, leading to improved power efficiency and reduced radio frequency noise, while minimizing the need for additional linear regulators.
Implementation Method 1
one or more graphene capacitors configured to provide for smoothing of the signalling provided to the output
Implementation Method 2
The one or more graphene capacitors may be configured to have a capacitance that is dependent on the voltage applied to that respective capacitor
Implementation Method 3
The smoothing of the signalling at the output may be provided at least in part by the kinetic energy of the charge carriers of the one or more graphene capacitors provide
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein provides an apparatus for smoothing an output signal. The apparatus comprising can include an input, an output, one or more voltage regulator circuit components, and one or more graphene capacitors. The voltage regulator circuit components can be configured to provide for a change in the voltage level of signalling between the input and the output. The one or more graphene capacitors can be configured to provide for smoothing of the signalling provided to the output. Related methods, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.