Hybrid Switched-Capacitor Converter With Inductor-Current Gating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buck converters face efficiency issues at higher voltage conversion rates due to increased quiescent current, especially under light or ultra-light load conditions, which affects the performance of hybrid switched-capacitor converters.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid power converter design incorporating a switched-capacitor conversion circuit and an inductor buck circuit operating under constant on-time control, where the switching action of the switched-capacitor conversion circuit is enabled based on the state of the inductor current, reducing quiescent current and improving efficiency at light loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a hybrid switched-capacitor converter is used to achieve better efficiency at larger voltage steps, then voltage conversion efficiency is improved, but quiescent current increases due to more control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load-point optimization by continuously adjusting the operating point of the power converter based on load conditions. The controller dynamically selects between different conversion paths (switched-capacitor, buck, boost, or hybrid modes) to optimize efficiency at each operating point, thereby reducing quiescent current while maintaining high voltage conversion efficiency across varying load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the switching frequencies and duty cycles of different converter stages based on load requirements. At light load conditions, the controller reduces switching activity and adjusts voltage levels to minimize quiescent current consumption while maintaining the ability to handle larger voltage steps when needed
2Ease of operation
If more control circuits are added to switch the switches in the switched-capacitor converter and buck converter, then switching control capability is improved, but quiescent current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal controller that can manage multiple converter topologies (switched-capacitor, buck, boost, and hybrid modes) through a single control unit. This multi-functional controller reduces the need for separate control circuits for each converter stage, thereby maintaining comprehensive switching control capability while minimizing quiescent current consumption by eliminating redundant control hardware
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 constant on-time control mechanism reduces quiescent current consumption, enhancing efficiency even at light or ultra-light loads by dynamically adjusting switching actions based on inductor current conditions, thereby maintaining effective voltage conversion.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor buck circuit operates under a constant on-time to generate an output voltage at a conversion output terminal according to the intermediate voltage. The inductor buck circuit comprises an inductor.
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter is provided. The power converter includes a switched-capacitor conversion circuit and an inductor buck circuit. The switched-capacitor conversion circuit receives an input voltage at an input terminal and performs a switching operation to convert the input voltage to an intermediate voltage. The inductor buck circuit is coupled to an output terminal of the switched-capacitor conversion circuit to receive the intermediate voltage and operates at a constant on-time to generate an output voltage at a conversion output terminal according to the intermediate voltage. The inductor buck circuit includes an inductor. In response to that a state of an inductor current used for charging the inductor corresponds to a predetermined condition, a switching action of the switching operation is enabled, so that the switched-capacitor conversion circuit is switched from a first turned-on state to a second turned-on state.