Hybrid Step-Down Regulator With Dual Paths for 4:1 Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters face inefficiencies in voltage regulation over a wide range of conversion ratios, particularly at a 4-to-1 conversion ratio, due to high inductor current ripple and average current, which leads to increased power loss and core loss.
Innovation Solution
A power converter design incorporating a single inductor-based hybrid step-down regulator and a charge pump converter with dual current paths, utilizing flying capacitors and a control unit to manage power switches, allowing for efficient operation over a wide range of conversion ratios by minimizing inductor current through dual ramp PWM schemes and intermediate states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-phase step-down SMPS is used for 4-to-1 conversion, then the structure is simple, but the inductor current ripple and average current are high causing increased power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single conversion path into multiple parallel paths: one inductor-based path and multiple charge pump paths. This segmentation allows the inductor to handle only a portion of the total current, reducing both average current and ripple current through the inductor, thereby decreasing inductor power loss while maintaining the overall conversion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two different conversion mechanisms (inductor-based switching and charge pump capacitive switching) into a hybrid converter. The inductor path and charge pump paths work together in parallel to achieve the 4-to-1 conversion, combining the benefits of both approaches: the inductor provides continuous current while the charge pumps provide ripple-free current paths.
2Loss of energy
If the inductor current is reduced to lower power loss, then the efficiency improves, but the voltage regulation accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control unit that monitors the output voltage and dynamically adjusts the switching of power switches and the operation of charge pumps to maintain precise voltage regulation. The control unit ensures that despite the reduced inductor current, the output voltage remains stable and accurate by compensating through the coordinated action of multiple parallel paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing multiple operating modes through the hybrid architecture. The converter can dynamically switch between different combinations of inductor path and charge pump paths, adjusting the current distribution to optimize both efficiency and voltage regulation accuracy under different load conditions.
3Loss of energy
If multiple current paths are introduced to reduce inductor current, then the power loss decreases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the charge pump capacitors to serve multiple functions: they act as energy storage elements, voltage transformation elements, and current redistribution elements. The same capacitive network is used across multiple parallel paths to achieve both current reduction and voltage regulation, reducing the need for additional dedicated components and mitigating the increase in device complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If the inductor size is reduced to decrease PCB footprint, then the space efficiency improves, but the current handling capability may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total current handling task across multiple parallel paths, so the inductor only needs to handle a fraction of the total current. This allows the use of a smaller inductor with adequate current handling capability for its portion of the load, reducing PCB footprint while maintaining overall power handling capability through the combined capacity of all parallel paths.
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 significantly reduces inductor ripple and average current, lowering core loss and DCR loss, enabling efficient voltage regulation across a wide range of conversion ratios, including 4-to-1, with a smaller inductor and reduced PCB footprint, while maintaining precise voltage control.
Implementation Method 1
The power converter comprises a first flying capacitor, a second flying capacitor and a third flying capacitor. Furthermore, the power converter comprises an inductor and a set of power switches
Implementation Method 2
The power converter comprises a first flying capacitor, a second flying capacitor and a third flying capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
The present document describes a power converter configured to convert electrical power at an input voltage at an input of the power converter to electrical power at an output voltage at an output of the power converter. The power converter comprises a first flying capacitor, a second flying capacitor and a third flying capacitor, as well as an inductor and a set of power switches. Furthermore, the power converter comprises a control unit configured to control the set of power switches such that during an operation cycle the power converter is operated in a first state and in a second state in a mutually exclusive manner.