Hybrid Multi-Phase Step-Down Converter With Cross-Coupled Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-phase step-up power conversion systems require a large number of power switches and capacitors, making them costly and inefficient, especially for achieving high step-up ratios in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid dual-phase step-up power conversion system is proposed, which includes a first leg and a second leg with series-connected switches and cross-coupled capacitors, allowing for efficient voltage conversion with reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional dual-phase step-up power conversion system is used to achieve high step-up ratio, then the output voltage can be increased, but the number of power switches and capacitors increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two power conversion phases into a hybrid architecture where a first phase (boost converter) and a second phase (charge pump) share common components including power switches and capacitors. This merging reduces the total component count while maintaining the ability to achieve high step-up voltage ratios through the coordinated operation of both phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs power switches and capacitors to serve multiple functions across different operating phases. The same power switches are used in both the boost converter phase and the charge pump phase, and capacitors are shared between phases, allowing each component to perform universal roles that reduce overall system complexity.
2Strength
If a conventional boost converter is used to achieve high step-up ratio (1:4 or higher), then the output voltage requirement is met, but the conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high step-up conversion process into two distinct phases: a first phase (boost converter) that provides moderate step-up conversion, and a second phase (charge pump) that provides additional voltage multiplication. Each phase operates optimally within its designed range, avoiding the excessive duty cycle requirements of a single-stage boost converter and thereby improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters between phases by switching between different conversion mechanisms. The boost converter operates with optimized duty cycle for efficiency, while the charge pump phase provides voltage multiplication with different operational characteristics, allowing the system to achieve high step-up ratios without the efficiency penalties of a single high-ratio boost converter.
3Loss of energy
If a cascaded power conversion system (boost converter + charge pump) is used to improve efficiency, then the conversion efficiency increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the boost converter and charge pump into a unified hybrid system where components are shared between phases. The power switches and capacitors serve both the boost conversion function and the charge pump function, reducing the total component count compared to a fully separate cascaded system while maintaining the efficiency benefits of the two-phase architecture.
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 hybrid system achieves a high step-up ratio with improved efficiency and reduced power dissipation, while minimizing the number of power switches and capacitors, thus enhancing cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor is coupled between an input power source and the common node of the diode and the MOSFET transistor
Implementation Method 2
The output filter may be implemented as a capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A converter includes L phase legs, each phase leg of the L phase legs comprising a plurality of switches connected in series between an input power source and ground, wherein a first flying capacitor of an Mth phase is cross-coupled between an Mth phase leg and an (M+1)th phase leg, and a first flying capacitor of an Lth phase is cross-coupled between an Lth phase leg and a first phase leg, and wherein switches of the L phase legs are configured such that a ratio of an input voltage of the hybrid multi-phase step-down power converter to an output voltage of the hybrid multi-phase step-down power converter is equal to N/D, and wherein L, M, N are positive integers with M<L, L>2, and D is a duty cycle of the hybrid multi-phase step-down power converter.