Input Inductor Buck Converter With Staged DC-DC Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices experience power loss due to cumulative resistive losses, leakage currents, and other circuit inefficiencies, impacting battery life and performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a bidirectional converter system with inductive and capacitive converters configured as buck or boost converters, managed by a controller to optimize voltage levels and reduce power loss through efficient DC-DC conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional power conversion circuits are used, then voltage conversion is achieved, but cumulative resistive losses and leakage currents cause power loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion system is divided into multiple stages: a first buck converter for initial voltage conversion, a second buck converter for further conversion, and a boost converter for final voltage adjustment. Each stage handles a portion of the total power conversion task, distributing the resistive losses across multiple components rather than concentrating them in a single converter, thereby reducing cumulative power loss and improving overall efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different converter configurations (buck and boost modes) based on real-time voltage and current conditions. The controller monitors the electrical parameters and adjusts the operating mode to optimize efficiency under varying load conditions, minimizing power loss across different operational states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If multiple converters are used in series, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidconverter system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The converter system is designed with multi-functional components that can operate in different modes (buck and boost) depending on the operational requirements. The same physical infrastructure supports multiple conversion functions, reducing the need for entirely separate systems and thereby limiting the increase in complexity while maintaining improved power efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple converter functions are integrated into a unified control architecture where a single controller manages the coordination between buck and boost converters. The control logic, sensing circuits, and power management functions are merged into a cohesive system, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing multiple independent converter systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances power conversion efficiency by minimizing ripple current effects, reducing power loss, and improving battery life and device performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first converter including a first switch, a second switch, and an inductor coupled between the first switch and the second switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second converter including a third switch, a fourth switch, and a capacitor coupled between the third switch and the fourth switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4708653A1Input inductor buck converter
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • EP4708653A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4708653A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4708653A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device includes a supply-side converter and a load-side converter. The supply-side converter receives an input voltage from a power source and adjusts the input voltage from a source level to an intermediate level. The supply-side converter outputs the input voltage into an inductor in the form of an intermediate voltage. The load-side converter receives the intermediate voltage from the inductor and adjusts the intermediate voltage from the intermediate level to a load voltage level. The load-side converter outputs the intermediate voltage to a power load in the form of a load voltage.