MIMO Switched-Capacitor Converter for Multi-Voltage Hearing Aids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern hearing devices face inefficiencies in power conversion due to the use of multiple switched capacitor DC-DC converters, which increase volume, require high-voltage transistors, and cause electromagnetic interference, while existing solutions do not support multiple input voltages or simultaneous output voltages.
Innovation Solution
A multiple input multiple output (MIMO) switched capacitor DC-DC converter that receives multiple voltage inputs and provides multiple voltage outputs simultaneously, integrated with a demultiplexer for efficient power management across a battery's discharge cycle, reducing system complexity and electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple SC DC-DC converters are used to provide multiple voltage levels, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but device volume and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple SC DC-DC converters into a single integrated converter that can simultaneously provide multiple voltage outputs. This merging approach maintains the power conversion efficiency benefits of multiple converters while reducing device volume by eliminating redundant components and capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated converter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously, generating different voltage levels from a single input voltage. This multi-functional design allows one converter to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate converters, thereby reducing overall device volume.
2Loss of energy
If multiple SC converters are used to provide multiple voltage levels, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but the amount of off-chip capacitors and PCB area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple converter functions into a single converter structure, which significantly reduces the number of off-chip multilayer ceramic capacitors required. This integration directly reduces the PCB area occupied by capacitor components while maintaining efficient power conversion.
3Power
If SC converters with high-voltage power switches are used, then power conversion capability is improved, but integrability in low-voltage IC processes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-oxide transistors that can operate in low-voltage IC processes while still achieving the necessary power conversion capability. By changing the transistor design parameters (thin oxide layer), the system maintains power conversion functionality without requiring high-voltage process options.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage inputs are supported, then adaptability to battery discharge cycle is improved, but converter complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is designed with universal input capability that can accept different input voltages corresponding to different battery charge states. This multi-functionality allows the same converter structure to adapt to the battery discharge cycle without requiring separate converters for different voltage ranges.
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 MIMO SC DC-DC converter enhances power conversion efficiency, reduces volume, and integrates efficiently with low-voltage semiconductor processes, enabling a more compact and efficient hearing device with fewer integrated circuits, while maintaining efficient power supply as the battery depletes.
Implementation Method 1
a multiple input multiple output, MIMO, switched capacitor, SC, DC-DC converter
Implementation Method 2
switched capacitor DC-DC converter configured for converting each voltage input to a voltage output
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device includes: an input transducer configured to provide a microphone input transducer signal based on captured sound; a signal processing unit configured to provide an output signal based on a processed input transducer signal; an output transducer configured to provide a stimulation output signal based on the output signal; a battery configured to provide a battery cell voltage; and a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) switched capacitor (SC) DC-DC converter coupled to the battery and comprising: two or more inputs, each of the two or more inputs configured to receive a voltage input, and two or more outputs configured to provide respective voltage outputs, the voltage outputs being different from each other, wherein at least two of the two or more outputs are capable of providing the respective voltage outputs simultaneously; the MIMO SC DC-DC converter configured to convert one of the voltage inputs to one of the voltage outputs.