Mode-Switched Switched-Capacitor Power Supply for Lower Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear power supply circuits require high startup and input voltages due to their operation at half the input voltage, leading to increased power loss and inefficiency, and existing switched capacitor converters or DC/DC converters either compromise on space savings or require coils, which are costly.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit combining a switched capacitor converter with a linear power supply circuit, utilizing a mode switching circuit to dynamically switch between pass-through and switched capacitor converter modes based on input voltage levels, with optional hysteresis and delay mechanisms to optimize operation and reduce power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linear power supply circuit operates at half the input voltage, then it can provide stable output voltage, but it requires high startup and input voltages leading to increased power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit dynamically switches between two operational modes based on input voltage conditions. In the first mode, the circuit operates as a switched capacitor converter when input voltage is sufficient. In the second mode, it operates as a linear power supply circuit when input voltage is low. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between efficiency and stability based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes its operational parameters by switching between different configuration modes. The mode switching circuit alters the connection state of switching elements and capacitors, effectively changing the circuit's voltage conversion ratio and operational characteristics. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to varying input voltage conditions while optimizing power loss.
2Loss of energy
If a switched capacitor converter is used to reduce power loss, then energy efficiency improves, but the circuit requires more switching elements increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switched capacitor converter and linear power supply circuit into a single hybrid system. The switched capacitor converter section uses minimal switching elements (two switching elements and two capacitors) combined with a linear power supply circuit to achieve voltage conversion. This merging allows the system to leverage the efficiency of switched capacitor conversion while using the linear circuit to simplify the overall structure and reduce the number of required switching elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear power supply circuit serves multiple functions: it provides stable voltage output, acts as a buffer for the switched capacitor converter, and enables the circuit to operate in a second mode when input voltage is low. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall circuit structure while maintaining efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If DC/DC converters or coils are used to improve power conversion efficiency, then energy efficiency improves, but space is consumed and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the coil component from the power conversion circuit by using a switched capacitor converter architecture. Instead of using electromagnetic induction through coils, the system uses capacitive energy transfer through switching elements. This extraction of the coil eliminates the need for magnetic components, significantly reducing space requirements and cost while maintaining power conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic mechanical system (coils and magnetic fields) with an electronic system based on capacitive coupling and switching. The switched capacitor converter uses electronic switching elements to transfer energy between voltage levels without requiring magnetic components. This substitution eliminates bulky coils while achieving the same power conversion function, reducing both space and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuit is configured to be used as part of a switched capacitor converter, which includes a plurality of switch elements and at least one capacitor, and is configured to generate a second voltage from a first voltage. The control circuit includes a mode switching circuit configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which switching control of the plurality of switch elements is stopped to set the second voltage to a voltage value that can be regarded as the same as the first voltage. The second mode is a mode in which the plurality of switch elements is switching-controlled to set the second voltage to a voltage value lower than the first voltage.