Multi-Level Charge Pump Circuit Parallel Switch Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-level charge pump circuits in 5G-capable mobile communication devices face inefficiencies due to high equivalent resistance in buck mode operation and short duty cycle in boost mode, leading to significant power loss and reduced operating efficiency across different radio access technologies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level charge pump circuit with a multi-level voltage circuit that activates multiple switch paths in parallel to reduce equivalent resistance, improving efficiency and prolonging duty cycle by configuring switch paths to generate low-frequency voltage at different levels, thereby optimizing power amplification across various radio access technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single switch path is used in the multi-level voltage circuit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the equivalent resistance increases leading to power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The single switch path is segmented into multiple parallel switch paths (first switch path, second switch path, third switch path), each with different on-resistances. This segmentation allows the circuit to select optimal paths based on operating conditions, reducing overall equivalent resistance and power loss while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically activates different combinations of switch paths based on operating mode (buck mode or boost mode) and load conditions. The control circuit adjusts which paths are active to optimize performance, making the system adaptable rather than static, thereby reducing power loss without requiring all paths to be permanently complex
2Productivity
If multiple switch paths are activated in parallel, then the equivalent resistance is reduced improving efficiency, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic is segmented into mode-specific control schemes: buck mode control that activates specific path combinations for voltage reduction, and boost mode control for voltage multiplication. This segmentation of control strategies simplifies the overall complexity by providing clear, mode-specific activation rules rather than requiring complex real-time optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The same multi-level voltage circuit with multiple switch paths serves multiple functions: it operates in both buck mode (voltage reduction) and boost mode (voltage multiplication), and can be applied across different radio access technologies (3G, 4G, 5G). This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by providing a unified solution for diverse operational requirements
3Duration of action of moving object
If the duty cycle is shortened in boost mode, then the response speed is improved, but the operating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit dynamically adjusts the duty cycle based on the specific boost mode requirements and load conditions. Rather than using a fixed short duty cycle, the control circuit optimizes the duty cycle duration in real-time, allowing longer duty cycles when efficiency is prioritized and shorter cycles when response speed is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between duration and productivity
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 reduces power loss and enhances operating efficiency by minimizing equivalent resistance in buck mode and prolonging duty cycle in boost mode, ensuring improved performance across different radio access technologies, including 3G, 4G, and 5G.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first switch path, the second switch path, and the third switch path has a respective on-resistance. By activating at least two of the three switch paths to generate the low-frequency voltage, it may be possible to reduce an equivalent resistance of the multi-level voltage circuit, thus helping to improve efficiency and reduce power loss
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-level charge pump (MCP) circuit is provided. The MCP circuit includes a multi-level voltage circuit configured to receive a supply voltage and generate a low-frequency voltage. The multi-level voltage circuit includes a first switch path, a second switch path, and a third switch path each having a respective on-resistance and coupled in parallel between an input node and an output node. In a non-limiting example, the multi-level voltage circuit is configured to activate the first switch path and at least one of the second switch path and the third switch path when the multi-level voltage circuit generates the low-frequency voltage that equals the supply voltage. By activating at least two of the three switch paths to generate the low-frequency voltage, it may be possible to reduce an equivalent resistance of the multi-level voltage circuit, thus helping to improve efficiency and reduce power loss of the MCP circuit.