Multi-Output Voltage Converter With Charge Pump Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC voltage converters with buck and boost converters face issues with frequent activation of boost converters due to low primary voltage, leading to electromagnetic interference and inefficient energy consumption, while also failing to maintain the second secondary voltage effectively during unfavorable charge distribution.
Innovation Solution
A DC voltage converter design that includes a buck converter with coupled inductors, a boost converter upstream to boost the primary voltage, and a charge pump module to balance charges between secondary voltages, with simultaneous activation of the boost converter and charge pump module when the second secondary voltage falls below a threshold, controlled by shared or separate controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the boost converter is activated frequently to compensate for low primary voltage, then the primary voltage is maintained, but electromagnetic interference increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump module acts as an intermediary between the primary voltage source and the secondary outputs. It balances charge distribution and can maintain secondary voltages even when the primary voltage is low, reducing the need for frequent boost converter activations and thereby reducing electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes: using the charge pump module when primary voltage is low to maintain secondary outputs, and using the boost converter only when necessary. This dynamic approach optimizes the use of each component based on real-time voltage conditions
2Reliability
If the boost converter is activated frequently to compensate for low primary voltage, then the primary voltage is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump module serves as an energy-efficient intermediary that balances charge between secondary outputs and can maintain voltage levels without the high energy consumption associated with frequent boost converter activations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by activating different components based on voltage thresholds. When primary voltage drops below a threshold, the charge pump is activated instead of the boost converter, changing the energy consumption profile to a more efficient operating mode
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
This design improves the stability and efficiency of the second secondary voltage, reducing electromagnetic interference and energy consumption, and maintaining the second secondary voltage at lower primary voltages, as illustrated by improved performance graphs compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump module able to balance the charges between the first secondary voltage and the second secondary voltage when activated
Implementation Method 2
a boost converter arranged upstream of the buck converter and able to boost the primary voltage when activated
Implementation Method 3
a buck converter with inductors coupled to two outputs
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage converter that receives at input a primary DC voltage that is variable over a wide voltage range and that supplies at output a regulated first secondary DC voltage and an unregulated second secondary DC voltage, including a buck converter with inductors coupled to two outputs, it also includes a boost converter arranged upstream of the buck converter and able to boost the primary voltage when activated, and a charge pump module arranged between the second secondary voltage and the first secondary voltage and able to balance the charges when activated, the boost converter and the charge pump module being activated simultaneously.

