Multi-Output Charge Pump With Reconfigurable Voltage Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply circuitry for implantable neurostimulators is inefficient and complex, leading to high power consumption and electromagnetic interference, and capacitive voltage multipliers provide inefficient integer multiples of battery voltage, wasting energy when changing output voltages.
Innovation Solution
A configurable multi-output charge pump with switchable flying and storage capacitors, controlled by digital logic, generates multiple voltage outputs efficiently by dynamically connecting capacitors to a common node based on load demands, using fractional and integer multiples of input voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If inductive voltage up-converters are used to convert battery voltage to higher voltages, then voltage conversion capability is improved, but device complexity and electromagnetic interference increase due to required switching regulator circuitry and rectifier circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the inductor component from the voltage conversion circuitry, replacing the entire inductive switching regulator architecture with a capacitive charge pump architecture. This removes the need for complex switching regulator circuitry and rectifier circuitry, directly resolving the technical contradiction by achieving voltage conversion without the associated complexity and electromagnetic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electromagnetic inductive mechanism with a purely capacitive charge transfer mechanism. By using capacitors to store and transfer charge directly, the system replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic switching regulator system with a simpler capacitive switching system, eliminating the need for inductors and reducing overall circuit complexity.
2Power
If inductive voltage up-converters with switching regulator circuitry are used, then voltage up-conversion is achieved, but electromagnetic noise is introduced that interferes with data communications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the inductor and associated switching regulator circuitry that generate electromagnetic noise. By replacing this entire subsystem with a capacitive charge pump architecture, the source of electromagnetic interference is eliminated while voltage up-conversion capability is maintained through capacitive charge transfer mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic noise generated by inductive switching into a beneficial quiet capacitive switching operation. By using capacitors instead of inductors for voltage conversion, the system transforms a noisy electromagnetic process into a clean electrical charge transfer process that does not generate interfering electromagnetic radiation.
3Power
If capacitive voltage multipliers are used to provide integer multiples of battery voltage, then voltage multiplication is achieved, but energy is wasted when changing output voltages due to discharging stored voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic voltage selection architecture where multiple capacitors can be selectively connected to different output nodes based on real-time voltage requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to switch between different voltage outputs without discharging stored energy, as each capacitor can be independently assigned to serve different voltage levels, eliminating the energy waste associated with static voltage multiplier designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the capacitive voltage multiplier by introducing selective connectivity control. Instead of a fixed integer multiplication ratio, the system dynamically adjusts which capacitors are connected to which outputs, allowing continuous optimization of voltage output without the energy penalty of discharging and recharging capacitors. This parameter change transforms the system from a static to a dynamic voltage multiplication approach.
4Power
If complex power supply circuitry is used to alter battery power output, then voltage and current requirements are met, but power consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex electromagnetic power conversion circuitry with a simpler capacitive charge transfer system. By using capacitors to directly store and transfer electrical charge from the battery to the load, the system eliminates the need for complex switching regulators and inductive converters, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to meet various voltage and current output requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary complex circuitry from the power supply system. By eliminating inductors, switching regulators, and rectifier circuits, the design achieves voltage and current transformation through a minimal capacitive architecture, directly reducing the power consumption associated with complex power conversion operations.
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 charge pump reduces power consumption and electromagnetic interference, allowing precise voltage matching for therapeutic stimulation, extending battery life and minimizing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive voltage up-converters or voltage multipliers have generally been used to provide output voltages in integer multiples of the battery voltage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~6
AI summary
A configurable multi-output charge pump (100, 200A, 875) for power supply generation includes one or more flying capacitors (PCs, 106) arranged to be switchably connected into a plurality of circuit configurations operative to provide respective output voltages at a common charging node (108). A configuration logic circuit (120) is operative to generate one or more configuration setting control signals (122) to effectuate a particular circuit configuration. One or more storage capacitors (SC, 112) are independently and individually connectable to the common charging node (108) depending on a selection control logic (116) having a configurable duty cycle, wherein each SC is operative to supply a respective voltage output to drive a corresponding electrical load.