Multi-Output Voltage Generator With Divider-Based Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single inductor dual output voltage generators face inefficiencies due to high voltage requirements for transistor switches, increased circuit size, conductive losses, and electromagnetic interference, which reduce power conversion efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multiple output voltage generator is designed with a voltage divider and parallel-connected first and second voltage converters, allowing for the generation of multiple output voltages using electronic components with low voltage endurance, thereby reducing quiescent current and improving power efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transistor switches with high voltage endurance are used to handle high voltage power input, then the power voltage can be converted effectively, but the circuit size increases and conductive loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage enduranceVSAvoidconductive loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion process is segmented into two stages: first, a voltage divider circuit divides the high power voltage into a lower intermediate voltage; second, transistor switches convert this lower intermediate voltage to the target output voltage. This segmentation allows the transistor switches to operate at lower voltages, reducing conductive loss while maintaining the ability to handle high input voltages through the divider circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If transistor switches with high voltage endurance are used, then high voltage conversion is achieved, but the efficiency of power conversion is reduced due to switching loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage enduranceVSAvoidswitching loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion is divided into two sequential conversion stages. The voltage divider first reduces the high voltage to a lower level, and then the transistor switches perform a second conversion stage at this reduced voltage level. This segmentation reduces the voltage swing required from the transistor switches, thereby reducing MOS gate/drain loss and other switching losses associated with high voltage transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the inductor swings between a large voltage range, then high voltage conversion is achieved, but electromagnetic interference increases and power conversion efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage conversion capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage conversion process is segmented into two stages with an intermediate voltage level. The inductor in the transistor switch circuit operates with voltage swings based on the intermediate voltage rather than the full high voltage range. This segmentation reduces the voltage swing amplitude across the inductor, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining the overall high voltage conversion capability through the cascaded voltage divider and converter stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 consumption and circuit size by operating voltage converters at lower voltages, minimizing switching losses and electromagnetic interference, thus enhancing power conversion efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The voltage divider receives a power voltage and divides the power voltage to generate a first output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage division: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

The first voltage converter and the second voltage converter converting the first output voltage to respectively generate a second output voltage and a third output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11824463B1Multiple output voltage generator
Publication Date: 2023.11.21 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP
  • US11824463B1 patent drawing
  • US11824463B1 patent drawing
  • US11824463B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A multiple output voltage generator includes a voltage divider and first and second voltage converters. The voltage divider receives a power voltage and divides the power voltage to generate a first output voltage. The first and second voltage converters are coupled to the voltage divider in parallel. The first voltage converter and the second voltage converter converting the first output voltage to respectively generate a second output voltage and a third output voltage.