Multi-phase Battery Charging Circuit Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fast battery charging in mobile devices is hindered by high temperatures caused by high inductor temperatures, which can exceed the temperature of the charging circuit, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A battery charging circuit comprising a first and second charging circuit, where the second charging circuit's battery threshold voltage is set lower than the first, allowing the second charging circuit to terminate its operation before the first, thereby preventing overheating and ensuring safe and efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple charging circuits operate simultaneously to provide fast charging, then charging speed is improved, but temperature increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-phase charging where charging circuits operate in staggered phases rather than simultaneously. The first charging circuit operates while the second is disabled, then they switch phases. This periodic operation allows inductors to cool between active periods, reducing peak temperatures while maintaining high average charging speed through coordinated multi-phase operation.
2Productivity
If multiple charging circuits operate simultaneously, then charging efficiency is improved, but multiple voltage sources cause adverse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase-based operation where charging circuits are enabled and disabled in sequence rather than simultaneously. This ensures only one charging circuit actively drives the battery at any given time, preventing voltage conflicts and stability issues while maintaining high charging efficiency through coordinated phase transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements control circuits that monitor battery voltage and charging status to coordinate the operation of multiple charging circuits. This feedback mechanism ensures smooth phase transitions and prevents simultaneous operation that would create voltage conflicts, maintaining both efficiency and reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A battery charging circuit comprises two or more charging circuits, each capable of charging a battery. The charging outputs of the charging circuits are connected together and can be connected to a battery to provide fast charging of the battery. The charging circuits can be configured so that they do not adversely interfere with each other during battery charging.