Multi-Voltage Generation Circuit Using Time-Division Current Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for miniaturized power management integrated circuits (PMICs) in mobile communication devices, which require multiple supply voltages for power amplifiers, is hindered by the large footprint caused by multiple direct-current to direct-current (DC-DC) converters.
Innovation Solution
A multi-voltage generation circuit that shares a single current modulation circuit based on time-division among multiple voltage modulation circuits, reducing the number of DC-DC converters and minimizing the circuit's footprint while concurrently supporting multiple load circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DC-DC converters are used to generate multiple supply voltages for power amplifiers, then the power management circuit can provide multiple voltages simultaneously, but the footprint of the PMIC increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple DC-DC converter functions into a single multi-output DC-DC converter that can simultaneously generate multiple supply voltages (e.g., VCC1, VCC2, VCC3) for different power amplifiers. This consolidation reduces the number of separate converter circuits needed, thereby minimizing the PMIC footprint while maintaining the ability to provide multiple voltages concurrently
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-output DC-DC converter is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple power amplifiers with different voltage requirements. The converter can dynamically adjust its output voltages to match the needs of different load circuits, making a single circuit perform the work of multiple dedicated converters
2Area of stationary object
If a single current modulation circuit is shared among multiple voltage modulation circuits based on time-division, then the footprint is reduced, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where the single current modulation circuit is activated in alternating time slots to serve different voltage modulation circuits. Each voltage modulation circuit receives current modulation signals during its designated time period, and this periodic switching is controlled by a timing circuit that manages the alternation between different output voltages
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the connection between the shared current modulation circuit and different voltage modulation circuits based on operational requirements. The switching mechanism allows the circuit to adapt its configuration in real-time, connecting the current modulation circuit to the appropriate voltage modulation circuit during each time slot according to the operational needs of the power amplifiers
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 approach allows for the simultaneous generation and maintenance of multiple modulated voltages with a significantly reduced footprint, enabling efficient power management in miniaturized devices without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
a respective one of multiple offset capacitors each modulated to a respective one of multiple offset voltages by a respective one of the multiple low-frequency currents such that the respective one of the multiple offset voltages can raise the respective one of the multiple modulated initial voltages
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-voltage power generation circuit is disclosed. More specifically, the multi-voltage generation circuit includes multiple voltage modulation circuits that are configured to generate and maintain multiple modulated voltages. In a non-limiting example, the multiple modulated voltages can be used for amplifying multiple radio frequency (RF) signals concurrently. Contrary to using multiple direct-current (DC) to DC (DC-DC) converters for generating the multiple modulated voltages, the voltage modulation circuits are configured to share a single current modulation circuit based on time-division. By sharing a single current modulation circuit among the multiple voltage modulation circuits, it is possible to concurrently support multiple load circuits (e.g., power amplifier circuits) with significantly reduced footprint.