Multi-Phase Switched-Capacitor Conversion for Flexible Voltage Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-phase conversion circuits require high-rated voltage due to the configuration of flying capacitors, resulting in lower effective capacitance and limited flexibility in voltage conversion ratios, with a large number of switches and resonant inductors, making them inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase conversion circuit with a series connection of front and rear switched-capacitor conversion circuits, controlled by a control circuit generating switching signals to manage the electrical connection states of capacitors and inductors, allowing for more flexible voltage conversion ratios and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flying capacitors are used in the conversion circuit, then voltage conversion can be achieved, but high-rated voltage is required resulting in lower effective capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion circuit is divided into multiple phases (first sub-conversion circuit and second sub-conversion circuit) with separate capacitors (first front capacitor, first rear capacitor, second front capacitor, second rear capacitor). Each capacitor operates at different voltage levels and timing, allowing the use of lower-rated capacitors with higher effective capacitance to achieve the required voltage conversion.
2Quantity of substance
If more flying capacitors are used to compensate for high DC bias, then effective capacitance increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit uses periodic switching of capacitors between different connection states (charging state and discharging state) controlled by switching signals. The first and second sub-conversion circuits operate in alternating phases, with each capacitor being charged during one phase and discharged during another phase. This periodic action allows a smaller number of capacitors to provide sufficient effective capacitance over time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of switches and resonant inductors are configured, then voltage conversion flexibility improves, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching network is designed so that the same set of switches (first through fourth switches) and capacitors can be reconfigured through different connection states to achieve multiple voltage conversion ratios. The control circuit generates different switching signals to transform the circuit topology, enabling the same hardware to perform different voltage conversion functions without requiring additional components for each conversion ratio.
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 achieves low voltage stress, reduced component count, support for multiple voltage conversion ratios, and efficient resonant and regulated mode operations with soft-switching, thereby reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second front and/or rear capacitors to perform switched capacitor voltage division on the first voltage, switching the first switching node between a first divided voltage of the first voltage and a first reference potential, and switching the second switching node between a second divided voltage of the first voltage and a second reference potential
Implementation Method 2
The switching frequency is related to a resonance frequency, enabling the multi-phase conversion circuit to operate in a resonance mode, controlling the voltage ratio between the second voltage and the first voltage to be related to the division ratio of the first voltage and the first or the second divided voltage of the first voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-phase conversion circuit includes: a first and a second sub-conversion circuits; multiple switching signals control the first front switch-mode capacitor conversion circuit's first front capacitor and the first rear switch-mode capacitor conversion circuit's first rear capacitor, and the second front switch-mode capacitor conversion circuit's second front capacitor and the second rear switch-mode capacitor conversion circuit's second rear capacitor to switch between plural electrical connection states. This setup performs switched capacitor voltage division on the first voltage, selectively switching the first or second switching node between the first or second divided voltage derived from the switched capacitor voltage division and a reference potential, whereby performing power conversion between the first power node and the second power node.