Multiphase Charger With Dual Buck Converters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in minimizing power consumption and real estate usage while efficiently charging batteries and providing boost back power, as traditional charging methods are inefficient and require larger components.

Innovation Solution

A multiphase charger system with dual ports, incorporating a first and second buck, port switches, and a multiphase switch, allowing for simultaneous buck charging and reverse boost charging, enabling dual charging, single boost back, and dual boost back modes, with reduced component size and increased functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional charging methods are used, then device functionality is simple, but charging efficiency is low and component size is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcharger structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charger is divided into multiple independent buck converters (first buck, second buck) that operate in parallel phases. Each buck converter handles a portion of the charging load independently, improving overall charging efficiency while allowing modular design that reduces individual component sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (dual charging mode, single boost back mode, dual boost back mode) based on port usage. Controllers/gate drivers adjust switching patterns of port switches and multiphase switches in real-time, enabling adaptive power distribution that optimizes efficiency for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If dual ports are added for dual charging and boost back, then charging speed increases, but device real estate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoiddevice real estate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The first buck and second buck converters share common components including inductors, capacitors, and control circuits. The multiphase switch network allows both bucks to draw from the same input voltage source and charge the same battery, merging power paths to reduce overall component count and device footprint while maintaining dual-port functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each buck converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can charge the battery during dual charging mode and provide boost back power during single or dual boost back mode. The port switches and multiphase switches are universally controlled to redirect power flow between charging and boost back operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If simultaneous buck charging and reverse boost charging are implemented, then functionality increases, but power management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging mode versatilityVSAvoidpower management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Controllers/gate drivers monitor the operational state of each port and automatically adjust the switching patterns of port switches and multiphase switches. The system detects whether ports are in charging mode or boost back mode and dynamically reconfigures the power flow paths, providing intelligent power management that handles mode transitions without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The multiphase switch network acts as an intermediary between the input voltage source, buck converters, battery, and output ports. These switches mediate power flow direction, enabling seamless transitions between charging and boost back modes by redirecting current paths without requiring complex external power management circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 multiphase charger system reduces charging time, minimizes component size, and enhances functionality by allowing dual charging and boost back capabilities, while maintaining efficient power delivery and reducing real estate requirements.

Implementation Method 1

Each buck may include a charging switch, a discharging switch, an inductor and a capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Each buck may include a charging switch, a discharging switch, an inductor and a capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field formation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

Each buck may include a charging switch, a discharging switch, an inductor and a capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9219369B2Multiphase charger

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

An electronic device is described. The electronic device includes a first port. The electronic device also includes a second port. The electronic device further includes a multiphase charger. The multiphase charger includes a first buck. The multiphase charger also includes a second buck. The multiphase charger further includes a first port switch. The multiphase charger also includes a second port switch. The multiphase charger further includes a reverse boost switch. The multiphase charger also includes a multiphase switch.