Parallel Battery Charging Control With Integrated Converter Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging systems face challenges in dynamically distributing load current between charge pumps and switching buck chargers, affecting reliability, cost, and performance without adding extra cost.
Innovation Solution
A battery charging apparatus and control method that integrates switches of both converters into a single semiconductor chip, with a controller generating gate drive signals to control load current distribution based on an input current limit, allowing the charge pump and step-down converter to operate in parallel and switch between modes to maintain stable charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If two power stages (charge pump and switching charger) are connected in parallel to improve battery charging performance, then charging efficiency and power delivery are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple switches and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switches of both the charge pump and switching charger into a single integrated semiconductor chip. This merging of components reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining the dual-power-stage architecture needed for high charging power and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated semiconductor chip serves multiple functions by housing switches for both power stages, current sensing capabilities, and control logic. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate discrete components, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving charging performance.
2Reliability
If dynamic load current distribution between charge pump and switching charger is implemented to optimize charging stability, then charging reliability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where a controller monitors the operating conditions and dynamically adjusts the load current distribution between the charge pump and switching charger. This feedback-based approach optimizes charging stability by automatically balancing the power contribution from each stage based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the current distribution without requiring external intervention. The controller continuously monitors and adjusts the operating modes of both power stages, enabling the system to self-optimize its performance and maintain charging stability autonomously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate control circuits are used for charge pump and switching charger to maintain flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for both power stages into a single integrated controller implemented on the semiconductor chip. This unified control architecture maintains the flexibility to independently manage each power stage while reducing the total component count and manufacturing complexity, thereby lowering production costs.
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 enables efficient and cost-effective dynamic load current distribution between the charge pump and step-down converter, ensuring reliable and stable battery charging without increasing system complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
A first flying capacitor is connected between a common node of two upper switches, and a common node of two lower switches
Implementation Method 2
An inductor is connected between a common node of these two switches, and an output voltage bus
Implementation Method 3
The isolation switch includes two diodes. A first diode is between a bulk terminal and a source of the isolation switch. A second diode is between the bulk terminal and a drain of the isolation switch. These two diodes are back-to-back connected.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charging apparatus includes a first converter coupled between an input voltage bus and a battery, and a second converter coupled between the input voltage bus and the battery, wherein switches of the first converter and switches of the second converter are integrated in a same semiconductor chip, and wherein the first converter and the second converter are configured to be coupled to a controller, the controller being configured to generate gate drive signals for configuring the first converter and the second converter during a charging process of the battery such that a load current distribution between the first converter and the second converter is controlled based on an input current limit of the battery charging apparatus.