Switched-Capacitor PMIC Topology for Wide Voltage Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management integrated circuits face challenges in efficiently and stably supplying power across a wide range of voltage conversion ratios while minimizing power loss, particularly due to variations in load requirements and parasitic resistance.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit design incorporating a converter with multiple inductors and switches, controlled by a controller to dynamically adjust operation modes and phase configurations, ensuring balanced current flow and reduced power loss across varying voltage conversion ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional converter is used to supply power to loads with varying voltage requirements, then the converter can deliver different supply voltages, but power loss increases and efficiency decreases across wide voltage conversion ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different circuit configurations (first converter mode with first converter, second converter mode with second converter, or combined mode with both converters) based on real-time voltage conversion ratio requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain optimal efficiency across varying voltage conversion ratios while minimizing power loss, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the voltage conversion ratio varies to meet different load requirements, then the converter can adapt to various supply voltages, but stability of power supply deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically selects and switches between different converter configurations based on the required voltage conversion ratio. When the first converter alone can meet the requirement, it operates independently; when the second converter is needed for higher ratios, the system switches to the second converter mode or combines both converters. This dynamic adaptation maintains stable power supply across varying voltage conversion ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the voltage conversion ratio and load requirements in real-time, then adjusts the operating mode accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the power supply remains stable by selecting the appropriate converter configuration that maintains optimal performance for the current operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple converters are used to handle wide voltage conversion ratios, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power conversion system into two separate converters: a first converter for handling lower voltage conversion ratios and a second converter for handling higher voltage conversion ratios. Each converter is optimized for its specific operating range, allowing the system to achieve wide overall adaptability while keeping each individual converter relatively simple. The controller manages the segmentation by selecting which converter to use based on the required voltage 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 enables stable and efficient power supply by maintaining balanced currents and reducing power loss across the entire voltage conversion range, with adaptive operation modes to handle variations and minimize malfunctions at reference value boundaries.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductor including a first end connected to the fourth switch and the fifth switch, and a second end connected to an output node; a second inductor including a first end connected to the second switch and the third switch, and a second end connected to the output node
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor including a first end connected to the first switch and the second switch, and a second end connected to the fifth switch and the sixth switch
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit including: an input node configured to receive an input voltage; a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch sequentially connected in series between the input node and a ground terminal; a fourth switch, a fifth switch, and a sixth switch sequentially connected in series between the input node and the ground terminal; a capacitor including a first end connected to the first switch and the second switch, and a second end connected to the fifth switch and the sixth switch; a first inductor including a first end connected to the fourth switch and the fifth switch, and a second end connected to an output node; a second inductor including a first end connected to the second switch and the third switch, and a second end connected to the output node; and a controller configured to control the first switch through the sixth switch.