Power Management Circuit Single Inductor Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Two-stage power management topologies for battery-powered devices result in increased electromagnetic interference and noise due to the use of separate inductors and switches, which also increase the bill of materials and component area, particularly in mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
A power management circuit with a single inductor and a set of switching elements that can switch between configurations for switched charging and DC-DC regulation, reducing the number of components and minimizing interference by combining buck and buck-boost functionalities into a single stage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate power conversion stages (switching charger and DC-DC converter) are used, then charging efficiency and voltage regulation can be optimized independently, but electromagnetic interference and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switching charger and DC-DC converter into a single integrated power management circuit that performs both charging and voltage regulation functions. The circuit uses a single inductor and shared switching elements (M1-M6) to implement both buck charging mode and buck-boost voltage regulation mode, eliminating the need for separate power conversion stages and reducing electromagnetic interference from multiple inductors and switches operating simultaneously.
2Reliability
If two separate power conversion stages are used, then functional optimization is achieved, but the bill of materials and component area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power management circuit is designed to perform multiple functions using a single set of components. The same inductor and switching elements (M1-M6) are used for both battery charging and system voltage regulation. The circuit can operate in different modes (buck charging mode, buck-boost voltage regulation mode, power path mode) by controlling the switching elements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function and reducing overall component area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate power conversion stages are used, then dedicated functions are provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit employs dynamic switching control to adapt between different operating modes. The switching elements (M1-M6) are controlled by a controller that dynamically switches between buck charging mode, buck-boost voltage regulation mode, and power path mode based on system requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single circuit to provide dedicated functions for both charging and voltage regulation without requiring separate fixed-function circuits, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 solution reduces electromagnetic interference, minimizes the bill of materials, and allows for a more compact design by using fewer components, while maintaining high efficiency in both charging and voltage regulation functions.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor and a set switching elements, arranged to switch between a first configuration providing a switched charging functionality and a second configuration providing a DC-DC regulation functionality
Implementation Method 2
a first switch (M1) that selectively couples the input node with an input; a second switch (M2) that selectively couples the input node with a ground; a third switch (M3) that selectively couples the output node with a battery
Data Source
AI summary
A power management circuit is provided with groups of switches and a single shared inductor and is selectively configured in a first mode to act as a buck regulator and a second mode to act as a buck-boost regulator. There is a two-stage circuit topology, where both charging and regular operation of the device can be optimized. There is a switching charger integrated circuit that can be dedicated to performing a charging function, and there is a DC-DC power management integrated circuit that can be dedicated to regulating the system voltage provided by the battery while the battery is discharging.