Rational Conversion Ratio Converter for Flexible DC-DC Voltage Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixed-ratio binary DC-DC voltage converters are inefficient in generating arbitrary conversion ratios and maintaining output conductance, limiting their flexibility and efficiency compared to fixed-ratio converters.
Innovation Solution
A ratio-reconfigurable switched-capacitor (SC) DC-DC converter is developed, utilizing negative feedback voltages to generate arbitrary rational conversion ratios while maintaining output conductance, achieved through a configuration that includes a voltage negator and multiplexers to control the forward path gain and feedback factor, allowing for reconfiguration of both the numerator and denominator of the conversion ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional binary converter is used to generate arbitrary conversion ratios, then flexibility is improved, but output conductance is degraded and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The converter uses dynamic reconfiguration of capacitor connections through control signals to change conversion ratios. The switched-capacitor architecture allows the system to dynamically adjust its equivalent capacitance ratios, enabling arbitrary rational conversion ratios while maintaining proper conductance through controlled switching sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the effective capacitance values by reconfiguring the switched-capacitor network. By altering which capacitors are connected in series or parallel configurations through control signals, the system achieves different conversion ratios (p/q) while maintaining output conductance through parameter-based control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional binary converter is used for arbitrary conversion ratios, then adaptability is improved, but conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The switched-capacitor converter maintains continuous power transfer through overlapping switching phases. The fly capacitor ensures continuous energy transfer from input to output during the switching cycles, reducing energy loss while maintaining flexible conversion ratios through the reconfigurable capacitor network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control to regulate the output voltage and maintain optimal operating conditions. By monitoring the output and adjusting the switching control signals, the converter maintains high efficiency across different conversion ratios while preventing energy loss through proper timing and sequencing of the capacitor switches.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations described herein are directed to an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may include a first voltage source providing a first voltage having a first polarity. The integrated circuit may include a second voltage source providing a second voltage having a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity. The integrated circuit may include a first circuit portion configured to receive the first and second voltages and provide one or more feedback voltages. The integrated circuit may include a second circuit portion configured to receive the first and second voltages along with the one or more feedback voltages and provide an output voltage that is proportional to the first voltage based on a rational conversion ratio that is derived by selection of at least one of the first and second voltages and the one or more feedback voltages.