Reconfigurable Buck Converter PMIC for Space Optimization

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing power management integrated circuits (PMICs) in electronic devices face inefficiencies due to unused buck converters, which occupy mounting space and increase costs, as the power rail changes with each specific cycle or type of electronic product, leading to unnecessary components.

Innovation Solution

The PMIC is configured with buck converters that can operate as buck boosters, allowing for selective electrical connections and routing changes, thereby reducing the need for separate buck boosters and optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate buck converters and buck boosters are used in PMIC, then voltage conversion functionality is achieved, but mounting area increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion functionalityVSAvoidmounting area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by configuring buck converters to operate in both buck mode (voltage step-down) and boost mode (voltage step-up) through selective electrical connection changes. The same buck converter circuitry serves dual purposes depending on the power rail configuration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated buck booster components and reducing overall mounting area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the electrical connections within the PMIC reconfigurable through switches. The power rail connections are dynamically changed based on operational requirements, allowing the system to transition between different voltage conversion modes (buck/boost) and adapt to varying power demands without physical hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate buck converters and buck boosters are used in PMIC, then voltage conversion functionality is achieved, but device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by configuring buck converters to operate in both buck mode (voltage step-down) and boost mode (voltage step-up) through selective electrical connection changes. The same buck converter circuitry serves dual purposes depending on the power rail configuration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated buck booster components and reducing overall mounting area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of separate buck converters and buck boosters into a unified reconfigurable circuit architecture. By combining these functions into a single adaptable system with switchable connections, the patent reduces device complexity and production costs while maintaining full voltage conversion capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If power rail changes with each electronic product cycle, then product-specific optimization is achieved, but unnecessary components are used increasing waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct-specific optimizationVSAvoidunnecessary components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the electrical connections within the PMIC reconfigurable through switches. The power rail connections are dynamically changed based on operational requirements, allowing the system to transition between different voltage conversion modes (buck/boost) and adapt to varying power demands without physical hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables discarding and recovering by allowing the system to deactivate unused buck converter paths through switch control. When certain power conversion functions are not needed for a specific product configuration, those circuit paths are electrically disconnected and effectively discarded, preventing the deployment of unnecessary components and reducing electronic waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS11700324B2Electronic device having connection path between buck converters

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

According to an embodiment disclosed in the specification, an electronic device comprises a battery disposed inside the electronic device; a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed inside the electronic device; at least one electronic component disposed on the PCB; and a first buck converter having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is routed to the battery; and a second buck converter having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is selectively electrically connected to the second end of the first buck converter, and the second end is routed to the at least one electronic component, and wherein the first buck converter and the second buck converter are configured to boost a voltage provided from the battery through an electrical path formed from the battery by the first end of the first buck converter, and the second end of the first buck converter, the first end of the second buck converter and the second end of the second buck converter to the at least one electronic component.