Reconfigurable DC-DC Converter for Compact Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronic devices often require a range of supply voltages and currents but are powered by a single source, such as a battery, leading to inefficiencies and space constraints in power supply circuits due to existing DC-DC converters with high energy loss and large size.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable DC-DC converter system using a single integrated circuit chip with multiple operating modes, comprising a capacitor and switch circuits controlled by a processor to oscillate at different frequencies, allowing efficient conversion of input voltage to output voltage across various power levels, reducing the need for multiple capacitors and inductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional DC-DC converters are used to convert battery voltage to required supply voltage, then voltage conversion is achieved, but energy loss increases and circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable DC-DC converter that dynamically switches between different conversion ratios (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1) based on real-time power level detection. The converter transitions from a static design to a dynamic one where the topology can be reconfigured during operation, allowing optimal efficiency at different operating points and reducing overall energy loss across the full power range.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter changes its electrical parameters (conversion ratio, switching frequency, capacitor configuration) based on the detected power level. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes efficiency for different load conditions, directly addressing the energy loss problem while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic parameter management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple capacitors and inductors are used to achieve wide power delivery range, then power flexibility is improved, but circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single capacitor perform multiple functions across different operating modes. The same capacitor is used for voltage conversion in all four conversion ratios (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1), eliminating the need for separate capacitors for each mode. This multi-functional approach achieves wide power delivery adaptability while minimizing circuit size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple conversion functions into a single integrated circuit structure. By combining the switch circuits, single capacitor, and control logic into one reconfigurable system, it achieves the functionality of multiple converters while reducing the overall component count and circuit area, directly solving the space constraint problem.
3Power
If conventional DC-DC converter design is used, then voltage conversion is achieved, but component count increases leading to larger device footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The switch circuits are designed to perform multiple conversion functions (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 ratios) within a single integrated structure. This universal design eliminates the need for separate converter circuits for each conversion ratio, reducing component count while maintaining full voltage conversion capability across all power levels.
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 efficient power delivery across different modes, reducing energy loss and circuit size by using a single capacitor and minimizing component count, making it suitable for compact devices like wearable technology.
Implementation Method 1
comprising a capacitor and switch circuits controlled by a processor to oscillate at different frequencies, allowing efficient conversion of input voltage to output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a reconfigurable DC-DC converter are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: a capacitor; a first switch circuit electrically coupled in parallel to the capacitor; a second switch circuit electrically coupled in parallel to the capacitor; and a control circuit electrically coupled to the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit to switch the switch circuits at one of at least two different frequencies to convert an input voltage to an output voltage, wherein the control circuit controls the first switch circuit and second switch circuit to operate in a plurality of modes to output a desired current range.