Reverse Boosting Detection in Wireless Charging via Buck Converter Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems fail to effectively detect reverse boosting due to the absence of input current, which leads to undesirable battery discharge in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an error amplifier with a minimum mid-level input voltage regulation loop and an input missing poller signal generator in power management integrated circuits (PMICs) to detect when the buck converter enters a discontinuous mode, utilizing a low side power transistor current zero crossing detector and skip mode comparator to generate signals indicative of reverse boosting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging is implemented, then charging convenience is improved, but reverse boosting detection capability deteriorates due to lack of input current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism using the VMID_MIN regulation loop status and buck converter mode as indirect indicators of reverse boosting. Instead of directly monitoring input current (which is unavailable in wireless charging), the system uses these intermediary signals that correlate with reverse boosting conditions to trigger detection algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical current-based detection mechanism with a control system-based detection approach. By monitoring the operational state of control circuits (VMID_MIN loop activation, buck converter discontinuous mode) and using algorithms to infer reverse boosting conditions, the system substitutes direct electrical measurement with indirect control state analysis.
2Device complexity
If traditional input voltage and current monitoring is used, then reverse boosting detection is simplified, but it becomes ineffective for wireless charging due to lack of input current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the detection system universal by designing it to work for both wired and wireless charging scenarios. The enhanced detection algorithm can operate with different input types: traditional current monitoring for wired charging, and the new VMID_MIN/buck converter mode monitoring for wireless charging, making the system adaptable to multiple charging methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from direct electrical measurements (input current) to control system parameters (VMID_MIN regulation loop status, buck converter operating mode). This parameter transformation allows the system to detect reverse boosting conditions through alternative measurable quantities that are available in wireless charging architectures.
3Measurement precision
If VMID_MIN regulation loop and buck converter mode monitoring are added, then reverse boosting detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the status of the VMID_MIN regulation loop and buck converter mode continuously inform the detection algorithm. These feedback signals create a closed-loop system that automatically adjusts detection behavior based on real-time operational conditions, improving accuracy without requiring complex external monitoring circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system utilizes signals already generated by the power management circuits themselves (VMID_MIN loop status, buck converter mode indicators) rather than requiring separate dedicated detection hardware. The existing control circuits serve dual purposes: their primary function plus providing detection data, thereby reducing overall system 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
Enables accurate detection and prevention of reverse boosting in wireless charging systems, preventing unnecessary battery discharge by initiating the input missing poller algorithm when the buck converter enters a discontinuous mode.
Implementation Method 1
The input voltage is wirelessly received via a wireless power coil inductively couple to a wireless charging pad
Data Source
AI summary
Enhanced reverse boosting detection in a wireless charging scheme is disclosed. In some implementations, a minimum mid-level input voltage regulation (VMID_MIN regulation) loop is provided to regulate an input voltage from a wirelessly coupled power source when a mid-level of the input voltage falls below a predetermined threshold. The input voltage is provided to a buck converter within a wireless charging receiver. An input missing poller signal generator is provided to generate an input missing poller (IMP) signal if the VMID_MIN regulation loop becomes active and the buck converter has entered a discontinuous mode.