Shared-Capacitor SIMO Power Converter for Independent Output Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boost SIMO power converter circuits require multiple boost capacitors to generate boosted control voltages, leading to increased circuit complexity and area usage.
Innovation Solution
Employing a single shared capacitor that is used by different switch driver circuits at different times to generate boost control voltages, reducing circuit complexity and area overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple boost capacitors are used to generate boosted control voltages for each output, then each output can be controlled independently, but the circuit complexity and area usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate boost capacitors into a single shared capacitor that is time-multiplexed across multiple outputs. The capacitor is sequentially connected to different switch driver circuits at different times, allowing the same capacitor to serve multiple functions that previously required separate capacitors for each output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching of the shared capacitor between different outputs through time-multiplexed control. The capacitor is charged during specific time intervals and then connected to different switch driver circuits in a sequential, periodic manner, enabling independent control of multiple outputs using a single capacitor.
2Reliability
If multiple boost capacitors are used to generate boosted control voltages, then each output has dedicated capacitance, but the physical area required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple capacitor functions into a single physical capacitor by time-multiplexing its connection to different outputs. This merging approach maintains the functional equivalence of having dedicated capacitors while reducing the physical area required, as one capacitor serves multiple outputs sequentially rather than requiring separate capacitors for each output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching control to connect the shared capacitor to different outputs at different times. This dynamic time-multiplexed connection allows the capacitor to be dynamically assigned to different switch driver circuits, providing dedicated capacitance functionality to each output during its assigned time interval while sharing the same physical component.
3Area of stationary object
If a single shared capacitor is used for multiple outputs, then circuit area is reduced, but the capacitor must be time-multiplexed across multiple switch driver circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single capacitor universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions across different outputs through time-multiplexed switching. The capacitor is designed to be sequentially connected to different switch driver circuits, allowing one component to fulfill the roles of multiple capacitors would have played, thereby reducing circuit area while managing complexity through controlled multi-functionality.
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 approach simplifies the circuit design and reduces the physical space required for boost SIMO power converter circuits, enhancing efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor coupled to an input power supply node and a switch node of the power converter circuit
Implementation Method 2
a shared capacitor coupled to the switch node, wherein the shared capacitor is used by different switch driver circuits at different times to generate boost control voltages
Data Source
AI summary
A switching circuit for a single-input multiple-output power converter is disclosed. The switching circuit includes an inductor coupled between an input power supply and a switch node, which is further coupled to a shared capacitor. Multiple switch circuits generate, during different time periods, corresponding boost voltages using the shared capacitor. The boost voltages are used by the multiple switch circuits to couple the switch node to corresponding regulated power supply nodes.