Shared Charge Pump With Dynamic Phase Switching for Differential Voltages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charge pumps are inefficient in providing differential driving voltages and occupy excessive circuit area due to fixed phase sequences and unequal allocation of charging and pumping times, especially when high switching frequencies are required.
Innovation Solution
A shared charge pump structure with dynamic phase switching and clamping functions that dynamically allocates charging and pumping phases based on the needs of the output voltages, using control logic to prioritize and adjust the timing of each phase according to threshold comparisons and temperature calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed phase sequence is used in charge pumps, then the circuit structure is simple, but the efficiency is low and circuit area is excessive when high switching frequencies are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic phase switching where the charge pump can dynamically adjust its phase sequence (PH1-PH2-PH3, PH1-PH3-PH2, PH2-PH1-PH3, etc.) based on real-time voltage requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize charging and pumping time allocation, enabling high switching frequencies while maintaining high efficiency by matching the phase sequence to the actual voltage needs of the coupled device.
2Productivity
If charging and pumping times are equally allocated, then the control logic is simple, but the efficiency is low when differential driving voltages are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating different time durations to different phases based on specific voltage requirements. For example, when VGH is required, the system extends the pumping phase for VGH while adjusting the charging phase accordingly. This localized time allocation optimization allows efficient differential voltage generation without requiring complex overall control logic, as each phase's duration is adjusted independently based on its specific voltage needs.
3Area of stationary object
If separate charge pumps are used for VGH and VGL, then the voltage supply is reliable, but the circuit area is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared charge pump structure where a single charge pump circuit can generate both VGH and VGL voltages by dynamically switching between different phase sequences. The same pumping capacitor and switch network are reused to produce different output voltages depending on the phase sequence applied, eliminating the need for separate dedicated charge pumps for each voltage while maintaining reliable voltage supply through dynamic phase control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the phase sequence is fixed, then the device operation is stable, but the adaptability to different voltage requirements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control logic monitors the voltage requirements of the coupled device and adjusts the phase sequence accordingly. The system detects which voltage (VGH or VGL) needs to be generated and selects the appropriate phase sequence (e.g., PH1-PH2-PH3 for VGH, PH1-PH3-PH2 for VGL), ensuring the charge pump adapts to different voltage requirements while maintaining stable operation through systematic phase control.
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
Enhances efficiency by dynamically matching phase ratios to output voltage requirements, reducing circuit area and ensuring timely delivery of voltages, even at high switching frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor disposed outside the IC for storing charge according to the first input voltage and the second input voltage during a first phase, discharging to generate the first output voltage during a second phase, and discharging to generate the second output voltage during a third phase
Data Source
AI summary
A shared charge pump partly disposed on an integrated circuit provides a first output voltage and a second output voltage to a coupled device, and includes: a plurality of switches coupled to a first input voltage and a second voltage, wherein the switches are individually opened and closed according to control logic; and a capacitor disposed outside the IC for storing charge according to the first input voltage and the second input voltage during a first phase, discharging to generate the first output voltage during a second phase, and discharging to generate the second output voltage during a third phase. The shared charge pump enters the first phase, the second phase and the third phase via control of the plurality of switches, and a sequence of the phases can be dynamically switched according to a level of the first output voltage and the second output voltage determined at the capacitor.