Shared-Inductor Amplifier for Low-EMI Efficient Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power amplifiers face challenges in achieving high efficiency like Class D amplifiers while minimizing costs and electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues, and in effectively utilizing single inductor multiple output (SIMO) regulators for amplification purposes.
Innovation Solution
The development of a resource pooling amplifier that shares at least one inductor among multiple load terminals or uses it for multiple purposes, such as switching, time-sharing, or monitoring load requirements to optimize usage and reduce EMI, allowing for efficient power transfer beyond the supply voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If Class D amplifiers are used to achieve high efficiency, then power dissipation is reduced, but additional output inductors are required and EMI problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the output inductor serve multiple functions: it acts as both the power transfer inductor for Class D operation and as the output filter inductor for Class AB operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate inductors for different operating modes, reducing component count while maintaining high efficiency benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the Class D power transfer function and Class AB output filtering function into a single inductor component. By combining these functions, the system achieves high efficiency power transfer without requiring additional output inductors, thus reducing device complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If Class AB amplifiers are used to achieve high linearity, then cost structure is simplified, but power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between Class AB and Class D operating modes based on signal conditions. The system operates in Class AB mode for low-power applications to maintain simplicity and linearity, then switches to Class D mode for high-power applications to reduce power dissipation, optimizing both cost structure and energy efficiency dynamically
3Reliability
If multiple inductors are used for multiple load terminals, then each load receives dedicated power transfer, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single inductor serve multiple load terminals by implementing time-sharing and switching mechanisms. The inductor is allocated to different loads based on which load requires power transfer at any given moment, allowing one inductor to replace multiple dedicated inductors while maintaining reliable power transfer to each load when needed
4Device complexity
If inductor sharing is implemented among multiple loads, then cost and component count are reduced, but EMI problems may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching and time-sharing of the shared inductor among multiple loads. By alternating the connection of different loads to the shared inductor in a controlled periodic manner, the system reduces simultaneous switching conflicts and electromagnetic interference while maintaining the cost benefits of inductor sharing
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 enhances efficiency and reduces costs by allowing the amplifier to operate effectively with reduced EMI, achieving high efficiency and flexibility in power transfer, including exceeding the rail voltage without the need for additional inductors.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductor having a first terminal and a second terminal
Implementation Method 2
a first switching circuitry operationally coupled to control opening and closing of a first set of switches directing current through the first inductor and the first load terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A new type of amplifier, herein designated a resource pooling amplifier, involves extended usage of one or more inductors that is implemented by sharing. The sharing is either by switching the inductor or inductors among more than one load terminal at the same time (e.g., a bridged configuration or two different loads terminals with different polarity requirements) or by using the inductor or inductors for more than one purpose at different times. The inductor or inductors may be time shared such as by allocating different phases of a clock. The inductor or inductors may also be shared by monitoring load requirements and using the inductor or inductors only when needed (leaving other inductor cycles for other loads). In addition, inductor sharing may be implemented during different application requirements such as if two or more loads are not needed at the same time in a system. These types of sharing may be combined.