Single-Inductor Charging Circuit for Multi-Output Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging circuits for mobile electronic devices lack high charging efficiency, especially when charging multiple devices simultaneously using a single inductor.
Innovation Solution
A charging circuit that utilizes a single inductor to generate a single output in the forward direction and multiple outputs in the reverse direction, incorporating a buck-boost circuit and a voltage regulator circuit to efficiently convert and distribute power between a battery and external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inductor is used to charge multiple external devices simultaneously, then device complexity is reduced, but charging efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time-division multiplexing where the single inductor alternates between different output channels in periodic time slots. During each switching cycle, the inductor sequentially connects to different external devices, providing periodic power delivery that achieves high charging efficiency while using only one inductor component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching control where the inductor's connection state changes dynamically between different output paths based on charging requirements. The switching circuit rapidly transitions the inductor between different external devices, enabling adaptive power distribution that maintains high efficiency across multiple devices.
2Device complexity
If multiple output voltages are generated using a single inductor, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage regulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage regulation function by providing separate voltage regulator circuits for each output channel. Each regulator independently controls its designated output voltage, ensuring precise voltage regulation for each external device while sharing the common inductor resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms where each voltage regulator monitors its output voltage and adjusts switching parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures precise voltage regulation despite variations in load conditions or input voltage, maintaining high voltage output precision across multiple devices.
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 proposed charging circuit achieves high charging efficiency by independently controlling multiple output voltages using a single inductor, thereby improving the usage time and charging performance of mobile electronic devices while minimizing increases in bill of material.
Implementation Method 1
a switching converter circuit configured to generate a plurality of output voltages using a single inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A charging circuit may include a buck-boost circuit and a voltage regulator circuit, wherein the buck-boost circuit converts a first input voltage received at a first node into a first output voltage and charges a battery based on the first output voltage, and time-divisionally converts a second input voltage provided from the battery into a second output voltage provided to a first external device and a third output voltage provided to a second external device, and the voltage regulator circuit adjusts the first input voltage to generate the second output voltage and the third output voltage.