Single Inductor DC-to-DC Converter Circuit for High Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Buck-boost converters have low power conversion efficiency due to high conduction and switching losses, limiting their effectiveness in applications requiring a wide range of power conversion ratios.

Innovation Solution

A voltage converter circuit utilizing a single inductor and capacitor, with strategically controlled switches to manage power paths in step-up and step-down modes, ensuring continuous output current and reduced switching losses, thereby enhancing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a buck-boost converter is used to achieve a wide range of power conversion ratios, then the adaptability is improved, but the power conversion efficiency deteriorates due to high conduction and switching losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion ratio rangeVSAvoidconduction loss and switching loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit segments the power conversion process into distinct step-up and step-down modes with dedicated power paths for each mode. By separating the operating modes and using mode-specific switches and power paths, the circuit optimizes efficiency for each conversion direction while maintaining wide adaptability through selective mode operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit dynamically switches between step-up and step-down modes based on the required output voltage, allowing the power conversion ratio to adapt widely while maintaining high efficiency. The dynamic selection of operating modes and power paths enables the circuit to optimize performance for each specific conversion requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches and complex power paths are used to achieve wide voltage conversion, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion capabilityVSAvoidnumber of switches and power paths

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single inductor serves multiple functions by operating in both step-up and step-down modes, replacing what would traditionally require separate inductors for each converter type. The capacitor also performs multiple roles including voltage storage, voltage addition during step-up mode, and output filtering, reducing the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit merges step-up and step-down converter functionalities into a single integrated circuit with shared components. The single inductor and capacitor serve both converter types, and the power paths are combined such that the same physical components are used for both voltage step-up and voltage step-down operations, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If continuous output current is maintained to improve power conversion efficiency, then the power conversion efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional switching control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidswitching control circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit maintains continuous output current by ensuring that the inductor current flows continuously to the output through the capacitor and load. The step-up and step-down power paths are designed to provide continuous energy transfer to the output, avoiding discontinuous conduction mode and the associated efficiency losses while using straightforward switching control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution achieves high power conversion efficiency by maintaining continuous output current and reducing switching losses, enabling voltage conversion ratios between 0 and 2, suitable for various practical applications.

Implementation Method 1

a single inductor configured to generate an output voltage in response to a voltage of a node between the single inductor and the first input switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a capacitor having a first end selectively connected to an input power source through a first input switch and a second end selectively connected to the input power source through a second input switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11736012B2DC-to-DC voltage converter circuit with voltage conversion method using single inductor

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A voltage converter circuit includes a capacitor having a first end selectively connected to an input power source through a first input switch and a second end selectively connected to the input power source through a second input switch, and a single inductor configured to generate an output voltage in response to a voltage of a node between the single inductor and the first input switch, selectively connect the input power source through the first input switch at the node, and connect the first end of the capacitor at the node.