Single-Inductor Voltage Generator for Multi-Mode Display Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly in generating driving voltages for pixels, which contribute significantly to overall energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A voltage generator system utilizing a single inductive element for DC-DC conversion, combined with a gate driver, mode determiner, zero-current detector, and controller, to dynamically adjust operation modes based on voltage and current conditions, optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple inductive elements are used for DC-DC conversion to generate multiple output voltages, then the reliability and voltage generation capability are improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single inductive element is designed to perform multiple functions by operating in different modes (buck mode, boost mode, and buck-boost mode) to generate multiple output voltages (first output voltage, second output voltage, and third output voltage). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate inductive elements for each voltage generation task, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining voltage generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operating modes of the single inductive element based on the required output voltages. The gate driver controllably switches the inductive element between buck mode (for first and third output voltages), boost mode (for second output voltage), and buck-boost mode, allowing the same component to adaptively provide different voltage outputs as needed.
2Loss of energy
If multiple inductive elements are used for DC-DC conversion, then the power conversion efficiency is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple inductive elements are merged into a single inductive element that can serve all voltage generation purposes. By combining the functions of multiple inductors into one shared component, the total power consumption is reduced while maintaining efficient power conversion through optimized current paths and reduced parasitic losses associated with multiple separate components.
3Device complexity
If a single inductive element is used for DC-DC conversion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to generate multiple output voltages simultaneously may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The operation of the single inductive element is segmented into distinct time intervals and modes. The gate driver divides the switching cycle into phases where the inductor operates in buck mode to generate first and third output voltages, boost mode for second output voltage, or buck-boost mode for combined outputs. This temporal and functional segmentation allows one physical component to deliver multiple voltage outputs effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate driver acts as an intermediary that intelligently controls the single inductive element to produce multiple output voltages. It manages the switching sequences, mode transitions, and current distribution to ensure that the single inductor can simultaneously or sequentially provide the first, second, and third output voltages required by the display device, thereby mediating between the simplified hardware and the complex voltage requirements.
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 system effectively reduces power consumption by adaptively switching between buck, buck-boost, and inverting buck-boost modes, generating required driving voltages efficiently, thereby minimizing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
a single inductive element that performs a direct current-to-direct current (DC-DC) conversion on the input voltage to generate a first output voltage, a second output voltage, and a third output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage generator includes a single inductive element that performs a direct current-to-direct current (DC-DC) conversion on an input voltage to generate a first output voltage, a second output voltage, and a third output voltage, a gate driver which controls the single inductive element, a mode determiner which receives the input voltage, a first feedback voltage generated based on the first output voltage, and a third feedback voltage generated based on the third output voltage and outputs a mode signal, a zero-current detector which is connected to the single inductive element and outputs a zero-current signal, and a controller which receive the mode signal and the zero-current signal and outputs a control signal to the gate driver.