Single-Inductor Inverting DC-DC Converter for Multiple Output Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inverting DC-DC converters face challenges in achieving high energy efficiency and miniaturization while providing multiple reversed-polarity direct current voltage rails, leading to increased switching and conduction power losses and occupying significant physical space.
Innovation Solution
A power converter design utilizing a single inductor to generate multiple regulated reversed-polarity direct current output voltage rails through an input switch, capacitor, discharge switch, and output switches, controlled by a converter controller to optimize switching signals, employing time multiplexing and ordered power distributive control for efficient energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional inverting DC-DC converters are used to provide multiple reversed-polarity voltage rails, then the required voltage rails are generated, but switching and conduction power losses increase and physical space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inductor functions into a single inductor that serves multiple output voltage rails simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the total number of inductors from multiple (in traditional multi-output converters) to just one, thereby reducing switching and conduction losses while minimizing physical space occupation. The single inductor is strategically positioned and controlled to provide magnetic coupling and energy transfer to multiple outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single inductor is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides energy storage, magnetic coupling, and voltage transformation for multiple different output voltage rails simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate inductors for each output, directly addressing the contradiction by reducing component count and associated losses while maintaining the capability to generate multiple reversed-polarity voltage rails.
2Reliability
If multiple inductors are used to provide multiple output voltage rails, then each output can be independently regulated, but the physical space occupied increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inductor functions into a single shared inductor that serves all output voltage rails. This merging approach reduces the physical footprint from multiple discrete inductor components to one compact inductor, directly solving the space occupation problem while maintaining output regulation through advanced switching control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching control where the single inductor is selectively connected to different output circuits at different time intervals through controlled switching. This dynamic time-multiplexed operation allows one inductor to serve multiple outputs sequentially, maintaining independent regulation capability for each output while occupying the physical space of only one inductor component.
3Area of stationary object
If the converter size is reduced for miniaturization, then physical space is saved, but switching and conduction power losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple inductor functions into a single inductor, the patent achieves miniaturization (reduced physical space) while the unified inductor structure reduces total parasitic resistance and switching losses compared to multiple separate inductors. The single inductor has fewer interconnections and lower cumulative parasitic elements, thereby reducing conduction losses despite the reduced size.
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 reduced power losses and miniaturization, enhancing system efficiency and power density while lowering costs by utilizing a single inductor for multiple output voltages, operating in both discontinuous and continuous conduction modes.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor coupled between the switching multiple output node and the fixed voltage node
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor coupled between the switching input node and a switching multiple output node
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter is disclosed having an input switch coupled between a supply terminal and a switching input node, a capacitor coupled between the switching input node and a switching multiple output node, a discharge switch coupled between the switching input node and ground, an inductor coupled between the switching multiple output node and ground, a plurality of output switches coupled between the switching multiple output node and a corresponding one of a plurality of output terminals. A converter controller has a plurality of switch control outputs coupled to corresponding ones of an input switching control terminal, a discharge switching control terminal, and an output switching control terminal of each of the plurality of output switches. The converter controller generates switching signals for the input switch, the discharge switch, and the plurality of output switches to generate individual output voltages at corresponding ones of the plurality of output terminals.