Solid Electrolyte DC-DC Converter With Dual-Mode Capacitor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-DC converters face inefficiencies due to limitations in switching frequency and operating modes, particularly when integrating capacitors into chips, where liquid electrolyte capacitors are not viable, and solid electrolyte capacitors lose efficiency at high frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A DC-DC converter utilizing solid electrolyte capacitors that switch between ionic and electrostatic operating modes based on frequency, with adaptive switching frequency controlled by power demand, employing multiple switching cells and oscillators to optimize efficiency across different power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solid electrolyte capacitors are used in DC-DC converters, then the converter can be integrated on chip, but the capacitor loses efficiency at high switching frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the switching frequency variable rather than fixed. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the switching frequency based on the operating mode selected for the solid electrolyte capacitor. When the capacitor operates in ionic mode, the switching frequency is kept below the cutoff frequency to maintain efficiency. When switched to electrostatic mode, the frequency can be increased. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between integrability and high-frequency efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the solid electrolyte capacitor by selecting between two distinct modes: ionic mode and electrostatic mode. Each mode has different optimal frequency ranges. The control circuit monitors the operating conditions and adjusts the switching frequency parameter accordingly to match the selected mode, thereby maintaining capacitor efficiency while enabling chip integration.
2Power
If switching frequency is increased to meet power demand, then power delivery capability improves, but solid electrolyte capacitor efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching frequency adjustment based on power demand and capacitor mode. The control circuit increases switching frequency when electrostatic mode is selected to meet higher power demands, while maintaining lower frequencies in ionic mode to preserve efficiency. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt power delivery capability to actual needs without permanently sacrificing capacitor efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid electrolyte capacitor is designed to perform multiple functions through two operating modes: ionic mode for efficient low-frequency operation and electrostatic mode for high-frequency operation. This multi-functionality allows the same capacitor to serve different power delivery requirements without external replacement, resolving the contradiction between power capability and efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If switching frequency is decreased to maintain capacitor efficiency, then energy loss reduces, but power delivery capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor's dual-mode operation provides universality, allowing it to deliver adequate power in ionic mode at lower frequencies while maintaining efficiency. When higher power is needed, the system switches to electrostatic mode which can handle higher frequencies and thus higher power demands. This eliminates the need to choose between efficiency and power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the capacitor by switching between ionic and electrostatic modes. In ionic mode, lower switching frequencies maintain efficiency with acceptable power delivery. When power delivery capability needs enhancement, the system transitions to electrostatic mode and adjusts frequency parameters accordingly, allowing higher power output without excessive energy loss.
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 converter achieves improved efficiency by dynamically switching between ionic and electrostatic modes, enhancing charge storage and reducing losses, thereby optimizing power conversion efficiency according to the load's energy density and power demands.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first solid electrolyte capacitor having an ionic-type operation below a cutoff frequency and an electrostatic-type operation for higher frequencies
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic-type operation for higher frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
The present description concerns a DC-DC converter (100) comprising a first node (N1) and a second node (N2) intended to receive a DC voltage to be converted; a third node (N3) intended to deliver a DC voltage referenced to the second node; at least one first solid electrolyte capacitor (C1); at least one first switching cell (420) formed of four switches (421, 422, 431, 432) respectively coupling a first electrode of the capacitor to the first node and to the third node and a second electrode of the capacitor to the second node and to the third node; the switching frequency of the switches being adapted to the power required at the output and to selecting an operating mode of the first capacitor from among an electrostatic operating mode and an ionic operating mode.