Switched-Capacitor 4:1 Converter Layout With Fewer Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switched-capacitor voltage conversion circuits require a large number of capacitors, leading to a large area occupation and hindering miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A switched-capacitor voltage conversion circuit with a reduced number of capacitors, utilizing a first and second pathway with switch assemblies to control connections between capacitors, enabling a 4:1 bucking function while reducing the number of devices and elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional two-way parallel-connected 4:1 Dickson switched-capacitor voltage conversion circuit is used, then the voltage conversion function is achieved, but the number of capacitors is large, leading to large area occupation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple capacitors into fewer capacitors by using switch assemblies to dynamically reconfigure the capacitor connections. The first and second switch assemblies control the connection states of the capacitors to achieve the same voltage conversion function with fewer physical capacitor components, directly reducing the area occupied by the circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching control through the first and second switch assemblies, which dynamically change the connection topology of the capacitors during operation. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the circuit to achieve 4:1 voltage conversion with fewer capacitors by optimally utilizing the available capacitor elements at different phases of the switching cycle.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of capacitors is reduced, then the area occupied by the circuit is reduced, but the complexity of controlling capacitor connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function into two separate switch assemblies (first and second switch assemblies), each managing specific capacitor connections. This segmentation of control logic simplifies the overall complexity by distributing the switching control tasks across multiple independent switch modules, making the control architecture more manageable despite the reduced capacitor count.
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 facilitates miniaturization by reducing the area occupied by the circuit and maintains stable output voltage conversion.
Implementation Method 1
The switched-capacitor voltage conversion circuit includes: a first pathway and a second pathway... The first pathway includes a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a first switch assembly, and the second pathway includes a third capacitor, a fourth capacitor, and a second switch assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A switched-capacitor voltage conversion circuit includes a first pathway and a second pathway. A first terminal of the first pathway and a first terminal of the second pathway are both electrically connected to an input terminal of the switched-capacitor voltage conversion circuit. The input terminal is connected to an input voltage. A second terminal of the first pathway is electrically connected to a third terminal of the second pathway. A third terminal of the first pathway is electrically connected to a second terminal of the second pathway. A fourth terminal of the first pathway and a fourth terminal of the second pathway are both electrically connected to a first output terminal of the switched-capacitor voltage conversion circuit. A fifth terminal of the first pathway is electrically connected to a fifth terminal of the second pathway.