Switched-Capacitor Charge Compensation for Low-Ripple Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switched-capacitor circuits are inefficient and ineffective due to high power consumption and complex circuitry required to manage transient currents during switching, which affects voltage ripple and settling time.
Innovation Solution
A charge compensation system for switched-capacitor circuits that uses a switched capacitor compensation circuit to provide the required charge during switching, reducing the burden on the reference voltage generator and allowing for a more relaxed impedance and power consumption, utilizing switch control logic and capacitors to synchronize charge delivery with switching events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional switched-capacitor circuits are used, then the circuit can perform basic switching functions, but power consumption is high and circuit complexity increases due to the need to manage transient currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charge management function into two separate components: the main switched-capacitor circuit and a dedicated charge compensation circuit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the main circuit handles signal processing while the compensation circuit specifically manages transient current and charge balance, reducing overall power consumption without increasing complexity of the main functional circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge compensation circuit acts as an intermediary between the voltage source and the switched-capacitor load. It mediates the charge transfer by providing a dedicated path for compensation charge, isolating the main circuit from the direct burden of managing all transient currents. This intermediary structure reduces the power consumption of the reference generator while maintaining circuit functionality.
2Reliability
If conventional switched-capacitor circuits manage transient currents directly, then charge balance can be maintained, but settling time increases and voltage ripple increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge compensation circuit performs preliminary charge adjustment before the main switching operation completes. By anticipating and pre-providing compensation charge during the switching transition, the circuit reaches charge balance faster, reducing settling time while maintaining accurate charge balance. The compensation circuit acts in advance to prevent large transient deviations rather than correcting them after they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the switching state of the main capacitor is detected and used to control the switching of the compensation capacitor. This feedback loop ensures that compensation charge is provided precisely when needed - during switching transitions - thereby maintaining charge balance with minimal settling time. The feedback synchronizes the compensation action with the actual switching events.
3Reliability
If the reference voltage generator provides all charge during switching, then charge balance is maintained, but power consumption and impedance requirements become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charge compensation function from the reference voltage generator and places it in a separate charge compensation circuit. This extraction relieves the reference generator of the excessive power consumption burden associated with providing all charge during switching. The reference generator now only needs to provide the reference voltage with relaxed impedance requirements, while the compensation circuit handles the transient charge delivery using switched capacitors.
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
This solution reduces power consumption in the reference generator, improves settling time, and enhances the efficiency of switched capacitor circuits by providing the necessary charge precisely during switching, thus minimizing voltage ripple and increasing conversion speed.
Implementation Method 1
providing a charge to the switched capacitor load from the switched capacitor compensation circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for charge compensation for switched-capacitor circuits may comprise, in an electronics device comprising a first voltage source, a switched capacitor load, and a switched capacitor compensation circuit: switching a capacitor in the switched capacitor load from a first voltage to a second voltage; providing a charge to the switched capacitor load from the switched capacitor compensation circuit without requiring added charge from the first voltage source. A reference voltage may be generated utilizing the first voltage source. A replica reference voltage for the switched capacitor compensation circuit may be generated utilizing a second voltage source. The replica reference voltage may be equal to the reference voltage. The replica reference voltage may be equal to a supply voltage, VDD, for circuitry in the electronics device. Capacitors may couple outputs of the first and second voltage sources to ground.