Switched Capacitor Converter Current Control Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Switched capacitor converters face the challenge of controlling output current below rated levels to prevent damage and safety hazards when input voltage is below its rated voltage, as excessive output current can exceed rated current, leading to potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A current control circuit comprising a current detection circuit and a voltage regulation circuit that adjusts the equivalent impedance of the switched capacitor converter by generating a compensation signal based on the detected output current, allowing for the reduction or increase of drive voltage to switches to manage output current within safe limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the input voltage is below its rated voltage, then the output current exceeds the rated current, but this causes safety hazards and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a current detection circuit that continuously monitors the output current and feeds this information back to the control circuit. When the output current exceeds the rated current due to low input voltage, the feedback signal triggers the control circuit to adjust the drive voltage of the switches, thereby reducing the output current back to safe levels. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliability by automatically preventing excessive current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the drive voltage parameter of the switches based on the detected output current level. When low input voltage causes excessive output current, the control circuit adjusts the drive voltage parameter to modify the switch conduction characteristics, thereby changing the output current parameter from an unsafe high value back to a safe rated value. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining power conversion function and preventing harmful excessive current.
2Power
If the drive voltage to switches is increased to maintain output power, then the output current increases, but this exceeds rated current and creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the drive voltage parameter of the switches based on real-time output current detection. When the system detects that increasing drive voltage would cause excessive output current, it modifies the drive voltage parameter to an appropriate level that maintains sufficient output power while keeping output current within rated safe limits. This adaptive parameter change resolves the contradiction between power delivery and current safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The current detection circuit provides continuous feedback on output current levels to the control circuit. This feedback mechanism allows the control circuit to monitor the relationship between drive voltage and output current, and automatically adjust the drive voltage parameter to prevent excessive current while maintaining adequate output power. The feedback loop ensures that power requirements are met without exceeding safe current thresholds.
Data Source
AI summary
A current control circuit can include: a current detection circuit configured to obtain a current detection signal for characterizing an output current of a switched capacitor converter, where the switched capacitor converter includes a plurality of first switch groups coupled between an input terminal and a ground, and where each first switch group comprises two switches coupled in series; and a voltage regulation circuit configured to regulate the output current by adjusting an equivalent impedance of the switched capacitor converter in accordance with the current detection signal.