Switched Capacitor DC-DC Converter Multiplexing for Multiple Voltages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional DC-DC converters that provide multiple simultaneous DC supply voltages are inefficient and costly due to their circuit architectures, which is a challenge for battery-powered, portable, and inexpensive electronics devices like wireless sensor nodes and IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
A switched capacitor DC-DC converter incorporating a pulse frequency modulation circuit, a multiplexing pulse-width modulation circuit, and a switched capacitive element, which reduces reverse current and efficiently provides multiple DC supply voltages by multiplexing the switched capacitive element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional DC-DC converter circuit architectures are used to provide multiple simultaneous DC supply voltages, then multiple voltage outputs are achieved, but efficiency is reduced and area overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple DC-DC converter functions into a single switched capacitor converter by implementing multiple output voltage generation stages that share common switching elements and capacitive components. This consolidation allows multiple DC supply voltages to be generated simultaneously from a single input voltage source while reducing overall circuit area and improving efficiency through shared resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The switched capacitor converter is designed with multi-functional capability to generate multiple different DC output voltages from a single input voltage source. The converter uses a universal switched capacitor architecture that can be configured through different switching sequences and capacitor connections to produce various output voltage levels, making it adaptable to different functional units with different voltage requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional DC-DC converter circuit architectures are used to provide multiple simultaneous DC supply voltages, then multiple voltage outputs are achieved, but area overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple DC-DC converter functions into a single switched capacitor converter by implementing multiple output voltage generation stages that share common switching elements and capacitive components. This consolidation allows multiple DC supply voltages to be generated simultaneously from a single input voltage source while reducing overall circuit area and improving efficiency through shared resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The switched capacitor converter is designed with multi-functional capability to generate multiple different DC output voltages from a single input voltage source. The converter uses a universal switched capacitor architecture that can be configured through different switching sequences and capacitor connections to produce various output voltage levels, making it adaptable to different functional units with different voltage requirements.
3Loss of energy
If switched capacitive element is multiplexed to provide multiple output signals, then efficiency is improved, but reverse current to the switched capacitive element occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching control of the capacitive element where switching occurs in sequential phases. During each switching phase, specific switching elements are activated to charge or discharge capacitors to desired voltage levels, while other switching elements remain inactive. This periodic, phased switching approach ensures that voltage updates occur in a controlled sequence that prevents reverse current flow into the main switched capacitive element, thereby maintaining high efficiency.
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 enables efficient and cost-effective provision of multiple DC supply voltages, reducing area overhead and improving efficiency for battery-powered and portable electronics devices.
Implementation Method 1
a switched capacitive element, which is coupled between the pulse frequency modulation circuit and the multiplexing pulse-width modulation circuit. The pulse frequency modulation circuit uses a DC source signal to charge the switched capacitive element.
Data Source
AI summary
A switched capacitor DC-DC converter, which includes a pulse frequency modulation circuit, a multiplexing pulse-width modulation circuit, and a switched capacitive element, is disclosed. The switched capacitive element is coupled between the pulse frequency modulation circuit and the multiplexing pulse-width modulation circuit. The pulse frequency modulation circuit uses a DC source signal to charge the switched capacitive element. The pulse frequency modulation circuit provides a group of output signals by multiplexing the switched capacitive element and reduces reverse current to the switched capacitive element when updating each of the group of output signals.