Switched Capacitor Recirculating Converter for Dual Gate Drive Voltages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converter circuits in electronic devices are inefficient and consume more space, especially as devices become more compact and sophisticated, necessitating more efficient power conversion solutions.
Innovation Solution
A switched capacitor recirculating gate drive circuit that generates multiple output voltages by cycling capacitors between parallel and series configurations, allowing for efficient power conversion and maintaining appropriate voltage levels even with low input voltages, with the first output voltage used for high-side transistors and the second output voltage for low-side transistors in half-bridge circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If dedicated power converter circuits are used to generate low voltage DC, then voltage conversion function is achieved, but power dissipation and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recirculating gate drive circuit where charge is recovered and recirculated between capacitors rather than being dissipated. The first capacitor charges from the second capacitor during the switching cycle, and this charged capacitor then drives the high-side transistor, recovering energy that would otherwise be lost and reducing overall power dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate drive circuit is self-powered through the recirculating charge mechanism. The energy required to drive both high-side and low-side transistors is obtained from the input voltage and recirculated within the circuit itself, eliminating the need for separate power consumption for gate driving functions.
2Area of stationary object
If dedicated power converter circuits are used, then voltage conversion is achieved, but circuit space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculating gate drive circuit serves multiple functions: it generates gate drive voltages for both high-side and low-side transistors, provides isolated power for gate driving, and enables versatile voltage conversion ratios (1:2, 1:3, 1:4) through different capacitor configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the gate drive generation for both high-side and low-side transistors into a single integrated recirculating circuit. The same capacitor network and switching mechanism that perform voltage conversion also generate the necessary gate drive voltages, merging multiple functions into one compact circuit.
3Ease of operation
If conventional gate drive circuits are used, then transistor driving is achieved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit recovers charge from the second capacitor to charge the first capacitor, which then drives the high-side transistor. This recirculation of charge means the same energy is reused multiple times rather than being continuously drawn from the input, significantly reducing current consumption while maintaining full transistor driving capability.
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 enables high efficiency in power conversion by recirculating charge and maintaining optimal gate drive voltages, reducing current consumption and ensuring efficient operation even when input voltages drop, thus optimizing the performance of high-side and low-side switches in power converters.
Implementation Method 1
a switched capacitor circuit that includes first, second, third and fourth capacitors coupled to a plurality of switches
Data Source
AI summary
A converter circuit. In one aspect, the converter circuit includes an input terminal, a first output terminal and a second output terminal, and first, second, third and fourth capacitors coupled to a plurality of switches, where the plurality of switches are arranged to repetitively cycle the first, second, third and fourth capacitors between a first state and a second state to generate first and a second output voltages, where in the first state, the first and second capacitors are connected in parallel with each other and in series with a third capacitor to apply a first fraction of an input voltage at the first output terminal, and in the second state, the first and second capacitors are connected in series with each other and in parallel with the fourth capacitor to apply a second fraction of the input voltage at the second output terminal.