Reconfigurable Switched-Capacitor Converter for Fast Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switched-capacitor DC-DC converters suffer from poor output voltage regulation under varying input voltages and load, inefficiency when deviating from ideal conversion ratios, and discontinuous input current, limiting their widespread use in applications requiring high-bandwidth output regulation and integration.
Innovation Solution
A power converter circuit combining a reconfigurable switched capacitor transformation stage with a magnetic regulation stage, allowing for high power density and efficient power conversion over a wide input voltage range by using a reconfigurable switched capacitor transformation stage to provide an intermediate voltage within a narrow range, coupled with a high-frequency magnetic regulation stage for precise output voltage control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If switched-capacitor DC-DC converters are used for low-voltage electronics, then integration with semiconductor devices is improved, but output voltage regulation deteriorates under varying input voltages and load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary voltage regulation mechanism that acts as a mediator between the switched-capacitor stage and the output load. This intermediary stage compensates for the poor voltage regulation of pure switched-capacitor converters while maintaining their integration benefits, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power conversion function into multiple stages: a switched-capacitor stage for voltage transformation and an additional regulation stage for output voltage stabilization. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize its specific function, improving overall output regulation while preserving the integration advantages of switched-capacitor topology.
2Loss of energy
If switched-capacitor DC-DC converters operate at ideal conversion ratios, then efficiency is improved, but adaptability to varying input voltages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability that allows the switched-capacitor network to adapt its conversion ratio dynamically based on input voltage conditions. This dynamic adaptation maintains high efficiency across varying input voltages by selecting optimal conversion ratios, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the switched-capacitor converter with multi-functionality to handle multiple input voltage ranges and conversion ratios using the same basic topology. This universal design allows the converter to maintain high efficiency across different operating conditions while adapting to varying input voltages, thereby resolving the efficiency-adaptability contradiction.
3Speed
If magnetics-based designs operate at low, narrow-range input voltages, then switching frequency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional magnetics-based voltage transformation mechanism with a switched-capacitor network. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky inductors and transformers, enabling operation at higher switching frequencies while reducing overall device complexity and improving integrability with semiconductor devices.
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 achieves high efficiency, small size, and fast transient response, enabling integration with digital circuits and supporting dynamic voltage scaling in portable battery-operated applications, while maintaining high-bandwidth output regulation.
Implementation Method 1
A switched capacitor circuit includes a plurality of switches and one or more capacitors, the switched capacitor circuit switching the capacitors between at least two states to transfer energy from the switched-capacitor input port to the switched-capacitor output port
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary converter stage coupled to the switched capacitor circuit, the auxiliary converter stage switching at a switching frequency higher than that of the switched capacitor circuit such that the auxiliary converter recovers energy normally dissipated when charging capacitors of the switched capacitor circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A converter circuit and related technique for providing high power density power conversion includes a reconfigurable switched capacitor transformation stage coupled to a magnetic converter (or regulation) stage. The circuits and techniques achieve high performance over a wide input voltage range or a wide output voltage range. The converter can be used, for example, to power logic devices in portable battery operated devices.