Switched Capacitor Converter Multi-Voltage Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing need for compact, efficient, and cost-effective power networks in computing platforms that can provide multiple voltage signal conversions, as personal computing devices require smaller sizes with increasing feature sets, while existing switched capacitor converters mainly offer single output voltage conversions.
Innovation Solution
The development of high-efficiency front-end switched capacitor converter circuits with novel network configurations that utilize multiple stages and levels of switched capacitor networks to generate single or multiple regulated output voltage rails, reducing the need for cascaded converters and minimizing semiconductor switches to achieve compactness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cascaded converters are used to provide multiple voltage conversions, then the number of output voltage signals increases, but the device size, complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple converter functions into a single integrated switched capacitor converter circuit that can simultaneously generate multiple different output voltage signals from a single input voltage signal. The circuit uses a network of switches and capacitors configured to perform multiple voltage conversions (e.g., Vout1 = Vin/2, Vout2 = Vin/3, Vout3 = Vin/4) within one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate cascaded converters and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The switched capacitor converter circuit is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can provide multiple voltage conversion ratios through a single circuit architecture. By using a common network of switches and capacitors controlled by different clock signals, the circuit universally handles multiple conversion functions (doubling, tripling, quadrupling voltage divisions) without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function, thus reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cascaded converters are used to provide multiple voltage conversions, then the number of output voltage signals increases, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage conversion functions into a single compact circuit footprint by integrating the switched capacitor network that performs multiple voltage divisions simultaneously. Instead of placing separate cascaded converters that would require multiple inductors, capacitors, and control circuits occupying separate areas, the invention uses shared switches and capacitors in a unified layout, significantly reducing the overall device area while providing multiple output voltage signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a sequential cascaded converter architecture (which requires multiple stages arranged in series, consuming more linear space) to a parallel switched capacitor network architecture where multiple voltage conversions occur simultaneously within a two-dimensional planar layout. This dimensional reorganization allows the circuit to pack multiple conversion functions into a smaller area by utilizing switch and capacitor networks that operate in parallel rather than series, reducing the overall device footprint
3Device complexity
If traditional switched capacitor converters are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but only single output voltage conversion is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the traditional simple switched capacitor converter by designing a universal circuit structure that maintains relative simplicity while providing multiple output voltage conversions. The circuit uses a common switch network and capacitor array that can be controlled to produce different voltage conversion ratios (1/2, 1/3, 1/4 of input voltage) through different switching sequences and clock signal configurations, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing circuit complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching actions with different clock signals to enable the same simple switched capacitor network to perform multiple voltage conversions. By varying the switching frequencies and phases of the clock signals applied to the switch network, the circuit periodically executes different conversion functions (e.g., one clock cycle ratio for 1/2 conversion, another for 1/3 conversion), allowing a single simple circuit structure to deliver multiple output voltage signals through time-multiplexed periodic operation
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
These circuits provide a compact, efficient, and cost-effective solution for generating multiple voltage rails, improving overall efficiency and reducing system costs, while enabling power delivery to multiple devices in reduced space, enhancing transient response, and minimizing control requirements.
Implementation Method 1
switched capacitor networks which are compact, efficient and low cost... generate single output or multiple regulated output voltage rails
Data Source
AI summary
A switched capacitor converter has a supply voltage input, an output circuit with one or more load capacitors, a semiconductor switch network. The switch network is connected at a switch junction point and across the voltage input, and has one or more pairs of said first and second switches. Each pair of switches is associated with one of the load capacitors and each pair is connected in series. The converter also has a charging capacitor network connected across the semiconductor switch network and across the voltage input. The charging capacitor network has one or more charging capacitors and inductances connected between the switch junction point and the output circuit. Each of the charging capacitors and inductances is associated with one of the load capacitors. The load capacitors are each charged by the associated charging capacitor when the associated first switch is closed and the associated second switch is open. And the load capacitors are each discharged by the associated inductance when the associated first switch is closed and the associated second switch is open.