Switched-Capacitor Converter Topology for Odd-Ratio Resonant Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switched capacitor converters are limited in their ability to efficiently convert voltages at odd ratios and often require additional circuitry to achieve multi-resonance, which can increase complexity and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of an integrated circuit (IC) that controls a switched-capacitor power converter using a plurality of switches, capacitors, and resonance modules, allowing for efficient voltage conversion between nodes with a controller that configures the switches to connect nodes through resonance modules, enabling both odd and even voltage ratios and multi-resonance capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuitry is added to achieve multi-resonance in switched capacitor converters, then voltage conversion capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant module is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables multi-resonance operation for different voltage conversion ratios (both odd and even), provides soft switching capability, and maintains voltage conversion functionality. This single multi-functional module replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate circuitry additions, thereby improving voltage conversion capability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the resonant circuit elements (inductors and capacitors) into an integrated resonant module that is seamlessly incorporated into the switched capacitor converter architecture. This merging of resonant functionality with the existing switch-capacitor structure eliminates the need for separate additional circuitry, achieving multi-resonance capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switched capacitor converters are used for odd ratio voltage conversion, then voltage conversion is achieved, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies resonant oscillation (an electrical analog of mechanical vibration) through the resonant module to achieve soft switching conditions. The resonant inductor and capacitor create oscillating current waveforms that enable zero-current or zero-voltage switching, significantly reducing switching losses and improving power conversion efficiency for odd ratio voltage conversions.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant module changes the current waveform parameters from conventional square-wave switching to resonant sinusoidal-like waveforms. This parameter change in the switching current profile reduces harmonic content and switching losses, thereby improving power conversion efficiency while maintaining odd ratio voltage conversion capability.
3Productivity
If switching frequency is increased to improve power conversion efficiency, then efficiency is improved, but switching losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant module creates oscillating current waveforms that enable soft switching at higher frequencies. The resonant oscillation ensures that switching transitions occur at optimal points in the waveform (zero-current or zero-voltage crossings), allowing the converter to operate at higher switching frequencies with minimal switching losses, thus improving power conversion efficiency without the usual penalty of increased switching losses.
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 efficient voltage conversion at various ratios, including odd ratios, while reducing switching losses and allowing for higher switching frequencies, thus improving the power conversion efficiency and simplifying the design of switched capacitor converters.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of resonance modules. The IC may include a controller that is configured to control the first plurality of switches to be closed and the second plurality of switches to be open to electrically connect the first node to the third node through a first one of the plurality of capacitors in series with a first one of the plurality of resonance modules
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments may include an integrated circuit (IC) for controlling a switched-capacitor power converter for converting voltage between first and second nodes to voltage between third and fourth nodes for use with a first plurality of switches, a second plurality of switches, a plurality of capacitors, and a plurality of resonance modules. The IC may include a controller that is configured to control the first plurality of switches to be closed and the second plurality of switches to be open to electrically connect the first node to the third node through a first one of the plurality of capacitors in series with a first one of the plurality of resonance modules.