Reconfigurable Switched-Capacitor Converter for Load Transient Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switched-capacitor power converters face issues with unregulated output voltage drops during high load transients, leading to brownout conditions due to inability to compensate for voltage drops across external impedances, limiting their useful range in battery-powered devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an input inductor and a reconfigurable power converter that dynamically adjusts the intermediate inductor node voltage by modifying the converter's topology, allowing for efficient regulation and adaptation to different load conditions without additional switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a switched-capacitor power converter is used, then efficiency is improved and magnetics size is reduced, but output voltage regulation deteriorates during high load transients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the converter topology reconfigurable through switching between different capacitor connections (series/parallel arrangements). This allows the converter to dynamically adjust its voltage conversion ratio in response to load conditions, maintaining stable output voltage during transients while preserving the efficiency benefits of switched-capacitor architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the converter by reconfiguring the capacitor network to alter the voltage conversion ratio. This parameter adjustment enables the converter to compensate for voltage drops during high load transients, improving voltage regulation without sacrificing the inherent efficiency of switched-capacitor topologies.
2Reliability
If additional switches are added to improve voltage regulation, then output stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing a reconfigurable topology where the same switching network performs both voltage regulation and power conversion functions. The existing switches are utilized in multiple configurations to achieve different conversion ratios, eliminating the need for additional dedicated regulation switches and reducing overall circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage regulation function with the power conversion function by integrating the reconfiguration capability into the existing converter topology. This consolidation allows a single switching network to simultaneously perform power transfer and voltage stabilization, reducing the total component count and circuit complexity.
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 ensures stable output voltage regulation, minimizes losses, and maintains efficiency by dynamically adjusting the conversion ratio, providing a fast transient response to load changes.
Implementation Method 1
an input inductor configured to receive an input voltage and a reconfigurable power converter coupled to the input inductor at an intermediate inductor node
Implementation Method 2
a reconfigurable switched-capacitor power converter with an input inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include an input inductor configured to receive an input voltage and a reconfigurable power converter coupled to the input inductor at an intermediate inductor node and configured to dynamically adjust an intermediate inductor node voltage on the intermediate inductor node by reconfiguring a topology of the reconfigurable power converter.