Switched-Capacitor Voltage Converter with Dynamic Mode Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC-DC converters, especially in portable devices like mobile telephones, face challenges in minimizing size and weight while generating multiple discrete voltage levels, and often produce spurious signals that can affect device operation.
Innovation Solution
A switched-capacitor voltage converter with a switch matrix, comparator logic, and control logic that alternately switches between two phase configurations of selected modes to produce output voltages corresponding to discrete and intermediate levels, using a reference signal for feedback to adjust the output voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of inductors or capacitors are used in a switched-mode DC-DC converter to generate more discrete voltage levels, then the number of output voltages increases, but the size and weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically reconfigurable switched-capacitor network where capacitors are continuously switched between different configurations to generate multiple discrete voltage levels. The switch matrix dynamically changes the capacitor connections based on the desired output voltage, eliminating the need for multiple fixed capacitor sets. This dynamic switching approach enables a compact design with fewer physical components while maintaining the capability to generate numerous discrete voltage levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a PWM-based DC-DC converter is used to generate a larger number of discrete voltages without employing significantly more inductors, capacitors or other elements, then the number of voltage levels increases, but spurious output signals are generated that can adversely affect device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the PWM modulation stage that generates spurious signals by directly using switched-capacitor voltage division. Instead of generating a high-frequency PWM waveform and then filtering it, the invention directly synthesizes the desired discrete voltage levels through capacitor switching. This extraction of the problematic PWM generation step removes the source of spurious signals while maintaining the ability to generate multiple discrete voltage levels.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If filters having large capacitances or inductances are included in a PWM-based DC-DC converter to minimize spurious signals, then spurious signals are reduced, but the size and weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the inherent switching action, which could be considered a source of spurious signals in PWM converters, into the primary mechanism for voltage generation. The switched-capacitor network uses the same switching action to directly create the desired voltage levels through capacitive voltage division, turning what would be a harmful effect into the beneficial voltage transformation mechanism. This eliminates the need for large filtering components to suppress spurious signals.
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
Enables efficient generation of multiple discrete and intermediate voltage levels with reduced component count, minimizing size and weight, and effectively reduces spurious signals through intelligent switching and filtering.
Implementation Method 1
A first switched-capacitor voltage converter includes two capacitors, a switch matrix, comparator logic, and control logic
Data Source
AI summary
In a voltage converter, a mode configuration is selected in response to a mode control signal using a switch matrix having two or more mode configurations. Each mode configuration corresponds to one of two or more output signal voltages. The output signal is compared with a reference signal to produce a direction comparison signal. The direction comparison signal is used to produce the mode control signal.