Switched-Capacitor Voltage Divider for Adjustable Output Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage divider circuits often rely on independently sourced target voltages or discharge circuits to generate adjustable voltage levels, which can be inefficient and require additional components.
Innovation Solution
The proposed adjustable voltage divider circuit utilizes capacitive devices and switching devices to generate an output voltage by dividing the voltage difference between a voltage node and a reference node, with variable capacitance devices allowing for adjustable output voltage values without relying on target voltages or discharge circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If independently sourced target voltage is used to provide a given voltage level, then the voltage level can be accurately provided, but additional components and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for independently sourced target voltage by using a charge pump voltage divider that generates the required voltage level from the power supply and reference voltages alone. The charge pump circuit generates an intermediate voltage that is then divided to achieve the target voltage level, removing the dependency on external target voltage sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage divider circuit is designed to provide multiple voltage levels from a single power supply and reference voltage pair. By using switched capacitor networks, the same circuit can generate different voltage division ratios (e.g., Vout = Vdd/2, Vout = Vdd/3, etc.) without requiring additional independent voltage sources, making the circuit universal for multiple voltage level requirements.
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 the generation of adjustable output voltage values based on the voltage difference and variable capacitance values, improving efficiency and reducing component reliance compared to traditional approaches.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive devices coupled between first and second nodes and between third and fourth nodes
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a first capacitive device coupled between first and second nodes, a second capacitive device coupled between third and fourth nodes, a first switching device coupled between the first node and a voltage node, a second switching device coupled between the second node and a reference voltage node, a third switching device coupled between the third node and the voltage node, a fourth switching device coupled between the fourth node and the reference voltage node, fifth through eighth switching devices coupled between the respective first through fourth nodes and an output node, and first and second variable capacitance devices including first terminals coupled to either the respective first and third nodes or the respective second and fourth nodes.