Low-power power supply using switched capacitor voltage multiplication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing low-power power supplies face challenges in efficiently converting low voltage current into a higher voltage suitable for electronic circuits with minimal voltage drop and optimal current usage, especially in low power applications where current consumption is critical.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a switched capacitor network configuration where input current is used to generate a defined input voltage through a transistor and diodes, charging multiple switched capacitor networks, which are then coupled in series to multiply the voltage, utilizing a transformer and rectifier to drive the current to a higher voltage suitable for an oscillating circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a conventional power supply is used to convert low voltage current to higher voltage, then the voltage conversion is achieved, but significant voltage drop and high current consumption occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent consumptionVSAvoidvoltage drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply uses periodic switching of the switched capacitor network between charging phase (where input current charges the capacitors) and discharging phase (where capacitors discharge in series to produce multiplied voltage). This periodic operation enables voltage multiplication while maintaining low average current consumption and minimizing voltage drop across the input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the voltage parameter through the switched capacitor multiplication process, where the output voltage is multiplied by a factor determined by the number of capacitor stages and their switching configuration. This parameter transformation achieves high voltage output from low voltage input with minimal power loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If existing low voltage current is used directly without conversion, then current consumption is low, but the voltage is insufficient for electronic circuit operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupply voltageVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces conventional voltage regulation mechanisms with a switched capacitor voltage multiplication system. Instead of using linear regulators or switching regulators that consume significant current, the patent uses capacitive energy storage and series connection to achieve voltage multiplication, dramatically reducing current consumption while providing sufficient supply voltage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If voltage multiplication is achieved through conventional methods, then higher voltage is obtained, but power loss and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput voltageVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The periodic switching operation allows the circuit to accumulate energy in capacitors during the charging phase and release it during the discharging phase, achieving voltage multiplication without continuous power dissipation. This intermittent energy transfer minimizes resistive losses compared to continuous voltage conversion methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the typically harmful effect of voltage drop into a beneficial feature by using the small voltage drops across individual capacitors during charging, which are then multiplied through series connection during discharging. The low voltage drop during charging becomes the basis for high voltage output without corresponding power loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 approach effectively converts low voltage current into a higher voltage with minimal voltage drop, enabling efficient power supply for small electronic circuits by leveraging existing low voltage and current in the system, ensuring stable voltage and reduced current consumption.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a transformer and rectifier to drive the current to a higher voltage suitable for an oscillating circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a transformer and rectifier to drive the current to a higher voltage suitable for an oscillating circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9647573B2Low-power power supply

Publication Date: 2017.05.09 PR ELECTRONICS AS

AI summary

A low-power power supply for an electronic circuit uses an existing current input and converts the current to a higher voltage sufficient for supplying an electronic circuit. The input current generates a defined input voltage, which input voltage is initially generated by voltage drop by the input current passing at least one diode in the open direction of the diode. The input voltage, through a transistor, charges a plurality of switched capacitor networks in a first mode of operation, and in a second mode of operation, the switched capacitor networks are coupled in series for multiplying the input voltage to second higher voltage that is supplied to a oscillating circuit. The oscillating circuit drives the input current via a transformer and half bridge driver to convert a low voltage current supply from a low voltage current into a low current and higher voltage useable for supplying a small electronic circuit.