Switched Capacitor Voltage Regulator Input Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators, such as buck regulators, are inefficient at high input-to-output conversion ratios, leading to excessive power dissipation and heat issues, which limits their suitability for high-speed charging in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator system that includes a switched-capacitor regulator with a controller capable of adjusting the conversion mode to maintain high efficiency by requesting input voltage adjustments from an adapter, allowing operation in multiple conversion modes, including non-integer ratios, to maintain efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a buck regulator is used to deliver power from a power source to an output load, then power can be efficiently delivered, but the regulator occupies a large area and requires bulky off-chip inductor components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inductor component from the regulator system, placing it off-chip while keeping the regulator itself compact and integrable. This allows the regulator to maintain efficient power delivery without occupying large on-chip area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the regulator circuitry within a compact structure that can be nested on-chip or on-package, with the inductor positioned externally. This nested arrangement allows the small regulator to work with a larger inductor without increasing the chip area
2Speed
If a buck regulator is used with high input voltage for high-speed charging, then charging speed increases, but the regulator dissipates excessive power as heat due to high voltage conversion ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic regulator that can switch between different conversion modes (first mode with lower conversion ratio and second mode with higher conversion ratio). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high charging speed while minimizing power dissipation by selecting the appropriate mode based on operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the conversion ratio parameter by switching between different operational modes. In the first conversion mode, the regulator uses a lower conversion ratio to reduce heat dissipation, while in the second mode, it uses a higher conversion ratio to enable high-speed charging when needed
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 system maintains high efficiency at high input-to-output conversion ratios, reducing power dissipation and heat generation, enabling faster and more reliable battery charging in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a switched-capacitor regulator with a controller capable of adjusting the conversion mode
Data Source
AI summary
Voltage regulator systems include, in part, a regulator comprising an input terminal and an output terminal, wherein the regulator is configured to receive an input voltage from an adapter at the input terminal and provide an output voltage at the output terminal, wherein the regulator comprises at least one switched capacitor regulator operating in a first conversion mode corresponding to a first conversion factor. The voltage regulator systems also include a controller configured to control an operation of the regulator, wherein the controller is configured to determine when a conversion ratio of the regulator is greater than the first conversion factor, and, in response, to send a request to the adapter to decrease the input voltage.