Reconfigurable Switched-Capacitor Converter for Wide-Range Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-DC converters face challenges in achieving high-bandwidth output regulation and efficiency over a wide input voltage range, particularly in portable electronics, where switched-capacitor converters suffer from poor voltage regulation and inefficiency when deviating from ideal conversion ratios.
Innovation Solution
A power converter circuit combining a reconfigurable switched capacitor transformation stage with a magnetic regulation stage, allowing for multiple conversion ratios and high-frequency operation, which reduces the intermediate voltage range and enables efficient power conversion across a wide input voltage range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If switched-capacitor converters are used for low-voltage electronics, then integration with semiconductor devices is improved, but output voltage regulation deteriorates when deviating from ideal conversion ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into two distinct stages: a switched-capacitor transformation stage for voltage conversion and a regulation stage for output voltage control. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, with the transformation stage handling broad voltage range conversion and the regulation stage ensuring precise output voltage regulation regardless of conversion ratio deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate voltage node is introduced between the transformation stage and the regulation stage. This intermediary allows the transformation stage to operate with relaxed voltage regulation requirements while the regulation stage provides the necessary output voltage control, effectively decoupling the conversion ratio limitations from the output regulation performance.
2Speed
If magnetics-based designs operate at low, narrow-range input voltages, then switching frequency is improved (up to hundreds of MHz), but device complexity increases for wide input voltage range operation
Solution Approach 1:
The transformation stage is designed to be reconfigurable, allowing it to adapt its conversion ratio dynamically based on the input voltage range. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to maintain high switching frequencies across wide input voltage ranges by adjusting the transformation ratio to match the operating conditions, avoiding the need for complex multi-mode control circuits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If higher input voltages and wider input voltage ranges are used, then adaptability is improved, but switching frequency decreases (to a few MHz and below)
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the converter into transformation and regulation stages, the system can handle wide input voltage ranges in the transformation stage while maintaining high switching frequencies in the regulation stage. The transformation stage absorbs the voltage range adaptation requirements, allowing the regulation stage to operate at optimal high frequencies regardless of the input voltage span.
4Power
If reconfigurable switched capacitor transformation stage is used, then power density is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformation stage is designed to provide multiple conversion ratios through reconfiguration of the switched-capacitor network, making it a universal block that can handle various voltage conversion requirements. This multi-functionality is achieved through systematic switching patterns rather than multiple dedicated circuits, thereby maintaining reasonable complexity while enabling high power density through flexible voltage adaptation.
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 configuration provides high power density and efficient power conversion with fast transient response, maintaining high efficiency and regulation over a wide input voltage range, suitable for portable electronics and dynamic voltage scaling applications.
Implementation Method 1
A switched-capacitor (SC) based DC-DC converters... An SC circuit includes of a network of switches and capacitors, where the switches are turned on and off periodically to cycle the network through different topological states
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary converter stage coupled to the switched capacitor circuit wherein the auxiliary converter stage switches at a switching frequency higher than that of the switched-capacitor circuit and recovers energy normally dissipated when charging capacitors of the switched capacitor circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A converter circuit and related technique for providing high power density power conversion includes a reconfigurable switched capacitor transformation stage coupled to a magnetic converter (or regulation) stage. The circuits and techniques achieve high performance over a wide input voltage range or a wide output voltage range. The converter can be used, for example, to power logic devices in portable battery operated devices.