Time Division Multiplexed DC-to-DC Voltage Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC-to-DC voltage converters require multiple components to be driven by separate converters, leading to increased complexity, cost, and size, as well as inefficiencies in power regulation and distribution, especially when driving multiple electronic components like multi-color light sources.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of time division multiplexed DC-to-DC voltage converters that share inductive, capacitive, and switching circuit elements among multiple electronic loads, using a controller to selectively apply voltages across pairs of outputs or circuit paths, allowing for compact and cost-effective operation by driving only one load at a time and using relaxation periods for capacitor discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate DC-to-DC voltage converters are used for each electronic component, then each component receives dedicated power regulation, but the system complexity, cost, and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple DC-to-DC voltage converter circuits into a single integrated apparatus that shares common components (inductor, capacitor, switching circuit, controller) among multiple electronic loads. This merging approach maintains dedicated power regulation for each component while reducing overall system complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The single DC-to-DC voltage converter apparatus is designed to serve multiple electronic components simultaneously through time division multiplexing. The converter acts as a universal power supply that can regulate power to different loads sequentially, eliminating the need for separate dedicated converters for each component.
2Reliability
If multiple separate DC-to-DC voltage converters are used, then each component has dedicated power supply, but the cost and size of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate converter circuits into one integrated apparatus that serves multiple electronic loads. By sharing common inductors, capacitors, switching circuits, and controllers, the system reduces the total quantity of components while maintaining dedicated power regulation capability for each load through time-division multiplexing.
3Device complexity
If a single DC-to-DC voltage converter is shared among multiple components, then component count is reduced, but the converter must rapidly switch between loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time division multiplexing where the single DC-to-DC voltage converter operates in periodic cycles, sequentially switching between multiple electronic loads. The controller activates different converter circuits at different time intervals within each period, allowing the shared converter to serve multiple loads efficiently without requiring excessively high switching speeds.
4Quantity of substance
If time division multiplexing is used to share converter output, then component count is reduced, but the converter switches between loads sequentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic time division multiplexing where the converter rapidly cycles through different loads in predetermined time intervals. This periodic switching allows efficient sharing of components while minimizing time loss through optimized duty cycles and sequential activation of converter circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-coordinates the switching timing and sequence of the converter circuits to minimize idle time between load transitions. By planning the switching schedule in advance and pre-positioning the system state, the patent reduces the time loss associated with sequential switching between loads.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a DC-to-DC voltage converter. The DC-to-DC voltage converter has a plurality of pairs of outputs and is configured to apply voltages across the pairs of outputs in a time division multiplexed manner.