Three-Stage Power Delivery System for Battery Voltage Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face complexities in power management due to varying power requirements across different components and the challenge of providing power at lower voltage levels, which can result in increased power losses, especially in devices powered by batteries with small capacities.
Innovation Solution
A cascaded power delivery system comprising a first buck voltage regulator, a switched capacitive charge pump, and a second buck voltage regulator, where the first regulator outputs an upper intermediate voltage, the charge pump downconverts it to a lower intermediate voltage, and the second regulator provides power to the load, optimizing power delivery across different battery voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If voltage is stepped down significantly from battery supply voltage, then power can be provided at required voltage levels for integrated circuits, but power losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single voltage regulation stage into three stages: first voltage regulator (buck converter) that maintains output near battery voltage, switched capacitive charge pump that provides intermediate voltage reduction, and second voltage regulator that delivers final voltage to load. This segmentation allows each stage to operate efficiently, avoiding the excessive power losses of a single large-step down conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate voltage levels as mediators between the battery voltage and the final load voltage. The first voltage regulator outputs an upper intermediate voltage, the charge pump creates a lower intermediate voltage, and the second voltage regulator uses this to power the load. These intermediate steps prevent direct large-step voltage conversion and associated power losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different portions of semiconductor chips require power at different times and parameters, then customized power delivery is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery system into multiple independent regulation stages, each capable of operating autonomously. The first voltage regulator, charge pump, and second voltage regulator can be independently controlled to meet different power requirements of various chip portions, enabling customized power delivery while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic operation where the first voltage regulator can switch between regulation mode and pass-through mode based on battery voltage conditions. When battery voltage is sufficient, it regulates output; when battery voltage drops below the discharge plateau, it operates as a pass device. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle varying power requirements without excessive complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If battery voltage drops below expected discharge voltage plateau, then extended battery life is achieved, but power delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation where the first voltage regulator switches between regulation mode (when battery voltage exceeds discharge plateau) and pass-through mode (when battery voltage falls below plateau). This allows the system to fully utilize the battery discharge curve, extending usable battery life while maintaining power delivery capability through the pass-through operation combined with the charge pump and second regulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump acts as an intermediary that can operate with lower input voltages from the battery. When the first voltage regulator operates in pass-through mode due to low battery voltage, the charge pump still able to generate the lower intermediate voltage needed by the second voltage regulator, thereby maintaining power delivery capability even when battery voltage drops below the discharge plateau.
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 efficiently manages power delivery by maintaining high efficiency across different battery voltage levels, reducing power losses, and ensuring reliable operation of integrated circuits even when battery voltage drops, while maintaining high efficiency in both buck converters and the charge pump.
Implementation Method 1
a switched capacitive charge pump configured to down convert the upper intermediate voltage of the first voltage regulator to a lower intermediate voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power delivery system may include a first voltage regulator configured to output an upper intermediate voltage about an expected discharge voltage plateau of a battery for use by the power delivery system, a switched capacitive charge pump configured to down convert the upper intermediate voltage of the first voltage regulator to a lower intermediate voltage, and a second voltage regulator configured to use the lower intermediate voltage to provide power to a load.