Variable Stage Charge Pump for Dynamic Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charge pump circuits face inefficiencies due to current losses in drivers and non-ideal components, leading to suboptimal current efficiency, especially at lower supply voltages, necessitating a dynamic adjustment of the number of stages based on operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A charge pump circuit with a variable number of stages, controlled by a pump stage selector and voltage regulator, adjusts the configuration based on supply voltage thresholds and output requirements to optimize current efficiency and driving capacity, using resistor ratios to maintain desired voltage differences independently of temperature and process variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the number of charge pump stages is increased to achieve higher output voltage, then the driving capacity is improved, but the current efficiency deteriorates due to cumulative current losses in each stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic stage selection where the charge pump circuit can operate with different numbers of stages (1st stage only, 1st and 2nd stages, or all stages) based on real-time supply voltage conditions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize between current efficiency and driving capacity by using fewer stages when supply voltage is low (prioritizing efficiency) and more stages when supply voltage is high (prioritizing driving capacity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of stage count based on supply voltage thresholds. A voltage regulator monitors the supply voltage and adjusts the number of active charge pump stages accordingly, transforming a fixed-parameter system into a variable-parameter system that adapts to different operating conditions to resolve the efficiency-capacity tradeoff.
2Loss of energy
If the number of charge pump stages is decreased to improve current efficiency, then the current efficiency is improved, but the driving capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active stages based on supply voltage conditions. When supply voltage is high, the system uses fewer stages (improving current efficiency) while still meeting output requirements. When supply voltage drops, the system automatically engages additional stages to maintain driving capacity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the stage count a variable rather than a fixed parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the number of active charge pump stages according to supply voltage thresholds. The voltage regulator monitors supply voltage and switches between different stage configurations (1 stage, 2 stages, or 3 stages) to optimize the balance between current efficiency and driving capacity under different operating conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional charge pump circuits operate at lower supply voltages, then power consumption is reduced, but current efficiency deteriorates due to non-ideal component effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic stage selection that adapts to supply voltage levels. At lower supply voltages, the system uses fewer stages to minimize the cumulative impact of non-ideal component effects, thereby maintaining current efficiency. The voltage regulator detects low supply voltage conditions and configures the charge pump to use only the necessary minimum stages, reducing power consumption while compensating for efficiency losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of stage count based on supply voltage conditions. When supply voltage is low, the patent reduces the number of active stages to mitigate the deteriorating current efficiency caused by non-ideal components. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain acceptable efficiency even at lower supply voltages while still achieving the required output voltage.
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 solution enhances current efficiency and driving capacity by dynamically adjusting the number of stages in response to supply voltage conditions, improving performance across varying operating conditions while minimizing the impact of process and temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage difference between Nodes A and B charges a capacitor 115
Implementation Method 2
transistor 120 turns on. Accordingly, the charge from the capacitor 115 is transferred through the transistor 120
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a variable stage charge pump includes a plurality of pump stages. Each stage is configured to generate an intermediate boosted output voltage. A pump stage selector selects the number of charge pump stages to be coupled between an input and output terminal of the variable stage charge pump. The pump stage selector may control a plurality of switches to select the number of stages. For example, two stages maybe coupled in parallel and the parallel combination coupled in series to a third stage, resulting in a two stage charge pump. For a three stage charge pump, all three stages are coupled in series.