Voltage Converter Multi-Function Phase Pin Design

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional DC-DC voltage converters with bridge switching circuits require additional pins for multi-functions like over-current protection, limiting miniaturization and increasing packaging costs.

Innovation Solution

A boost-strap voltage converter design that utilizes a pulse width modulation controller chip with a multi-function PHASE pin for functions like over-current protection, inverse current protection, and light-load efficiency improvement, eliminating the need for additional pins by integrating these functions into the PHASE pin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional pins are added to the PWM controller chip for multi-functions like over-current protection, then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the device size and packaging cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveover-current protection functionVSAvoidPWM controller chip packaging area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The PHASE pin is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the primary phase output pin for the bridge switching circuit, and simultaneously functions as the over-current protection detection pin. By detecting the voltage level at this single pin, the system can determine whether over-current conditions exist, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated over-current detection pin and reducing the total pin count required on the PWM controller chip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the phase output function and over-current detection function into a single pin (PHASE pin). The same pin that outputs the phase signal is also used to sense the over-current condition by monitoring its voltage level, thereby merging two previously separate functions into one unified pin assignment, which reduces packaging complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional pins are added to the PWM controller chip for multi-functions, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-function capabilityVSAvoidnumber of pins

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PHASE pin is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the primary phase output pin for the bridge switching circuit, and simultaneously functions as the over-current protection detection pin. By detecting the voltage level at this single pin, the system can determine whether over-current conditions exist, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated over-current detection pin and reducing the total pin count required on the PWM controller chip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the phase output function and over-current detection function into a single pin (PHASE pin). The same pin that outputs the phase signal is also used to sense the over-current condition by monitoring its voltage level, thereby merging two previously separate functions into one unified pin assignment, which reduces packaging complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 minimizes the size of the voltage converter and reduces packaging costs by enabling multi-functions on a single pin, enhancing efficiency and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a BOOT pin connected to the Vcc pin via a first zener diode for receiving power from the chip power supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectZener diode voltage regulation: Diode

Implementation Method 2

a PHASE pin connected to the BOOT pin via a capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

The AC signal is then applied to a low pass filter including an inductor and a capacitor. The low pass filter passes the DC component of the AC signal to the output of the voltage converter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS7629778B2Voltage converter

Publication Date: 2009.12.08 FITIPOWER INTEGRATED TECH INC

AI summary

An exemplary voltage converter includes a pulse width modulation controller chip, a pull-up transistor, a pull-down transistor, and a low pass filter. The pulse width modulation controller chip includes a plurality of pins, a gate control logic circuit, a first gate driver, a second gate driver, a current source, a first resistor, a first comparator, and a power-on reset circuit. The plurality of pins include a Vcc pin connected to a chip power supply, a BOOT pin connected to the Vcc pin via a first zener diode for receiving power from the chip power supply, a PHASE pin connected to the BOOT pin via a capacitor, a UGATE pin, a LGATE pin, and a GND pin that is grounded. The PHASE pin serves as a multi-function pin in the pulse width modulation controller chip.