Multiphase Voltage Converter Switched Capacitor Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiphase, multistage voltage converters require high capacitance capacitors for high current applications, which cannot be implemented in chip form, leading to the need for external capacitors, increasing size, cost, and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase multistage voltage converter design that includes N capacitors, a loading capacitor, and (4N-2) switches, with a diode and inductor, achieving a voltage transfer gain of N(N+1)/2+1, allowing for efficient voltage doubling and quadrupling without the need for external capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high capacitance capacitors are used for high current applications, then the voltage converter can deliver high current, but the capacitors cannot be implemented in chip form requiring external capacitors which increase size, cost, and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using discrete external capacitors to integrating capacitor functions directly into the chip circuitry through switched capacitor networks. This dimensional change moves the capacitance function from external components to internal circuit elements, enabling high current delivery without proportionally increasing chip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves high current capability by dynamically switching between multiple capacitor elements in different configurations rather than relying on a single large capacitor. By changing the effective capacitance parameters through switching operations, the circuit delivers high current while using smaller individual capacitor elements that can be integrated on-chip.
2Power
If high capacitance capacitors are used for high current applications, then the voltage converter can deliver high current, but external capacitors are required resulting in increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitor functions with the voltage conversion circuitry by using the same switches and nodes for both switching operations and energy storage. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external capacitor components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining high current delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching elements in the circuit serve multiple functions: they act as switches for voltage conversion and simultaneously function as switches for capacitor charging/discharging operations. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and eliminates the need for dedicated external capacitors, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Power
If high capacitance capacitors are used for high current applications, then the voltage converter can deliver high current, but external capacitors are required resulting in more space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where capacitor charging and discharging operations are embedded within the voltage conversion switching cycles. The same switches and circuit nodes are used for both voltage conversion and energy storage operations, nesting the capacitor function within the existing circuit architecture rather than adding separate external components.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage converter comprises an input terminal receiving a DC input voltage, an output terminal outputting an output voltage, a first switch coupled between a first node and the input terminal, a second switch coupled between the input terminal and a second node, a first capacitor coupled between the first node and the second node, a third switch coupled between the second node and ground, a fourth switch coupled between a third node and ground, a first electrical device coupled between the third node and the input terminal, a load capacitor coupled between ground and the output terminal, a second electrical device coupled between the first node and the output terminal, a second capacitor coupled between the third node and a fourth node, a fifth switch coupled between the first node and the fourth node, and a sixth switch coupled between the second node and the fourth node.