Voltage Feedback Regulated Charge Pump Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequency-regulated charge pump devices face limitations in load current range due to frequency variation, leading to unstable output and voltage spikes, while regulator-based devices consume excessive power and occupy large chip areas, making them unsuitable for compact products.
Innovation Solution
A switching device apparatus that couples an output locus with one of a first and second voltage locus, utilizing a voltage feedback unit to provide a feedback signal to a driver unit, which responds to regulate the coupling, thereby reducing power consumption and chip area while expanding the load current range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage feedback controls frequency of VCO unit, then regulating capability is improved, but output current range is limited and voltage spikes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from frequency modulation to direct voltage modulation. The VCO operates at a fixed frequency, and regulation is achieved by modulating the voltage on the capacitive load, which directly controls the output current without causing frequency variation or voltage spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer unit as an intermediary between the VCO and the capacitive load. This buffer unit acts as a voltage-controlled current source that drives the capacitive load, isolating the VCO from direct voltage feedback effects and enabling stable operation across a wide output current range.
2Reliability
If regulator-based charge pump device is used, then output voltage is regulated, but power consumption increases and chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the dedicated pre-regulator unit from the charge pump circuit. Instead of using a separate regulator, the invention uses the inherent capacitance of the load together with the buffer unit to achieve voltage regulation, thereby eliminating the extra power-consuming regulator component.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a voltage-controlled current source, drives the capacitive load, and enables voltage regulation without requiring a dedicated pre-regulator. This multi-functionality reduces both power consumption and chip area.
3Reliability
If voltage feedback signal frequency varies, then output current regulation is achieved, but voltage spike amplitude increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer unit is designed to anticipate and prevent voltage spikes before they occur. By using a fixed-frequency VCO and controlling the buffer's output current based on voltage feedback, the system prevents the rapid frequency changes that would otherwise cause high-amplitude voltage spikes on the capacitive load.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for regulating a switching device that couples an output locus with one of a first voltage locus and a second voltage locus in response to a driver unit includes: a voltage feedback unit coupling the driver unit with at least one of the first voltage locus and the second voltage locus. The feedback unit provides a voltage feedback signal to the driver unit. The driver unit responds to the voltage feedback signal to affect the coupling by the switching device.