Voltage Multiplier Circuit for Low-Voltage Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices are limited in operating efficiently at low nominal voltages while requiring higher voltages for certain operations, often resulting in inefficient voltage management and potential short-circuiting issues.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a voltage multiplier circuit that uses a capacitive element and switch units to generate a substantially constant load voltage greater than the supply voltage, achieved through timed interactions of clock signals, allowing operation at a low nominal voltage while providing a high voltage when needed, with improved efficiency by increasing capacitance without enlarging physical size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional voltage management is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but voltage efficiency deteriorates and short-circuiting issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage management system is segmented into distinct functional blocks: a voltage multiplier circuit that generates high voltage from low voltage, a level shifter that conditions signals between voltage domains, and a clock generator that provides timing signals. This segmentation allows each block to be optimized independently, improving voltage efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The level shifter acts as an intermediary between the low-voltage nominal operating domain and the high-voltage operational domain. It translates and conditions signals to ensure proper level matching and timing, preventing short-circuiting issues that would occur from direct connection between voltage domains while maintaining system efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If higher voltage is provided for certain operations, then operational functionality is improved, but risk of short-circuiting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between voltage domains based on operational requirements. The clock generator and level shifter enable controlled transitions between low-voltage nominal mode and high-voltage operational mode, allowing the device to adapt its voltage level to specific tasks while maintaining reliability through controlled, timed switching that prevents short-circuiting.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage multiplier operates periodically, generating high voltage pulses at controlled intervals synchronized with clock signals. This periodic action allows high voltage to be provided only when needed for specific operations, improving adaptability while minimizing the time exposure to high voltage and reducing short-circuiting risk.
3Stability of the object's composition
If capacitance is increased to improve voltage stability, then voltage constancy is improved, but physical size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of existing capacitor structures rather than simply increasing their physical size. By optimizing capacitance values and arranging capacitors in specific configurations within the voltage multiplier circuit, the system achieves improved voltage stability and constancy while maintaining compact physical dimensions suitable for integrated circuit implementation.
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 device effectively provides a load voltage that is about 91% to 99% of twice the supply voltage with minimal ripple, suitable for low-voltage operation and high-voltage functionality, ensuring stable and efficient voltage delivery.
Implementation Method 1
A device is disclosed that uses a voltage multiplier to generate a voltage greater than, e.g., twice, a supply voltage
Implementation Method 2
A device uses a voltage multiplier to generate a voltage greater than, e.g., twice, a supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a level shifter and a voltage multiplier. The level shifter is responsive to a first clock signal configured to shift the first clock signal to a second clock signal at a higher level than the first clock signal based on a node voltage. The voltage multiplier is responsive to the second clock signal for generating the node voltage. The node voltage is output from the voltage multiplier for driving a load and is further fed back to the level shifter for generating the second clock signal.