Voltage Quadrupler Using Dual Charging Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage boosters, such as those used in electronic devices and disk drives, face inefficiencies in boosting supply voltages during normal operation and backup voltages during power failures, particularly due to complex switch configurations and energy transfer sequences that affect overall efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A voltage booster design utilizing two charging capacitors and an output capacitor, with a state machine-controlled switch configuration that efficiently charges the output capacitor to three or four times the input voltage, incorporating anti-cross conduction to maintain output voltage stability, and an additional switch for improved efficiency, along with control circuitry for adaptive voltage boosting during power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If three charging capacitors are used in parallel to charge the output capacitor to four times input voltage, then the voltage boosting ratio is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of three separate charging capacitors into two capacitors by making the second capacitor perform dual charging roles. The second capacitor charges to twice the input voltage and then splits its charge to contribute to both output capacitor charging cycles, effectively replacing the need for three separate capacitors while maintaining the 4x voltage boosting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second capacitor is designed to serve multiple functions: it charges to twice the input voltage during the first charging phase, then provides charge to the output capacitor during the first transfer phase, and subsequently charges again during the second charging phase. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of capacitors needed in the circuit.
2Power
If multiple switches are used to control the charging sequence, then the voltage boosting function is achieved, but the loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second capacitor is pre-charged to twice the input voltage before the output capacitor charging begins. This preliminary charging action allows the output capacitor to be charged more efficiently by receiving charge from the already-charged second capacitor, reducing energy losses that would occur if all capacitors were charged simultaneously or in a less optimized sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a periodic two-phase charging and transferring sequence that repeats at high frequency. During each cycle, the switches are controlled to connect capacitors in specific configurations for charging, then disconnect and reconnect for transferring. This periodic switching optimizes energy transfer efficiency by ensuring capacitors are charged and discharged in an optimized sequence rather than continuously switching.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the charging and transferring sequence is repeated at high frequency, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous energy transfer to the output capacitor by repeating the charging and transferring sequence at high frequency. The second capacitor alternates between charging phases and transfer phases, ensuring that the output capacitor receives continuous charge replenishment. This continuous action maintains stable output voltage by preventing voltage droop between charging cycles, while the high frequency ensures the transitions are smooth and the output appears stable.
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 voltage boosting efficiency and reliability by maintaining output voltage stability at desired multiples of the input voltage, while also ensuring safe shutdown operations during power failures by effectively managing backup voltages, thus improving overall system performance and energy management.
Implementation Method 1
connect C1 in parallel with Vin to charge C1 to Vin, after charging C1 to Vin, connect C2 in parallel with Vin plus C1 to charge C2 to twice Vin
Implementation Method 2
connect Cout in parallel with Vin plus C1 plus C2 to charge Cout to four times Vin
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage booster is disclosed comprising an input for receiving an input voltage Vin, a first charging capacitor C1, a second charging capacitor C2, and an output capacitor Cout. The output capacitor Cout is charged to four times Vin by connecting C1 in parallel with Vin to charge C1 to Vin, after charging C1 to Vin, connecting C2 in parallel with Vin plus C1 to charge C2 to twice Vin, after charging C2 to twice Vin, connecting C1 in parallel with Vin to recharge C1 to Vin, and after recharging C1, connecting Cout in parallel with Vin plus C1 plus C2 to charge Cout to four times Vin.