Voltage Regulator with Shared Boost and Charge Pump Capacitor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage regulators lack flexibility and efficiency in providing both boost DC-DC and charge pump mode functionalities, particularly in scenarios where an external voltage supply may or may not be present, leading to limitations in power dissipation and user flexibility, especially at higher voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator system that incorporates both boost DC-DC and charge pump modes, utilizing an external inductor in boost mode and an external power supply referenced to the negative rail in charge pump mode, with switched-mode-power-supply techniques to generate voltage rails, allowing for reduced power dissipation and user flexibility without requiring complicated Buck-boost topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional voltage regulators are used, then voltage regulation is provided, but power dissipation is high and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator dynamically switches between boost DC-DC mode and charge pump mode based on operating conditions. The controller selectively activates the inductor-based boost converter or the capacitor-based charge pump circuit, enabling adaptive operation that optimizes power efficiency while maintaining flexibility across different voltage supply scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator incorporates dual functionality by integrating both boost DC-DC converter circuitry and charge pump circuitry within a single device. This multi-functional design allows the regulator to operate efficiently whether an external voltage supply is present or absent, eliminating the need for separate circuits and reducing overall system power dissipation.
2Power
If boost DC-DC mode is used, then high voltage output is achieved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is segmented into distinct functional modules: a boost DC-DC converter section with inductor L1 and associated switches, and a charge pump section with capacitors and switches. This modular segmentation allows the high-voltage boost functionality to be isolated from the lower-voltage charge pump circuitry, managing complexity through clear functional separation while maintaining high voltage output capability when needed.
3Loss of energy
If charge pump mode is used, then power dissipation is reduced, but voltage output capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit is designed to automatically engage when operating conditions favor low-power operation. The controller monitors the presence of external voltage supplies and selectively activates the charge pump mode to minimize power dissipation during normal operation, while the boost mode remains available to provide higher voltage output when required by the load or system conditions.
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 system effectively reduces power dissipation and increases user flexibility by enabling efficient voltage regulation across various applications, including automotive systems, without the need for complex Buck-boost topologies, and allows for operation with or without an external inductor or specific voltage supplies.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor, which may be external to an IC embodiment, is employed
Implementation Method 2
The charge pump circuitry includes a first capacitor C1, a second capacitor C2, a third capacitor C3
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for a voltage regulator having a boost module and a charge pump module. In embodiments, the charge pump module is configured to operate in multiple modes. In embodiments, an IC package includes the boost module and the charge pump with a shared component, such as a capacitor.