Voltage Up-Conversion Circuit Using Low-Voltage Transistors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current voltage up-conversion technologies for portable and mobile electronic devices require high-voltage transistors, increasing fabrication complexity and cost, as existing semiconductor processes typically support lower voltage transistors.
Innovation Solution
A voltage up-conversion circuit utilizing low-voltage transistors with a reliability breakdown voltage less than the output voltage, employing a modulated voltage generator, switching circuit, control circuit, and timing circuit to generate and manage high output voltages without exceeding transistor reliability limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high voltage transistors are used to achieve voltage up-conversion, then the output voltage requirement is met, but fabrication process complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of low voltage transistors by using them in a switched-capacitor configuration where they handle high voltage through capacitive coupling rather than direct transistor breakdown. The transistors operate at their rated low voltage while the circuit architecture enables high voltage output, effectively decoupling the transistor voltage rating from the output voltage requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
Capacitors are introduced as intermediary elements between the low voltage transistors and the high voltage output. These capacitors temporarily store and transfer charge at high voltage levels, allowing the transistors to indirectly control high voltage without being directly exposed to it, thus avoiding breakdown while achieving voltage up-conversion.
2Power
If 5 volt transistors are added in the fabrication process for voltage up-conversion, then the output voltage requirement is met, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the low voltage transistors multi-functional by having them perform both logic operations and voltage switching functions. Instead of requiring separate 5 volt transistors dedicated to voltage up-conversion, the existing low voltage transistors are configured to handle both computational and power conversion tasks, eliminating the need for additional high voltage transistor fabrication steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational mode of low voltage transistors from purely logic operations to include switched-capacitor voltage conversion. By modifying the circuit configuration rather than the transistor specifications, the same low voltage transistors can achieve high voltage output, avoiding the need for expensive dual-voltage fabrication processes.
3Power
If a separate semiconductor die is fabricated using a 5 volt process, then voltage up-conversion capability is achieved, but system integration complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage up-conversion function with the existing low voltage logic circuitry on the same semiconductor die. By integrating the switched-capacitor voltage converter using the same low voltage transistors already present in the logic circuits, the system achieves voltage up-conversion without requiring separate high voltage dies, thereby simplifying integration and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one exemplary embodiment, a voltage up-conversion circuit includes a modulated voltage generator circuit, where the modulated voltage generator circuit is configured to receive an input voltage and generate a modulated voltage, and where the modulated voltage generator circuit includes at least one transistor. The voltage up-conversion circuit further includes a switching circuit coupled to the modulated voltage generator circuit, where the switching circuit is configured to couple the modulated voltage to a load capacitor when the modulated voltage is at a high level and decouple the modulated voltage to the load capacitor when the modulated voltage is at a low level. In the voltage up-conversion circuit, the load capacitor reaches a voltage greater a breakdown voltage of the at least one transistor in the modulated voltage generator circuit. The breakdown voltage can be a reliability breakdown voltage.