Dynamically-controlled, intrinsically regulated charge pump power converter
US6310789A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B70/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A charge pump power converter efficiently provides electrical power by dynamically controlling a switch matrix of the charge pump. Instead of open-loop oscillator-based control, a dynamic controller provides power upon demand by sensing the output voltage and changing the operating frequency of the charge pump in response. Moreover, this closed-loop dynamic control intrinsically voltage regulates the output voltage of the charge pump power converter without the inefficient addition of a step-down voltage regulator, downstream of the power converter. In addition, this closed-loop dynamic control allows for maintaining a desired output voltage even with variations in the input voltage. Also, the dynamic control accommodates the advantages of using ultra-capacitors in the charge pump. The power converter is capable of operating with a sub-one volt input voltage incorporating low-threshold, low on-resistance power MOSFET switches in the switch matrix of the charge pump. A progressive start-up circuit further allows the power converter to start from a discharged state even with a sub-one volt input voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.