Switching amplifiers and power converters
AssigneeGoogle Inc.
InventorChris Travis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to switching amplifiers and switching power converters with bipolar outputs. A new circuit configuration is disclosed which is neither ‘single ended’ nor ‘bridged’. This introduces a new category of amplifiers and power converters, which are ‘spanning’. Also disclosed are new circuit topologies and new switching sequence strategies for such amplifiers and converters. These unlock improvements in power efficiency, space efficiency and cost efficiency. The improvements can be obtained across a wide range of signal amplitudes, with load circuits which may be resistive, partly reactive, or wholly reactive.
Claims22
A switching amplifier comprising:
- a bidirectional power stage comprising a first terminal, a second terminal and a common terminal;
- wherein the bidirectional power stage is configured to operate with a load circuit connected between the first and second terminals,
- wherein the bidirectional power stage is configured to connect to a power supply providing a power supply voltage and wherein the first terminal is connected to a first node and the second terminal is connected to a second node, and
- wherein each of the first and the second nodes are alternately connected to and disconnected from the power supply voltage such that the first node draws electrical energy from the power supply via the first terminal at-and-near positive voltage peaks of a differential voltage between the second node and the first node, and the second node draws electrical energy from the power supply via the second terminal at-and-near negative voltage peaks of the differential voltage between the second node and the first node.
A method of operating a switching amplifier comprising a bidirectional power converter having a first terminal, a second terminal and a common terminal, the first terminal connecting to a first node and the second terminal connecting to a second node, the method comprising:
- connecting a load circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal and connecting the bidirectional power converter to a power supply providing a power supply voltage such that each of the first terminal and the second terminal can be alternately connected to and disconnected from the power supply voltage, such that the first node draws electrical energy from the power supply via the first terminal at-and-near positive voltage peaks of a differential voltage between the second node and the first node and the second node draws electrical energy from the power supply via the second terminal at-and-near negative voltage peaks of the differential voltage between the second node and the first node.
A switching amplifier comprising:
- a bidirectional power stage comprising a first terminal, a second terminal and a common terminal,
- wherein the bidirectional power stage is configured to operate with a load circuit connected between the first and second terminals,
- wherein the bidirectional power stage comprises two unidirectional power converters arranged as a bidirectional power converter,
- wherein the two unidirectional power converters are cross-coupled,
- wherein the bidirectional power stage is configured to connect to a power supply providing a power supply voltage and wherein the first terminal is connected to a first node and the second terminal is connected to a second node, and
- wherein each of the first and the second nodes are alternately connected to and disconnected from the power supply voltage.
A switching amplifier comprising:
- a bidirectional power stage comprising a first terminal, a second terminal and a common terminal,
- wherein the bidirectional power stage is configured to operate with a load circuit connected between the first and second terminals,
- wherein the bidirectional power stage is configured to connect to a power supply providing a power supply voltage and wherein the first terminal is connected to a first node and the second terminal is connected to a second node, and
- wherein each of the first and the second nodes are alternately connected to and disconnected from the power supply voltage;
- a first diode or active switch connected from the power supply voltage to the first node, and a second diode or active switch connected from the power supply voltage to the second node, the first and second diodes or active switches allowing for a flow of current from the power supply to the first node or the second node, depending on voltages at the first and second nodes;
- and
- a first reservoir capacitor connected to the first node and a second reservoir capacitor connected to the second node.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.