Patent US5596489A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5596489A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Capacitive transformer having a switch responsive to clock signals
Assignee: Intel Corp
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Filing: 1994-01-14
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Granted: 1997-01-21
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Expires: 2014-01-14
Abstract
Abstract A transformer including two half capacitive transformers operating in antiphase. Each half capacitive transformer steps an input voltage down during one phase of a clock signal. Each half capacitive transformer uses a number of capacitors and switching circuitry controlled by a clock signal. According to whether the clock signal is active or inactive, the switching circuitry places the half capacitive transformer in one of two configurations. In a first embodiment, in one configuration the capacitors are coupled in parallel between the input voltage and the output port, while in the other configuration, the capacitors are coupled in series between the output port and ground. In an alternative embodiment of the half capacitive transformer, in one configuration the capacitors are coupled in series between the input voltage and the output port while in the other configuration the capacitors are coupled in parallel between the output port and ground. The step-down ratio of the transformer is related to the number of capacitors included in a half capacitive transformer and not to the values of the capacitors. The capacitive transformer may step up voltages by swapping the input and output ports.
Inventors
- 👤 Mel Bazes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:51
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02M; H02M3/00; H02M3/02; H02M3/04; H02M3/06; H02M3/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A transformer for transforming an input voltage at a first node into an output voltage at a second node, the transformer comprising: a) a first capacitor; b) a second capacitor; and c) a first switching means responsive to a clock signal, the clock signal having a first phase and a second phase, the first switching means coupling the first capacitor and the second capacitor in parallel between the first node and the second node in the first phase of the clock signal, the first switching means coupling the first capacitor and the second capacitor in series between the second node and a third node in the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A transformer for transforming an input voltage at a first node into an output voltage at a second node, the transformer comprising: a) a first capacitor; b) a second capacitor; and c) a first switching means responsive to a clock signal, the clock signal having a first phase and a second phase, the first switching means coupling the first capacitor and the second capacitor in parallel between the first node and the second node in the first phase of the clock signal, the first switching means coupling the first capacitor and the second capacitor in series between the second node and a third node in the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
86 words
The transformer of claim 1 further comprising: d) a third capacitor; e) a fourth capacitor; and f) a second switching means responsive to the clock signal, the second switching means coupling the third capacitor and the fourth capacitor in series between the second node and the third node in the first phase of the clock signal, the second switching means coupling the third capacitor and the second capacitor in parallel between the first node and the second node in the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transformer of claim 2 further comprising a load capacitor coupled between the second node and the third node.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The transformer of claim 3 wherein the third node is ground.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The transformer of claim 3 wherein the first capacitor, the second capacitor, the third capacitor and the fourth capacitor have a first value of capacitance.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The transformer of 5 wherein the load capacitor has a second value of capacitance that is greater than the first value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The transformer of 5 wherein the load capacitor has a second value of capacitance that is greater than the first value.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
128 words
The transformer of claim 1 wherein the first switching means comprises: a) a second switching means responsive to the clock signal, the second switching means coupling the first capacitor between the first node and the second node during the first phase of the clock signal, the second switching means coupling the first capacitor between the third node and a fourth node during the second phase of the clock signal; and b) a third switching means responsive to the clock signal, the third switching means coupling the second capacitor between the first node and the second node during the first phase of the clock signal, the third switching means coupling the second capacitor between the second node and the fourth node during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
86 words
The transformer of claim 7 further comprising: d) a third capacitor; e) a fourth capacitor; and f) a fourth switching means responsive to the clock signal, the fourth switching means coupling the third capacitor and the fourth capacitor in series between the second node and the third node in the first phase of the clock signal, the fourth switching means coupling the third capacitor and the second capacitor in parallel between the first node and the second node in the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
128 words
The transformer of claim 8 wherein the fourth switching means comprises: a) a fifth switching means responsive to the clock signal, the fifth switching means coupling the third capacitor between the third node and the fourth node during the first phase of the clock signal, the fifth switching means coupling the third capacitor between the first node and the second node during the second phase of the clock signal; and b) a sixth switching means responsive to the clock signal, the sixth switching means coupling the fourth capacitor between the second node and the fourth node during the first phase of the clock signal, the sixth switching means coupling the fourth capacitor between the first node and the second node during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transformer of claim 9 further comprising a load capacitor coupled between the second node and the third node.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
The transformer of claim 10 wherein the third node is ground.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The transformer of claim 10 wherein the first capacitor, the second capacitor, the third capacitor and the fourth capacitor have a first value of capacitance.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transformer of claim 12 wherein the load capacitor has a second value of capacitance that is greater than the first value.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
112 words
A transformer for transforming an input voltage at a first node into an output voltage at a second node, the transformer comprising: a) a first capacitor; b) a second capacitor; and c) a first switching circuit responsive to a clock signal, the clock signal having a first phase and a second phase, the first switching circuit coupling the first capacitor and the second capacitor in series between the first node and the second node in the first phase of the clock signal, the first switching circuit coupling the first capacitor and the second capacitor in parallel between a third node and the second node in the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
112 words
A transformer for transforming an input voltage at a first node into an output voltage at a second node, the transformer comprising: a) a first capacitor; b) a second capacitor; and c) a first switching circuit responsive to a clock signal, the clock signal having a first phase and a second phase, the first switching circuit coupling the first capacitor and the second capacitor in series between the first node and the second node in the first phase of the clock signal, the first switching circuit coupling the first capacitor and the second capacitor in parallel between a third node and the second node in the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transformer of claim 14 further comprising a load capacitor coupled between the second node and the third node.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
11 words
The transformer of claim 15 wherein the third node is ground.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transformer of claim 15 wherein the first capacitor and the second capacitor have a first value of capacitance.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transformer of claim 17 wherein the load capacitor has a second value of capacitance that is greater than the first value.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
128 words
The transformer of claim 14 wherein the first switching circuit comprises: a) a second switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the second switching circuit coupling the first capacitor between a fourth node and the first node during the first phase of the clock signal, the second switching circuit coupling the first capacitor between the second node and the third node dudng the second phase of the clock signal; and b) a third switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the third switching circuit coupling the second capacitor between the fourth node and the second node during the first phase of the clock signal, the third switching circuit coupling the second capacitor between the second node and the third node during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transformer of claim 19 further comprising a load capacitor coupled between the second node and the third node.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
11 words
The transformer of claim 20 wherein the third node is ground.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transformer of claim 20 wherein the first capacitor and the second capacitor have a first value of capacitance.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transformer of claim 22 wherein the load capacitor has a second value of capacitance that is greater than the first value.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
86 words
The transformer of claim 14 further comprising: d) a third capacitor; e) a fourth capacitor; and f) a fourth switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the fourth switching circuit coupling the third capacitor and the fourth capacitor in parallel between the second node and the third node during the first phase of the clock signal, the fourth switching circuit coupling the third capacitor and the fourth capacitor in series between the first node and the second node during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
128 words
The transformer of claim 24 wherein the fourth switching circuit comprises: a) a fifth switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the fifth switching circuit coupling the third capacitor between the second node and the third node during the first phase of the clock signal, the fifth switching circuit coupling the third capacitor between a fourth node and the first node during the second phase of the clock signal; and b) a sixth switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the sixth switching circuit coupling the fourth capacitor between the second node and the third node during the first phase of the clock signal, the sixth switching circuit coupling the fourth capacitor between the fourth node and the second node during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transformer of claim 25 further comprising a load capacitor coupled between the second node and the third node.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
11 words
The transformer of claim 26 wherein the third node is ground.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transformer of claim 27 wherein the first capacitor and the second capacitor have a first value of capacitance.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transformer of claim 28 wherein the load capacitor has a second value of capacitance that is greater than the first value.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
125 words
A transformer for transforming an input voltage into an output voltage, the input voltage being coupled to a first node and the output voltage being output at a second node, the capacitive transformer being coupled to a clock signal having a first phase and a second phase, the transformer comprising: a) a first half capacitive transformer having a first port coupled to the first node during the first phase of the clock signal, the first half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node; and b) a second half capacitive transformer having a first port coupled to the first port during the second phase of the clock signal, the second half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
125 words
A transformer for transforming an input voltage into an output voltage, the input voltage being coupled to a first node and the output voltage being output at a second node, the capacitive transformer being coupled to a clock signal having a first phase and a second phase, the transformer comprising: a) a first half capacitive transformer having a first port coupled to the first node during the first phase of the clock signal, the first half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node; and b) a second half capacitive transformer having a first port coupled to the first port during the second phase of the clock signal, the second half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
96 words
The transformer of claim 30 wherein the first half capacitive transformer comprises: a) a first set of capacitors, the first set including a first number of capacitors; b) a first switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the first switching circuit coupling the first set of capacitors in parallel with each other between the second port and the first port during the first phase of the clock signal, the first switching circuit coupling the first set of capacitors in series between the second port and a third node during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
96 words
The transformer of claim 31 wherein the second half capacitive transformer comprises: a) a second set of capacitors, the second set including the first number of capacitors; and b) a second switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the second switching circuit coupling the second set of capacitors in series between the second port and the third node during the first phase of the clock signal, the second switching circuit coupling the second set of capacitors in parallel with each other between the second port and the first port during the second phase of the clock.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transformer of claim 32 further comprising a load capacitor coupled between the second node and the third node.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
11 words
The transformer of claim 33 wherein the third node is ground.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
The transformer of claim 34 wherein each capacitor in the first set and the second set has a capacitance equal to a first value.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
The transformer of claim 35 wherein the load capacitor has a second value of capacitance greater than the first value.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
100 words
The transformer of claim 30 wherein the first half capacitive transformer comprises: a) a first set of capacitors, the first set including a first number of capacitors; and b) a first switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the first switching circuit coupling the first set of capacitors in series with each other between the first port and the second port during the first phase of the clock signal, the first switching circuit coupling the first set of capacitors in parallel with each other between a third node and the second port during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
99 words
The transformer of claim 37 wherein the second half capacitive transformer comprises: a) a second set of capacitors, the second including the first number of capacitors; and b) a second switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the second switching circuit coupling the second set of capacitors in parallel with each other between the third node and the second port during the first phase of the clock signal, the second switching circuit coupling the second set of capacitors in series with each other between the second port and the first port during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transformer of claim 38 further comprising a load capacitor coupled between the second node and the third node.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
11 words
The transformer of claim 39 wherein the third node is ground.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
The transformer of claim 39 wherein each capacitor in the first set and the second set has a capacitance equal to a first value.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transformer of claim 41 wherein the load capacitor has a second value of capacitance that is greater than the first value.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
165 words
A transformer for transforming a direct current input voltage into an output voltage, the input voltage being coupled to a first node and the output voltage being output on a second node, the transformer being coupled to a first pair of phase signals and a second pair of phase signals that are complementary and nonoverlapping, the transformer comprising: a) a first half capacitive transformer including a pair of capacitors and having a first port coupled to the first node while the first pair of phase signals is active and the second pair of phase signals is inactive, the first half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node; and b) a second half capacitive transformer including a pair of capacitors and having a first port coupled to the first node while the first pair of phase signals is inactive and the second pair of phase signals is active, the second half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
165 words
A transformer for transforming a direct current input voltage into an output voltage, the input voltage being coupled to a first node and the output voltage being output on a second node, the transformer being coupled to a first pair of phase signals and a second pair of phase signals that are complementary and nonoverlapping, the transformer comprising: a) a first half capacitive transformer including a pair of capacitors and having a first port coupled to the first node while the first pair of phase signals is active and the second pair of phase signals is inactive, the first half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node; and b) a second half capacitive transformer including a pair of capacitors and having a first port coupled to the first node while the first pair of phase signals is inactive and the second pair of phase signals is active, the second half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
101 words
The transformer of claim 43 wherein the first half capacitive transformer and the second half capacitive transformer each comprise: a) a pair of capacitors having equal capacitance; b) a pair of P-type transistors, each of the pair of P-type transistors being coupled between the first port and a one of the pair of capacitors, conduction of the each P-type transistors being controlled by a first control signal, the first control signal being a one of a first selected pair of phase signals, the first selected pair of phase signals being a one of the first and second pair of phase signals.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
76 words
The transformer of claim 44 wherein the first half capacitive transformer and the second half capacitive transformer each further comprise: c) a first set of N-type transistors, each N-type transistor being coupled between a one of the pair of capacitors and the second port, conduction of the first set of N-type of transistors being controlled by a second control signal, the second control signal being the other one of the first selected pair of phase signals.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
97 words
The transformer of claim 44 wherein the first half capacitive transformer and the second half capacitive transformer each further comprise: d) a second set of N-type transistors, each coupled to a one of the pair of capacitors, conduction of each of the second set of N-type transistors being controlled by a third control signal, the third control signal being a one of a second selected pair of phase signals, the second selected pair of phase signals being a one of the first and second pair of phase signals other than the first selected pair of phase signals.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
30 words
The transformer of claim 46 wherein the second set of N-type transistors includes: a) a first N-type transistor coupled between a first one of the pair of capacitors and ground.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The transformer of claim 47 wherein the second set of N-type transistors includes: a) a second N-type transistor coupled between the pair of capacitors.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
31 words
The transformer of claim 48 wherein the second set of N-type transistors includes a third N-type transistor coupled between the second one of the pair of capacitors and the second port.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The transformer of claim 49 further comprising a load capacitor coupled between the second node and ground, the load capacitor having a first value.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
28 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 50 wherein each of the pair of capacitors have a second value of capacitance that is less than the first value of capacitance.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
140 words
A capacitive transformer for stepping an input voltage up to an output voltage, the capacitive transformer being coupled to a clock signal having a first phase and a second phase, the output voltage being output at a first node and the input voltage being coupled to a second node, the capacitive transformer comprising: a) a first half capacitive transformer including a pair of capacitors and having a first port coupled to the first node during the first phase of the clock signal, the first half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node; and b) a second half capacitive transformer including a pair of capacitors and having a first port coupled to the first node during the second phase of the clock signal, the second half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
140 words
A capacitive transformer for stepping an input voltage up to an output voltage, the capacitive transformer being coupled to a clock signal having a first phase and a second phase, the output voltage being output at a first node and the input voltage being coupled to a second node, the capacitive transformer comprising: a) a first half capacitive transformer including a pair of capacitors and having a first port coupled to the first node during the first phase of the clock signal, the first half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node; and b) a second half capacitive transformer including a pair of capacitors and having a first port coupled to the first node during the second phase of the clock signal, the second half capacitive transformer having a second port coupled to the second node.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
98 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 52 wherein the first half capacitive transformer comprises: a) a first set of capacitors, the first set including a first number of capacitors; and b) a first switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the first switching circuit coupling the first set of capacitors in parallel with each other between the first port and the second port during the first phase of the clock signal, the first switching circuit coupling the first set of capacitors in series between a third node and the second port during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
93 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 53 wherein the second half capacitive transformer comprises: a) a second set of capacitors, the second set including the first number of capacitors; and b) a second switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the second switching circuit coupling the second set of capacitors in series between the third node and the second port during the first phase, the second switching circuit coupling the second set of capacitors in parallel with each between the first port and the second port during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 54 further comprising a load capacitor coupled between the first node and the third node.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
12 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 55 wherein the third node is ground.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
27 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 55 wherein each capacitor in the first set and the second set of capacitors has a capacitance equal to a first value.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 57 wherein the load capacitor has a second value of capacitance greater than the first value.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
101 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 52 wherein the first half capacitive transformer comprises: a) a first set of capacitors, the first set including a first number of capacitors; and b) a first switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the first switching circuit coupling the first set of capacitors in series with each other between the first port and the second port during the first phase of the clock signal, the first switching circuit coupling the first set of capacitors in parallel with each other between a third node and the second port during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
101 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 59 wherein the second half capacitive transformer comprises: a) a second set of capacitors, the second set including the first number of capacitors; and b) a second switching circuit responsive to the clock signal, the second switching circuit coupling the second set of capacitors in parallel with each other between the second port and the third node during the first phase of the clock signal, the second switching circuit coupling the second set of capacitors in series with each other between the first port and the second port during the second phase of the clock signal.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 60 further comprising a load capacitor coupled between the first node and the third node.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
12 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 61 wherein the third node is ground.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
25 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 61 wherein each capacitor in the first set and the second set has a capacitance equal to a first value.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
The capacitive transformer of claim 63 wherein the load capacitor has a second value of capacitance greater than the first value.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-01-21 | 2000-07-22 | 2001-01-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-01-21 | 2004-07-22 | 2005-01-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-01-21 | 2008-07-22 | 2009-01-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |