1 Answer
A **charge pump** is an electronic circuit used to increase or decrease voltage without the need for inductors (which are typically used in traditional voltage converters like buck or boost converters). It relies on capacitors to store and transfer charge, providing voltage conversion.
Here’s how it works:
1. **Voltage Doubling or Inverting:** Charge pumps are commonly used to either **double** the input voltage (e.g., turning +5V into +10V) or **invert** it (e.g., turning +5V into -5V). This is done by switching capacitors between different voltage levels in a controlled manner.
2. **Capacitor Charging and Discharging:** In a basic charge pump, capacitors are used to store energy. The circuit uses switches (typically MOSFETs or diodes) to charge and discharge the capacitors in phases, transferring the energy and changing the voltage level.
3. **Efficiency and Application:** Charge pumps are generally simpler and smaller compared to other voltage conversion circuits. They are often used in low-power applications or where space is limited, like in portable devices or integrated circuits.
In short, the **function of a charge pump** is to convert a DC voltage from one level to another (either higher or lower) using capacitors and switches, without needing large inductors.
Here’s how it works:
1. **Voltage Doubling or Inverting:** Charge pumps are commonly used to either **double** the input voltage (e.g., turning +5V into +10V) or **invert** it (e.g., turning +5V into -5V). This is done by switching capacitors between different voltage levels in a controlled manner.
2. **Capacitor Charging and Discharging:** In a basic charge pump, capacitors are used to store energy. The circuit uses switches (typically MOSFETs or diodes) to charge and discharge the capacitors in phases, transferring the energy and changing the voltage level.
3. **Efficiency and Application:** Charge pumps are generally simpler and smaller compared to other voltage conversion circuits. They are often used in low-power applications or where space is limited, like in portable devices or integrated circuits.
In short, the **function of a charge pump** is to convert a DC voltage from one level to another (either higher or lower) using capacitors and switches, without needing large inductors.