Technology
Capacitor-based Power Conversion
Our Story:
pSemi’s journey in capacitor-based power conversion began with the acquisition of the pioneering MIT start-up Arctic Sand in 2017. Arctic Sand understood that using capacitive energy transfer, rather than more traditional inductive switching converters, would establish higher power conversion efficiency in low-profile form factors previously thought unobtainable.
pSemi has continuously developed architectural innovation combined with the latest advances in Murata capacitor technology. This combination has resulted in the release of a wide range of industry-leading products and over 250 patents….and growing!
Unleashing the Power of Capacitive Energy Transfer – the Next Chapter
pSemi capacitor-based power conversion technology is now becoming the de-facto standard in multiple applications from mobile smartphones to networking and telecoms. This leadership is evident in the compatibility with standards implementations, such as USB programmable power supply (USB_PPS) and Qi wireless charging implementations, where charge pump technology provides significant efficiency and size benefits when powered from a regulated voltage source.
pSemi offers industry-leading products, including charge pump switched capacitor converters, 2-stage buck and boost (LED drivers) converters, and multi-level converters.
Our Patented Capacitor-based Power Conversion Technologies
Charge Pump Switched Capacitor Converters
pSemi’s novel charge pump architectures use a small output inductance, acting as a constant current source, to eliminate or reduce capacitive switching redistribution losses. This lossless or adiabatic technique enables higher conversion efficiencies with 20-30% reduction in flying capacitor size and reduced EMI emissions.
- Divider ratios: 4, 3, and 2 up to 160W
- Ultra-high conversion efficiencies—up to 99% peak
- 48V, 54V, and 12V input range for the networking and data center market
- 4S, 3S, and 2S battery input range for the mobile market
- Proven track record in top-tier smartphones
2-Stage Regulators
The 2-stage architecture combines charge pump technology with a switching regulator to improve power conversion efficiency in low-profile applications. In the 2-stage buck converter, a charge pump divider is followed by a buck regulator. In the 2-stage boost converter for LED driver applications, a boost converter is followed by a capacitive multiplier.
- 2-stage buck regulator available from 12V input (module solutions) and 3.3V input solutions
- 2-stage boost LED drivers available from 1S–3S input ranges
- Targeting low-profile, high-efficiency power delivery
Multi-level Buck Regulators
At pSemi, we are applying our extensive knowledge and experience in switching capacitor technology to the development of leading-edge, multi-level architectures. 3- and 4-level conversion achieves high efficiency power conversion while reducing the height and size of the output inductor to provide a low-profile solution.
- High efficiency for low-profile (< 1 mm) applications such as smartphones and tablets
- Ideal for 1S battery and fast-charging applications
- Wide-range input capability for powering from USB and wireless charging sources
Contact us to learn more about the latest innovations in multi-level power conversion and product availability.
Enables Next-generation Power Conversion Applications and Delivers the Highest Conversion Efficiency in Space-constrained Applications
