{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853541","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853541","title":"Switched-capacitor DC-to-DC converters and methods of fabricating the same","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2017-05-02T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H02M","H01L","H01L","H01L","H01L","H02M"],"num_claims":9,"abstract":"A switched-capacitor DC-to-DC converter includes a logic cell and a capacitor cell vertically overlapping with the logic cell. The logic cell has a plurality of active elements disposed over a first substrate. The capacitor cell has a capacitor over a second substrate. A first interlayer insulation layer disposed over the first substrate is bonded to a second interlayer insulation layer disposed over the second substrate. A first through via connected to any one of interconnection patterns of the logic cell and a second through via connected to a lower electrode pattern of the capacitor cell are connected to each other through a first external circuit pattern. A third through via connected to an upper electrode pattern of the capacitor cell and a fourth through via connected to another one of the interconnection patterns of the logic cell are connected to each other through a second external circuit pattern."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Switched-capacitor Dc-to-dc Converters and Methods of Fabricating the Same patent presents an innovative solution to the challenges of power conversion in modern electronics. The core innovation is a vertically integrated switched-capacitor DC-to-DC converter that combines a logic cell and a capacitor cell in a stacked configuration.\n\nThe problem being solved is the increasing demand for smaller, more efficient, and more scalable power conversion solutions, particularly in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. Traditional DC-to-DC converters often suffer from bulky components, energy losses, and limited scalability, hindering their applicability in space-constrained and energy-sensitive applications.\n\nThe key technical approach involves fabricating the logic cell and capacitor cell on separate substrates and then bonding them together using interlayer insulation. Through vias connect the cells via external circuit patterns, optimizing the electrical path and minimizing losses. This vertical integration significantly reduces the footprint of the converter and improves its overall performance.\n\nThe business value lies in the potential to create smaller, more efficient, and more reliable electronic devices. This technology can enable new applications in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems, opening up significant market opportunities for companies that can successfully commercialize it.\n\nThe market opportunity is substantial, driven by the growing demand for power management solutions in various industries. The Switched-capacitor Dc-to-dc Converters and Methods of Fabricating the Same offers a competitive advantage through its compact size, high efficiency, and scalability, making it a promising solution for a wide range of applications.","layman_explanation":"The Switched-capacitor Dc-to-dc Converters and Methods of Fabricating the Same addresses the challenge of efficiently converting electrical power from one voltage level to another, particularly in devices where space and energy conservation are critical.\n\nExisting power converters can be bulky and inefficient, leading to larger devices, shorter battery life, and increased heat generation. This patent offers a solution by creating a more compact and efficient converter design.\n\nThis technology works by stacking the components of the converter – a 'logic cell' that controls the flow of electricity and a 'capacitor cell' that stores energy – on top of each other. This vertical stacking reduces the overall size of the converter, similar to building a multi-story building instead of a sprawling ranch. The result is a smaller, more efficient device that can deliver the required power without wasting energy or generating excessive heat. Imagine a power adapter for your laptop that is half the size and doesn't get hot – that's the kind of improvement this technology enables.\n\nThis innovation matters because it allows for smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient devices. This translates to longer battery life for smartphones and laptops, more compact and powerful electric vehicles, and more efficient renewable energy systems. The business value lies in the potential to create competitive advantages through superior product design and performance.\n\nFuture applications of this technology could include even smaller and more efficient wearable devices, advanced power management systems for data centers, and more efficient energy harvesting from renewable sources. The market adoption timeline will depend on the successful commercialization of the technology and its integration into existing products. The investment implications are significant, as this technology has the potential to disrupt the power management market and create new opportunities for growth.","technical_analysis":"The Switched-capacitor Dc-to-dc Converters and Methods of Fabricating the Same patent details a vertically integrated switched-capacitor DC-to-DC converter design. The technical architecture consists of two primary components: a logic cell and a capacitor cell. The logic cell, typically fabricated using CMOS technology, contains the active switching elements responsible for controlling the energy transfer. The capacitor cell, fabricated on a separate substrate, provides the energy storage capacity. These two cells are bonded together using a thin interlayer insulation layer.\n\nThe implementation details involve several critical steps. The logic cell is designed to minimize switching losses and ensure stable operation. The capacitor cell utilizes high-k dielectric materials to achieve high capacitance density. The bonding process must be carefully controlled to avoid damaging the active elements in the logic cell. Through vias are used to connect the cells via external circuit patterns, minimizing parasitic inductance and resistance.\n\nThe algorithm specifics involve controlling the switching elements in the logic cell to regulate the voltage and current output of the converter. The switching frequency and duty cycle are carefully adjusted to optimize the energy transfer and minimize losses. Advanced control algorithms may be used to compensate for variations in input voltage, load current, and temperature.\n\nThe integration patterns involve connecting the converter to external circuits and devices. The through vias provide a low-impedance path for the current to flow between the cells and the external circuits. The external circuit patterns are designed to minimize parasitic inductance and resistance.\n\nThe performance characteristics of the converter are determined by several factors, including the switching frequency, the capacitance of the capacitor cell, and the resistance of the switching elements. The converter is designed to achieve high energy efficiency, low output voltage ripple, and fast transient response.\n\nThe code-level implications involve developing software to control the switching elements and monitor the performance of the converter. The software may be implemented using a microcontroller or a digital signal processor (DSP). The code must be optimized for speed and efficiency to minimize the overhead of the control algorithms.","business_analysis":"The Switched-capacitor Dc-to-dc Converters and Methods of Fabricating the Same patent presents a significant business opportunity in the power management market. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the growing demand for smaller, more efficient, and more scalable power conversion solutions in various industries.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology include its compact size, high efficiency, and scalability. These advantages allow companies to create smaller, more efficient, and more reliable electronic devices, giving them a competitive edge in the market.\n\nThe revenue potential is significant, driven by the potential to commercialize this technology in a wide range of applications, including portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. The business models that can be used to commercialize this technology include licensing, product sales, and service offerings.\n\nThe strategic positioning of this technology is strong, as it addresses a critical need in the power management market. The technology can be positioned as a premium solution for applications that require high performance and reliability.\n\nThe ROI projections for this technology are attractive, driven by the potential to generate significant revenue and reduce costs. The ROI will depend on the specific application and the business model used to commercialize the technology.\n\nOverall, the Switched-capacitor Dc-to-dc Converters and Methods of Fabricating the Same patent presents a compelling business opportunity with significant revenue potential and attractive ROI projections. Companies that can successfully commercialize this technology are poised to capture a significant share of the power management market.","faqs":null,"topics":["DC-DC converter","switched capacitor","power electronics","energy efficiency","compact design"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Switched-capacitor DC-DC Converters: Efficient Power Conversion","description":"Discover the Switched-capacitor Dc-to-dc Converters and Methods of Fabricating the Same patent, offering compact and efficient power conversion for electronics. Explore its technical details and applications.","keywords":["DC-DC converter","switched capacitor","power electronics","energy efficiency","compact design","vertical integration","CMOS","high-k dielectric","patent","patent US-9853541"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853541","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853541","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Switched-capacitor DC-to-DC converters and methods of fabricating the same\" (US-9853541). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853541","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853541","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853541","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T14:37:39.849Z"}