Glossary Definition for Charge Pump

Definition

A power supply which uses capacitors to store and transfer energy to the output, often stepping the voltage up or down. Charge is transferred from one capacitor to another under control of regulator and switching circuitry.

Maxim offers both regulated and non-regulated charge pumps, as well as ICs with on-board charge pumps to boost internal voltages.

See application note 2031, "DC-DC Converter Tutorial" and application note 660, "Regulator topologies for battery-powered systems."

Synonyms

• Capacitor Charge Pumps
• Voltage Tripler
• Q-Pump
• Switched Capacitor Converter
• Capacitive Voltage Regulator
• Voltage Doubler

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