Current simulation in power supplies

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to current emulation in power supplies. An apparatus includes an emulator and a corresponding compensator. During operation, the emulator generates, at different points in time, emulated output current values representative of an amount of current supplied from an output voltage to a load. Generally, the compensator provides selective compensation of the emulated output current values over time. For example, during a first duration, compensation adjustments from the compensator are used to modify the emulated output current values. During a second duration, compensation adjustments from the compensator are not used to modify the emulated output current values. Disabling or stopping application of the adjustments (e.g., output current based on actual measurements) during the second duration (e.g., during a corresponding transient condition) provides for more accurate and timely generation of the corresponding emulated output current values.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to current simulation in power supplies, and more specifically, to a method, apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, system, and system manufacturing method for current simulation. Background Technology

[0002] One type of conventional power converter is the buck converter. A so-called constant on-time (COT) switching buck regulator has a fixed on-time and uses off-time pulse width modulation (PWM) or overall frequency modulation to regulate the output voltage. Typically, to maintain the output voltage within a desired range, the buck converter compares the amplitude of the generated output voltage with a setpoint reference voltage to control the corresponding switching circuitry (such as control switches and synchronization switches) within the power converter.

[0003] In digital voltage regulators that do not implement load line regulation, the physical measurement of the output current consumed by the load is primarily used for telemetry and current balancing purposes in multiphase applications. In this case, the corresponding analog-to-digital converter (ADC) monitoring the output current tends to be slow, with a slow update rate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] If load line regulation is implemented in a power converter application, the reference voltage used to provide regulation becomes a function of the output current. In one instance of implementing load line regulation, this means that if a fast response is desired, the corresponding analog-to-digital converter used to physically measure the output current must be upgraded to a faster one. The update rate of individual analog-to-digital converters is typically a multiple of the switching frequency.

[0005] This disclosure includes observations of shortcomings in conventional power supply monitoring and control techniques. For example, as previously mentioned, it is often difficult to know precisely how much current the corresponding power converter delivers to the load to generate the appropriate power control signal, yet this is something that is expected to be known precisely. The implementation of load line conditioning and corresponding high-speed analog-to-digital converters (e.g., for fast and accurate measurement of output current as previously described) increases the cost and power consumption of conventional power supplies.

[0006] The embodiments described herein include novel methods for tracking the current delivered by the power converter to the load and controlling the generation of the corresponding output voltage.

[0007] More specifically, embodiments of this document include an apparatus comprising a simulator and a corresponding compensator. During operation, the simulator generates simulated output current values ​​at different points in time, representing the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load. As the name suggests, the compensator provides compensation to the simulated output current value over time. For example, in one embodiment, during a first duration, the compensator enables (or provides) adjustment to the simulated output current value based on measurements of the supplied current. During a second duration, the compensator disables (or prevents) adjustment to the simulated output current value based on measurements of the supplied current.

[0008] Especially during transient conditions where the load experiences changes in current consumption, disabling the compensator and corresponding adjustments within one or more time windows allows for more accurate generation of the corresponding simulated output current values. In one embodiment, disabling the output current simulation and compensator in different time windows enables more accurate measurement of the output current, reducing the need for a fast analog-to-digital converter to physically measure the amplitude of the output current.

[0009] Other embodiments of this document include temporarily disabling adjustment of the simulated output current value via a compensator in response to a triggering condition that detects a transient (such as a spike) current consumption condition in the output current.

[0010] Some other embodiments described herein include a monitoring resource. The compensator disables adjustment of the simulated output current value in response to a triggering condition where the monitoring resource detects a transient current consumption condition experienced by a load powered by the output voltage.

[0011] According to a further example embodiment, the monitoring resource is configured to monitor any suitable one or more parameters to detect the triggering condition of the control compensation. For example, in one embodiment, the monitoring resource monitors the frequency of operation of the power converter that controls the output voltage. The compensator disables adjustment of the simulated output current value in response to detecting a change in frequency or corresponding time period.

[0012] Note that in one embodiment, the monitoring resource senses the occurrence of a triggering event or condition, such as a sudden change in the output current consumed by the load via the output voltage, in any suitable manner. For example, in one embodiment, the monitoring resource detects deviations of the output voltage relative to a reference voltage; the polarity of these deviations can be used as an indicator of transient events; and so on.

[0013] In a further example embodiment, the power converter operates in a constant on-time (COT) control mode. In this case, as the name suggests, the duration for which the corresponding control switch (high-side switching circuitry) of the switching power supply is activated is constant, while the corresponding controller adjusts the switching frequency of the high-side switching circuitry. In one embodiment, the deviation of the switching frequency from a baseline value (e.g., a steady-state value, a reference value, etc.) and / or the corresponding change in polarity (e.g., positive or negative deviation) indicates a corresponding transient event (sudden increase or decrease) in the current consumption of the load.

[0014] Therefore, embodiments of this paper include a compensator that uses simulated output current values ​​to control the operation of a power converter operating in a constant on-time control mode; the power converter generates an output voltage to supply power to the load based at least in part on the simulated output current values.

[0015] In a further example embodiment, the power converter generates an output voltage based on the output of a reference voltage generator. During both a first duration and a second duration, the reference voltage generator, as described herein, derives a reference voltage setpoint signal based on the amplitude of a simulated output current value. The controller in the power converter adjusts the generation of the output voltage based on the derived reference voltage setpoint signal. As previously mentioned, the simulator generates simulated output current values ​​based on pure simulation (i.e., without compensation) during transient conditions because simulated output current values ​​are more accurate than physical output current measurements.

[0016] Further embodiments described herein include implementing load line regulation via a power converter and a corresponding controller during the conversion of the input voltage into an output voltage that drives the load.

[0017] In a further example embodiment, the simulator described herein generates a simulated output current value based on the inductance of a power converter that converts the input voltage into the output voltage.

[0018] In a further example embodiment, the simulator as described herein includes a simulated current information generator that produces simulated inductor current information for each of a plurality of sampling times. The simulator uses the simulated inductor current information as a basis to generate a simulated output current value. For example, via an adjustment generated by a compensator, the compensator biases the magnitude of the simulated output current value to track the magnitude of the actual measured current supplied. This ensures that the simulated output current value generally tracks the actual output current supplied by the power converter to the load.

[0019] In one embodiment, for each of a plurality of sampling times, the inductor current simulation information specifies an estimated change in the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load. Based on the switching control state of the corresponding power converter that generates the output voltage, for each of the plurality of sampling times, the simulation information generator generates an estimated change in the amount of current supplied from the voltage across the inductor (of the power converter). In one embodiment, the simulation information generator generates the simulation information based on a combination of the switching control state and monitored power supply parameters such as input voltage, output voltage, etc.

[0020] Using simulation information, the simulator estimates the change in the load's output current for each of the multiple sampling times, and derives the simulated output current value from the estimated change during both the first and second durations. As mentioned earlier, the actual measured output current is not used to derive the simulated output current value during a specific duration for which compensation is not applied.

[0021] Further embodiments described herein include an analog-to-digital converter and a corresponding circuit system that generates an actual measurement of the current supplied from the output voltage to the load. This may include measuring the voltage across the inductor of the corresponding power converter and performing a DCR measurement.

[0022] In one embodiment, the compensator biases a simulated output current value. By biasing the simulated output current value based on actual measurements, the compensator ensures that the simulated output current value generated by the simulator is a more accurate representation of the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load, compared to actual measurements that are merely the supplied current itself (which are prone to error over short periods of time, especially in the presence of transient output current conditions).

[0023] Note that other embodiments described herein include timers. In this case, in a non-limiting example embodiment, after a certain amount of time following a second duration after which adjustment is disabled, the timer causes the generation of the simulated output current value to be based on the actual measurement of the output current.

[0024] As previously described, the embodiments described here are more useful than conventional techniques. For example, disabling or stopping compensation adjustments to the simulated output current value during transient conditions and operating in a substantially pure simulation mode yields a more accurate output current value, which is then used to control the conversion of the input voltage to the output voltage. The embodiments described herein include digital simulation of the output current to implement load line characteristics without a fast analog-to-digital converter (ADC). More specifically, in one embodiment, the ADC implemented to measure the actual current is not only implemented with a low update rate, but the output current measurement signal from the ADC may also be heavily filtered. As previously described, the output current of the corresponding power converter is simulated based on monitored values ​​such as input voltage Vin, output voltage Vout, programmed L value (associated with inductor components), and sensing of transient current consumption such as load steps and load release conditions.

[0025] These and other more specific embodiments will be disclosed in more detail below.

[0026] Note that while the embodiments discussed herein can be applied to power converters, the concepts disclosed herein can be advantageously applied to any other suitable topology and general power control applications.

[0027] Note that any resources discussed herein may include one or more computerized devices, mobile communication devices, servers, base stations, wireless communication devices, communication management systems, workstations, user devices, handheld or laptop computers, etc., to perform and / or support any or all of the methods disclosed herein. In other words, one or more computerized devices or processors may be programmed and / or configured to operate as explained herein to perform the various embodiments described herein.

[0028] Other embodiments described herein include software programs for performing the steps and operations outlined above and detailed below. One such embodiment includes a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (i.e., any computer-readable hardware storage medium) on which software instructions are encoded for subsequent execution. When executed in a computerized device (hardware) having a processor, the instructions program and / or cause the processor (hardware) to perform the operations disclosed herein. Such arrangements are typically provided as software, code, instructions, and / or other data (e.g., data structures) arranged or encoded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical medium (e.g., CD-ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, memory stick, memory device, etc., or other media, such as firmware in one or more ROMs, RAMs, PROMs, etc., or as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The software or firmware or other such configurations may be installed on the computerized device to cause the computerized device to perform the techniques explained herein.

[0029] Therefore, the embodiments described herein are intended to support operating methods, systems, computer program products, etc., as discussed herein.

[0030] One embodiment of this document includes a computer-readable storage medium and / or system having instructions stored thereon. When executed by computer processor hardware, the instructions cause the computer processor hardware (e.g., one or more processor devices located in the same or different locations) to: at different times generate a simulated output current value representing the amount of current supplied from an output voltage to a load; provide (compensation) for an adjustment to the simulated output current value based on actual measurements of the supplied current during a first duration; disable the (compensation) adjustment to the simulated output current value based on actual measurements of the supplied current during a second duration; and control the operation of a power converter that generates the output voltage based at least in part on the simulated output current value.

[0031] For clarity, the order of the steps above has been added. Note that any processing steps as discussed in this article can be performed in any suitable order.

[0032] Other embodiments of this disclosure include software programs and / or corresponding hardware to perform any of the method embodiment steps and operations outlined above and disclosed in detail below.

[0033] It should be understood that the systems, methods, apparatuses, instructions on computer-readable storage media discussed herein can also be strictly implemented as software programs, firmware, a mixture of software, hardware and / or firmware, or as separate hardware such as within a processor (hardware or software), or within an operating system or within a software application.

[0034] As discussed herein, the techniques described herein are well-suited for applications supporting switching power supplies. However, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein are not limited to such applications, and the techniques discussed herein are also well-suited for other applications.

[0035] It should also be noted that although each of the different features, techniques, configurations, etc., described herein may be discussed in different places within this disclosure, it is intended that each concept in the concepts may optionally be implemented independently of or in combination with each other where appropriate. Therefore, one or more of the inventions described herein can be practiced and viewed in many different ways.

[0036] Furthermore, it should be noted that the preliminary discussion of the embodiments herein (a brief description of the embodiments) is intentionally not to specify every embodiment and / or incremental novelty of the invention disclosed or claimed. Rather, this brief description presents only general embodiments and corresponding novel points relative to conventional techniques. For other details and / or possible aspects (arrangements) of the invention, the reader may refer to the detailed description section of this disclosure (which is an overview of the embodiments) and the corresponding drawings, as further discussed below. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is an example general diagram of a power supply that supports simulation and dynamic compensation according to the embodiments described herein.

[0038] Figure 2 This is an example diagram illustrating the simulator and related components according to embodiments of this document.

[0039] Figure 3 This is an example diagram illustrating a power converter according to an embodiment of this document.

[0040] Figure 4 This is an example timing diagram illustrating the sampling of simulation information and the corresponding generation according to embodiments of this document.

[0041] Figure 5 This is an example diagram illustrating an implementation of monitoring resources and corresponding compensation control outputs according to embodiments of this document.

[0042] Figure 6 This is an example timing diagram illustrating the dynamic generation of simulated output current values ​​during transient and non-transient conditions according to embodiments of this document.

[0043] Figure 7 This is an example timing diagram illustrating the dynamic generation of simulated output current values ​​during transient and non-transient conditions according to embodiments of this document.

[0044] Figure 8This is an example diagram illustrating computer processor hardware and related software instructions for performing methods according to embodiments of this document.

[0045] Figure 9 This is an example diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment of this document.

[0046] Figure 10 This is an example diagram illustrating the fabrication of a circuit according to an embodiment of this document.

[0047] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description of preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals consistently denote the same parts in different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, but are intended to illustrate embodiments, principles, concepts, etc. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Embodiments of this document include an apparatus comprising a simulator and a corresponding compensator. During operation, the simulator generates simulated output current values ​​representing the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load at different points in time. The compensator provides selective compensation for the simulated output current values ​​over time. For example, during a first duration, the compensator enables (provides) a compensatory adjustment to the simulated output current value based on measurements of the supplied current. During a second duration, the compensator disables (prevents) the compensatory adjustment to the simulated output current value based on measurements of the supplied current. In one embodiment, particularly during transient conditions where the load experiences changes in current consumption, the temporary disabling of the compensator and the corresponding compensatory adjustment during output current simulation provide a more accurate generation of the corresponding simulated output current values.

[0049] Now, more specifically, Figure 1 This is an example general diagram of a power supply that supports output current simulation and dynamic compensation according to the embodiments described herein.

[0050] In this example embodiment, the power supply 100 includes a power converter 135, a monitoring resource 170, an emulator 141, a compensator 160, and an output current measurement resource 150. The power converter 135 includes a controller 140 and a voltage converter 165.

[0051] As shown, the output current measurement resource 150 receives one or more signals 132 (e.g., feedback signals associated with the voltage converter 165). As the name suggests, via one or more signals 132, the output current measurement resource 150 physically measures the output current 122 supplied to the load 118 by the output voltage 123.

[0052] In one embodiment, based on signal 132, output current measurement resource 150 generates output current information 155 indicating the magnitude of output current 122. Output current measurement resource 150 is or includes one or more analog-to-digital converters to measure the voltage across a corresponding inductor in voltage converter 165.

[0053] Output current measurement resource 150 includes one or more analog-to-digital converters and corresponding circuitry that generates an actual sampled measurement of the current supplied from output voltage 123 to load 118. This may include measuring the inductor (e.g., for the corresponding power converter 165) of the power converter. Figure 3 The voltage across the inductor 325 is measured, and a DCR measurement is performed. Any alternative type of physical measurement can be performed to detect the amplitude or amplitude change of the output current 122.

[0054] As its name suggests, monitoring resource 170 monitors one or more parameters 142 associated with power supply 100. In one embodiment, monitoring resource 170 monitors transient output current conditions of power supply 100, such as when load 118 experiences a sudden increase or decrease in output current 122 (e.g., above or below a threshold). This may include monitoring of control signal 105 or other suitable entities.

[0055] Based on the detected trigger condition indicating a corresponding transient condition, monitoring resource 170 generates control information 151. In one embodiment, control information 151 includes a signal indicating the time window in which the transient (output current) condition occurs. As discussed further below, control information 151 controls when simulator 141 will use output current information 155 as a basis to correct for or provide compensation for the simulated output current value 125.

[0056] More specifically, in a non-limiting example embodiment, the compensator 160 receives control information 151 indicating a time window in which a transient output current condition occurs. Additionally, the compensator 160 receives a simulated output current value 125 generated by the emulator 141. Based on the combination of the output current information 155, the control information 151, and the simulated output current value 125, the compensator 160 generates adjustment information 145 output to the emulator 141.

[0057] As further shown, the simulator 141 receives adjustment information 145, status information of control signal 105, status information of output voltage Vout, and status information of input voltage Vin. Based on such inputs, the simulator 141 generates a simulated output current value 125 that is transmitted to the controller 140.

[0058] As discussed further in this paper, controller 140 uses the simulated output current value 125 as a basis to control the operation of voltage converter 165 in power supply 100.

[0059] According to another example embodiment, during operation, simulator 141 generates simulated output current values ​​125 (estimates) at different points in time, representing the amount of output current 122 supplied from output voltage 123 to dynamic load 118. As previously described, compensator 160 provides compensation to simulated output current value 125 over time (via regulation information 145). For example, in one embodiment, during a first duration (e.g., when load 118 consumes a substantially constant or steady-state amount of current), compensator 160 inputs regulation information 145 (derived from output current information 155) to simulator 141. As further discussed herein, during the first time window, simulator 141 uses regulation information 145 (e.g., derived from physical measurements of output current 122) to adjust simulated output current value 125.

[0060] During a second duration, such as during a transient condition indicated by control information 151, simulator 141 temporarily stops using or does not receive regulation information 145 to generate simulated output current value 125. In this case, simulator 141 does not generate simulated output current value 125 based on measurements of the supplied current indicated by output current measurement resource 150 (such as regulation information 145). Instead, simulator 141 generates simulated output current value 125 based on the state of control signal 105 and the measured input voltage Vin and measured output voltage Vout.

[0061] As further discussed herein, especially during transient conditions when load 118 experiences changes in output current consumption 122, stopping or disabling the compensation provided by compensator 160 (e.g., regulation information 145 derived from output current information 155) in one or more time windows provides a more accurate generation of the corresponding simulated output current value 125.

[0062] Figure 2 This is an example diagram illustrating the simulator and related components according to embodiments of this document.

[0063] As shown in the figure, and as previously discussed, power supply 100 includes a simulator 141, a monitoring resource 170, and a compensator 160. Power supply 100 also includes a reference voltage generator 295.

[0064] In this example embodiment, the emulator 141 includes a voltage value generator 243, a multiplexer 245, an amplifier 261, and an adder 221 (e.g., a digital adder). In one embodiment, the emulator 141 is a digital circuit that operates according to a corresponding sampling clock. As discussed further herein, each clock signal causes the adder 221 to perform an addition (summation) function.

[0065] As further shown, the compensator 160 includes multiple components, including a filter 217, an adder 222, a multiplexer 246 (also known as a multiplexer), and a controller 240 (e.g., a PI or proportional-integral controller or other suitable resource).

[0066] In this example embodiment, the simulator 141 is based on a voltage converter 165 that converts the input voltage 121 into an output voltage 123. Figure 1 )of( Figure 3 The inductor L of the 325 inductor in the simulation output current value is 125.

[0067] More specifically, the simulator 141 includes a voltage value generator 243 that generates different voltage values ​​V1, V2, and V3 based on the amplitudes of the input voltage 121 and the output voltage 123. For example, the voltage value generator 243 receives the amplitudes of the input voltage 121 and the output voltage 123, and uses this information to generate voltage values ​​V1 (where V1 = Vin - Vout), V2 (where V2 = 0 - Vout), and V3 (where V3 = -Vd - Vout). Vd can be 0.5V.

[0068] The voltage converter 165 operates in one of three different switching states indicated by the control signal 105. The control signal 105 controls the state of the multiplexer 245.

[0069] Based on the settings of control signal 105 (e.g., in Figure 3 In the three states shown and discussed, whether switch Q11 is on, whether switch Q12 is on, or whether both Q11 and Q12 are off, the multiplexer 245 of the simulator 141 outputs the corresponding voltage values ​​V1, V2, or V3 to amplifier 261. Amplifier 261 outputs a gain of dT / L (where dT is the sampling time period of each of the adders 221, 222, and 223, and L is...). Figure 3 The inductance of inductor 325 in the middle is applied to the received voltage value (V1, V2 or V3), and corresponding inductor current simulation information 241 (such as the digital adder operating the sampling clock frequency, where dT is the time period associated with the sampling clock frequency) is generated and output to adder 221.

[0070] As previously described, simulator 141 uses inductor current simulation information 241 (calculated changes in current for each sampling period or time interval) output from amplifier 261 as a basis to generate simulated output current value 125. More specifically, during transient current consumption conditions, simulator 141 generates simulated output current value 125 based on inductor current simulation information 241 without compensation from compensator 160. Conversely, during steady-state current consumption conditions, simulator 141 generates simulated output current value 125 based on inductor current simulation information 241 and compensation information from compensator 160 (such as adjustment information 145).

[0071] When used during steady-state conditions, the compensator 160 biases the magnitude of the simulated output current value 125 via the adjustment information 145 generated by the compensator 160 to generally track the magnitude of the actual measured output current 122. The bias (via the adjustment information 145) ensures that the simulated output current value 125 generally tracks the actual output current 122 supplied to the load 118 by the voltage converter 165.

[0072] As further illustrated, in one embodiment, compensation for the simulated output current value 125 depends on the detection of a trigger condition monitored by monitoring resource 170. In this example embodiment, monitoring resource 170 detects transient conditions by comparing a measurement time period 142 associated with control signal 105 with threshold information 251. In response to detecting that the measurement time period (or frequency) of control signal 105 is higher than and / or lower than a corresponding threshold, monitoring resource 170 generates control information 151 (one or more bits of control information).

[0073] Control information 151 controls whether compensator 160 provides compensation for the simulated output current value 125. For example, adder 221 outputs the simulated output current value 125 to filter 217. Adder 222 subtracts output current information 155 (a physical measurement of output current 122 using one or more slow analog-to-digital converters) from the filtered simulated output current value 125 to generate signal 158 input to channel 1 of multiplexer 246.

[0074] In this example embodiment, control information 151 controls the state of multiplexer 246. During steady-state conditions, when the switching time period is generally constant, control information 151 sets multiplexer 246 to transmit signal 158 from channel 1 of multiplexer 246 to controller 240. Conversely, during transient conditions, when the switching time period intersects with one or more thresholds specified by threshold information 251 indicating the transient, control information 151 sets multiplexer 246 to channel 2, where zero values ​​from channel 2 are input to controller 240.

[0075] The controller 240 receives the output of the multiplexer 246 and generates regulation information 145 input to the adder 221. The adder 221 generates the simulated output current value 125 based on the inductor current simulation information 241 (i.e., value X), the simulated output current value 125 (i.e., value Y), and the regulation information 145 (i.e., Z), as shown below: Y(n +1)=Y(n)+X(n)-Z(n), Where n = the previous sampling time period, and n + 1 = the next sampling time period.

[0076] Depending on the state of control information 151, adjustment information 145 (value Z) is typically value 158 (when channel 1 of multiplexer 246 is selected) or zero (when channel 2 of multiplexer 246 is selected), as fed by (PI or proportional-integral) controller 240. In this way, when channel 1 of multiplexer 246 is selected, compensator 160 biases the simulated output current value 125 based on the measured current 122 (from output current information 155) during steady-state conditions. When channel 1 of multiplexer 246 is selected, compensator 160 is prevented from biasing the simulated output current value 125 based on the measured current 122 (from output current information 155) during transient conditions.

[0077] According to another example embodiment, power supply 100 includes a reference voltage generator 295 for regulating output voltage 123. As shown, amplifier 262 provides a gain R_LL (the load line resistance value associated with voltage converter 165) such that the output VR of amplifier 262 is equal to the simulated output current value 125 multiplied by the resistance R_LL of voltage converter 165. Adder 223 generates reference voltage RV by subtracting the value VR from the VID_target value of voltage converter 135. VID_target is a value indicating the baseline amplitude (setpoint) used to regulate output voltage 123. The voltage value VR provides adjustment to reference voltage 225.

[0078] As shown below Figure 3 As discussed further, the voltage converter 165 adjusts the output voltage 123 based on the reference voltage 225 generated by the reference voltage generator 295.

[0079] Figure 3 This is an example diagram illustrating a power converter according to an embodiment of this document.

[0080] In this non-limiting example embodiment, voltage converter 165 is configured as a buck converter, which includes voltage source 320 (providing input voltage 121), switch Q11, switch Q12, inductor 325 and output capacitor 335.

[0081] although Figure 3The voltage converter 165 in this document is a buck converter configuration, but again note that the voltage converter 165 can be instantiated as any suitable type of voltage converter and include any number of phases, thereby providing the adjustments described herein.

[0082] As shown in the figure, switches Q11 and Q12 of voltage converter 165 are connected in series between the input voltage 120 and the corresponding ground reference. Voltage converter 165 also includes an inductor 325 extending from node 396 to the output capacitor 335 and the dynamic load 118.

[0083] Switches Q11 and Q12 are switched based on corresponding control signals 105-1 (applied to the gate G of switch Q11) and 105-2 (applied to the gate G of switch Q12). Node 396, which couples the source (S) node of switch Q11 and the drain (D) node of switch Q12, provides an output current 122 through inductor 325, thereby generating an output voltage 123 that supplies power to load 118.

[0084] In one embodiment, controller 140 controls the switching of switches Q11 and Q12 based on one or more feedback parameters. For example, as previously described, controller 140 can be configured to receive an output voltage feedback signal 123-1, which receives the output voltage feedback signal from the parameters previously described. Figure 1 The output voltage 123 provided for supplying power to load 118 is derived as described herein. The output voltage feedback signal 123-1 may be the output voltage 123 itself or its proportional derivative.

[0085] Refer again Figure 3 via comparator 350, controller 140 compares the output voltage feedback signal 123-1 (such as the output voltage 123 itself or its derivative or proportional signal) with the reference voltage 225 ( Figure 2 The reference voltage 225 is a desired setpoint used to control the amplitude of the output voltage 123 during load line regulation implemented by the power supply 100. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the amplitude of the reference voltage 225 varies according to the amplitude of the output current 122 during load line regulation.

[0086] Based on the comparison between the output voltage feedback signal 123-1 and the voltage reference 225, comparator 350 generates a corresponding error voltage 355 based on the difference between the output voltage feedback signal 123-1 and the reference voltage 225. The amplitude of the error voltage 355 generated by comparator 350 varies depending on the degree to which the amplitude of the output voltage 123 is in or out of regulation (relative to the reference voltage 225).

[0087] As further shown, the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controller 360 of controller 140 controls the switching operation of switches Q11 and Q12 based on the amplitude of the error voltage 355. For example, if the error voltage 355 indicates that the output voltage 123 (of voltage converter 165) becomes less than the amplitude of the reference voltage 225, the PWM controller 360 increases the duty cycle or frequency of activating the high-side switch Q11 in the corresponding switching control cycle (thereby decreasing the duty cycle of activating the low-side switch Q12).

[0088] Conversely, if the error voltage 355 indicates that the output voltage 123 (of the voltage converter 165) becomes greater than the magnitude of the reference voltage 225, the PWM controller 360 reduces the duty cycle or frequency of the active high-side switch Q11 in the corresponding switching control cycle (thereby increasing the duty cycle of the active low-side switch Q12).

[0089] As is known in the art, controller 140 controls the on and off states of each of switches Q11 and Q12 at different times to prevent input voltage 121 from short-circuiting to the ground reference voltage. For example, when switch Q11 is activated to the on state, switch Q12 is deactivated to the off state. Conversely, when switch Q11 is deactivated to the off state, switch Q12 is activated to the off state. Note that controller 240 implements a dead time between on-off and off-on state transitions to prevent input voltage 121 from short-circuiting to the ground reference voltage.

[0090] By controlling the pulse changes that occur as the corresponding switches Q11 and Q12 are modulated, the controller 140 controls the generation of the output voltage 123, so that the output voltage 123 is maintained within the desired voltage range relative to the reference voltage setpoint 225.

[0091] Figure 4 This is an example timing diagram illustrating the sampling of simulation information and the corresponding generation according to embodiments of this document.

[0092] In this example embodiment, the pulse width modulation controller 360 generates control signals 105 for driving the corresponding switches Q11 and Q12 of the voltage converter 165.

[0093] When control signal 105 is logic high (e.g., when control signal 105-1 drives switch Q11 to the on state and control signal 105-2 drives switch Q12 to the off state, as indicated by state S2), the gain stage output inductor current simulation information 241 of the simulator 141 indicates the change of output current 122 in each sampling time interval (ST=10 nanoseconds) between time T41 and time T42 as follows: dI = (Vsw - Vout) × dT / L Where dI = current change during the sampling period, Vsw = voltage at node 396 (e.g., 12VDC in this example, since switch Q11 passes the input voltage to node 396), Vout = amplitude of output voltage 123 (e.g., 1VDC in this example), dT = sampling period (10 nanoseconds in this example), and L is the inductance of inductor 325 (100 nanohenries in this example).

[0094] Therefore, between time ranges T41 and T42, between time ranges T43 and T44, etc., simulator 141 generates simulated output current value 125 in Figure 420 (shown as monotonically increasing).

[0095] Conversely, when control signal 105 is logic low (e.g., when control signal 105-1 drives switch Q11 to the off state and control signal 105-2 drives switch Q12 to the on state), the gain stage output inductor current simulation information 241 of the simulator 141 indicates the change of output current 122 in each sampling time interval (ST=10 nanoseconds) between time T42 and time T43 as follows: dI = (Vsw - Vout) × dT / L Where dI = change of current, Vsw = voltage at node 396 (e.g., 0VDC in this example because switch Q12 is on), Vout = amplitude of output voltage 123 (e.g., 1VDC in this example), dT = sampling time period (10 nanoseconds in this example), and L is the inductance of inductor 325 (100 nanohenries in this example).

[0096] Therefore, between time ranges T42 and T43, between time ranges T44 and T45, etc., simulator 141 generates the simulated output current value 125 in Figure 420 (shown as monotonically decreasing).

[0097] If needed, as previously stated, note that the simulator 141 can be configured to generate an appropriate ΔI value of the output current 122 during the tri-state condition (dead time) when both switch Q11 (also known as the high-side switching circuit or control switching circuit) and switch Q12 (also known as the low-side switching circuit or synchronous switching circuit) are open.

[0098] Figure 5 This is an example diagram illustrating an implementation of monitoring resources and corresponding compensation control outputs according to embodiments of this document.

[0099] As previously described, in one embodiment, the voltage converter 165 operates in a constant on-time control mode, wherein the high-side switching circuit (Q11) of the corresponding voltage converter 165 is set to a fixed value, and the frequency (and time period) of the control signal 105 varies according to the amount of output current 122 required to drive the load 118.

[0100] In this example embodiment, monitoring resource 170 monitors control signal 105 for a period of time and compares the control signal with each of two thresholds 251-1 and 251-2 (variables such as fixed values) to determine transient current consumption associated with dynamic load 118.

[0101] For example, converter 505 converts control signal 105 into a measured signal 145-1, which is output to comparators 521 and 522. If the amplitude of signal 145-1 is greater than threshold 251-1, comparator 521 sets signal 531 to logic 1, indicating the release status of load 118. This triggers signal 547 to go high, causing timer 555 to generate control information 151 to disable compensation associated with compensator 160.

[0102] In one embodiment, in response to detecting a triggering condition (e.g.) Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the load is released at time T11), timer 555 prevents the emulator 141 from using the output current information 155 between time T11 and time T12 ( Figure 7 The simulator 141 generates a simulated output current value 125. After a duration controlled by timer 555, timer 555 sets information 151 back to a state where the simulator 141 generates the simulated output current value 125 again, at least in part, based on the output current information 155 (such as the output current 122 measured by the analog-to-digital converter).

[0103] Conversely, if the amplitude of signal 145-1 is less than threshold 251-2, comparator 522 sets signal 532 to logic 1, indicating a step condition of load 118. This triggers signal 547 to go high, causing timer 555 to generate control information 151 to disable compensation. In one embodiment, in response to detecting a trigger condition (such as...), Figure 6 As shown, for example, a load step at time T1), timer 555 prevents the simulator 141 from using the output current information 155 between time T1 and time T2 ( Figure 6 The simulator 141 generates a simulated output current value 125. After a duration controlled by timer 555, the timer sets control information 151 back to a state where the simulator 141 generates the simulated output current value 125 again, at least in part, based on the output current information 155 (such as the output current 122 measured by the analog-to-digital converter).

[0104] Therefore, during transient conditions and corresponding predetermined time windows, simulator 141 generates corresponding simulated output current values ​​125 based on pure simulation (such as without adjustments derived from output current information 155 representing actual measurements of output current 122). In different time windows, the output current simulation and the disabling of compensator 160 provide more accurate measurements of output current 122, reducing the need for fast analog-to-digital converters (such as output current measurement resource 150) to physically measure the amplitude of output current 122 and using this information as the basis for generating the corresponding output voltage 123.

[0105] According to a further example embodiment, timer 555 can be configured such that the generation of the simulated output current value is based on the actual measurement of the current supplied after a certain amount of time following the duration (such as T1 to T2, T11 to T12, etc.) after the adjustment from the output current information 155 is disabled.

[0106] Figure 6 This is an example timing diagram illustrating the dynamic generation of simulated output current values ​​during transient and non-transient conditions according to embodiments of this document.

[0107] In this example embodiment, duration 600 illustrates the operation of voltage converter 165 and simulator 141 at multiple points in time and time windows.

[0108] For example, between time T0 and time T1, the dynamic load 118 consumes a substantially constant (or steady-state) current. In this case, between time T0 and time T1, the simulator 141 generates a simulated output current value 125 based on a combination of inductor current simulation information 241 (derived from the measured input voltage 121, the measured output voltage 123, and the control signal 105) and regulation information 145 derived from the measured output current information 155. Typically, between the illustrated time T0 and time T1, both the simulated output current value 125 and the actual output current 122 closely track the amplitude of the measured output current information 155. The controller 140 generates an output voltage 123 to track a reference voltage 225.

[0109] At or near time T1, assume that the dynamic load 118 significantly increases current consumption relative to the consumption within the time range between T0 and T1. In response to the detected transient increase in current consumption, monitoring resource 170 generates control information 151 to disable compensation (or correction) provided by compensator 160 and corresponding output current information 155 between time T1 and time T2. In this case, because compensation is disabled between time T1 and time T2, simulator 141 generates a simulated output current value 125 based solely on inductor current simulation information 241, without compensation (correction) provided by regulation information 145. Therefore, between time T1 and time T2, the simulated output current value 125 tracks the actual output current 122 very closely, even though output current information 155 (actual measured current 122) is not used to provide compensation / correction. Note that output current information 155 from output current measurement resource 150 (such as the measured output current 122) cannot closely track the actual output current 122 due to delay.

[0110] Finally, near time T2, after reaching a steady state again (e.g., a substantially constant current consumption), the measured output current information 155 from the output current measurement resource 150 again accurately represents the actual output current 122. In this case, after the duration (time window) between T1 and T2, the monitoring resource 170 generates control information 151 to re-enable compensation / correction via the output current information 155. More specifically, between time T2 and time T3, the dynamic load 118 again consumes a substantially constant amount of current. In this case, between time T2 and time T3, the simulator 141 generates a simulated output current value 125 based on a combination of inductor current simulation information 241 (derived from the measured input voltage 121, the measured output voltage 123, and the control signal 105) and regulation information 145 (derived from the measured output current information 155). Typically, between time T2 and time T3, both the simulated output current value 125 and the actual output current 122 closely track the magnitude of the measured output current information 155. As usual, controller 140 generates output voltage 123 to track reference voltage 225.

[0111] Therefore, using the simulated output current value 125 between time T1 and time T2 provides a more accurate reading of the current supplied to the load 118.

[0112] Figure 7 This is an example timing diagram illustrating the dynamic generation of simulated output current values ​​during transient and non-transient conditions according to embodiments of this document.

[0113] In this example embodiment, duration 700 illustrates the operation of voltage converter 165 and simulator 141 at multiple points in time.

[0114] For example, between time T10 and time T11, the dynamic load 118 consumes a substantially constant amount of current. In this case, between time T10 and time T11, the simulator 141 generates a simulated output current value 125 based on a combination of inductor current simulation information 241 (derived from the measured input voltage 121, the measured output voltage 123, and the control signal 105) and regulation information 145 derived from the measured output current information 155. Typically, between the illustrated time T10 and time T11, both the simulated output current value 125 and the actual output current 122 closely track the amplitude of the measured output current information 155. The controller 140 generates an output voltage 123 to track a reference voltage 225.

[0115] At or near time T11, it is assumed that the dynamic load 118 significantly reduces current consumption relative to the time range between T10 and T11 (e.g., so-called load release). In response to the detected transient decrease in current consumption, monitoring resource 170 generates control information 151 to disable compensation (or correction) provided by compensator 160 and corresponding output current information 155 between time T11 and time T12. In this case, because compensation is disabled between time T11 and time T12, simulator 141 generates simulated output current value 125 based solely on inductor current simulation information 241, without compensation (correction) provided by regulation information 145. Therefore, between time T11 and time T12, simulated output current value 125 tracks the actual output current 122 very closely, even though output current information 155 (actual measured current 122) is not used to provide compensation / correction for simulated output current value 125. Note that due to the delay, the output current information 155 from the output current measurement resource 150 cannot closely track the actual output current 122 between time T11 and T12.

[0116] Finally, around time T12, after reaching steady state again, the measured output current information 155 from the output current measurement resource 150 again accurately represents the actual output current 122. In this case, after the duration (time window) between T11 and T12, the monitoring resource 170 generates control information 151 to re-enable compensation / correction via the output current information 155. More specifically, between time T12 and time T13, the dynamic load 118 again consumes a substantially constant amount of current. In this case, between time T12 and time T13, the simulator 141 generates a simulated output current value 125 based on a combination of inductor current simulation information 241 (derived from the measured input voltage 121, the measured output voltage 123, and the control signal 105) and regulation information 145 (derived from the measured output current information 155). Typically, between time T12 and time T13, both the simulated output current value 125 and the actual output current 122 closely track the magnitude of the measured output current information 155. As usual, controller 140 generates output voltage 123 to track reference voltage 225.

[0117] As previously stated, the embodiments described here are more useful than conventional techniques. For example, disabling the adjustment of the simulated output current value 125 during transient conditions yields a more accurate output current value 125, which is then used to control the conversion of the input voltage 121 into the output voltage 123, thereby providing a faster transient response to changes in the load 118.

[0118] Therefore, using the simulated output current value 125 between time T11 and time T12 provides a more accurate reading of the current supplied to the load 118.

[0119] Figure 8 This is an example block diagram of a computer device for implementing any of the operations discussed herein, according to embodiments thereof.

[0120] As shown in the figure, the computer system 800 of this example (e.g., implemented by any one of one or more resources such as controller 140, emulator 141, monitoring resource 170, compensator 160, output current measurement resource 150, etc.) includes interconnect 811, processor 813 (e.g., computer processor hardware such as one or more processor devices), I / O interface 814, and communication interface 817, wherein the interconnect couples computer-readable storage medium 812 such as a non-transitory type of medium (or hardware storage medium) in which digital information can be stored and retrieved.

[0121] I / O interface 814 provides connectivity to any suitable circuitry, such as power voltage converter 165.

[0122] The computer-readable storage medium 812 can be any hardware storage resource or device, such as a memory, optical storage, hard disk drive, floppy disk, etc. In one embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium 812 stores instructions and / or data used by the control application 140-1 to perform any of the operations described herein.

[0123] Furthermore, in this example embodiment, the communication interface 817 enables the computer system 800 and the processor 813 to communicate over resources such as network 190 to retrieve information from remote resources and communicate with other computers.

[0124] As shown in the figure, computer-readable storage medium 812 is encoded with a control application program 140-1 (e.g., software, firmware, etc.) that is executed by processor 813. The control application program 140-1 can be configured to include instructions for performing any operations as discussed herein.

[0125] During operation in one embodiment, the processor 813 accesses the computer-readable storage medium 812 via interconnect 811 to initiate, run, execute, interpret, or otherwise perform instructions in a control application 140-1 stored on the computer-readable storage medium 812.

[0126] The control application 140-1 is executed, generating processing functions such as control process 140-2 in the processor 813. In other words, control process 140-2 associated with processor 813 represents one or more aspects of the control application 140-1 being executed within or on the processor 813 in the computer system 800.

[0127] According to different embodiments, note that the computer system 800 may be a microcontroller device, logic, hardware processor, mixed analog / digital circuit system, etc., and the computer system is configured to control power and perform any of the operations described herein.

[0128] Now will be via Figure 9 The flowchart below illustrates the functionality supported by different resources. Note that the steps in the flowchart can be performed in any suitable order.

[0129] Figure 9 This is an example diagram illustrating a method for controlling a power converter according to embodiments of this document.

[0130] In processing operation 910, simulator 141 generates simulated output current values ​​125 at different time points, representing the amount of current supplied from output voltage 123 to load 118.

[0131] In processing operation 920, during the first duration, compensator 160 applies adjustments (such as adjustment information 145) to the simulated output current value 125 based on actual measurements of the supplied current 122.

[0132] During processing operation 930, for the second duration, compensator 160 disables adjustments (such as adjustment information 145) to the simulated output current value 125 based on actual measurements of the supplied current 122.

[0133] In processing operation 940, controller 140 controls the operation of power converter, which generates output voltage 123 based at least in part on simulated output current value 125.

[0134] Figure 10 This is an example diagram illustrating the assembly of a power converter circuit on a circuit board according to an embodiment of this document.

[0135] In this example embodiment, the assembler 1040 receives the substrate 1010 (e.g., a circuit board).

[0136] The assembler 1040 also fixes (couples) the controller 140 and voltage converter 165 (and corresponding components associated with the power converter 135, such as simulator 141, compensator 160, output current measurement resource 150, monitoring resource 170, etc.) to the substrate 1010.

[0137] Wiring the controller 140 to the voltage converter 165 via circuit path 1021 (such as one or more traces, conductors, cables, wires, etc.). Note that components associated with the power converter 135, such as the controller 140, the voltage converter 165, and corresponding components such as the simulator 141, the compensator 160, the output current measurement resource 150, the monitoring resource 170, etc., can be fixed or coupled to the substrate 1010 in any suitable manner. For example, one or more components of the power supply 100 can be soldered to the substrate, inserted into slots on the substrate 1010, etc.

[0138] It should also be noted that substrate 1010 is optional. Circuit path 1022 can be arranged in a cable that provides the connection between power converter 135 and load 118.

[0139] In a non-limiting example embodiment, load 118 is disposed on its own substrate, independent of substrate 1010; the substrate of load 118 is directly or indirectly connected to substrate 1010. Any part of controller 140 or power converter 135 may be disposed on a smaller, separate board inserted into a slot in substrate 1010.

[0140] The assembler 1040 couples the voltage converter 165 to the load 118 via one or more circuit paths 1022 (such as one or more traces, cables, connectors, wires, conductors, conductive paths, etc.). In one embodiment, the circuit path 1022 delivers the output voltage 123 generated by the voltage converter 165 to the load 118.

[0141] Therefore, embodiments herein include a system comprising: a substrate 1010 (e.g., a circuit board, a stand-alone board, a motherboard, a stand-alone board pre-coupled to the motherboard, a host, etc.); a voltage converter 165 including corresponding components as described herein; and a load 118. As previously described, the load 118 is powered based on the transmission of an output voltage 123 and the transmission of a corresponding current 122 from the voltage converter 165 to the load 118 along one or more circuit paths 1022.

[0142] Note that load 118 can be any suitable circuitry or hardware, such as one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), and ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits, such as those that include one or more AI accelerators), which can be on substrate 1010 or located in a remote location.

[0143] It should be noted again that the techniques described herein are well-suited for circuit applications such as those implementing power conversion. However, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to such applications, and the techniques discussed herein are also well-suited for other applications.

[0144] Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the claimed subject matter. Certain portions of the detailed embodiments are presented as algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digital signals stored in the memory of a computing system such as computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the field of data processing to convey the essence of their work to others of ordinary skill in the art. The algorithms described herein are generally considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processes that result in a desired result. In this context, the operation or process involves the physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not essential, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. It is sometimes convenient to refer to these signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, items, numbers, etc., primarily for general reasons. However, it should be understood that all these and similar terms are associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient notations. Unless otherwise specifically stated, as is evident from the following discussion, it should be understood that in this specification, discussions using terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “operation,” and “determining” refer to the actions or processes of a computing platform such as a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulates or transforms data of electronic or magnetic physical quantities represented in the platform’s memory, registers, or other information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0145] Although the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. These changes are intended to be covered by the scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing description of embodiments of the invention is not restrictive. Rather, any limitations of the invention are presented in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for simulating current, comprising: At different points in time, simulated output current values ​​representing the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load are generated; During the first duration, the simulated output current value is adjusted based on the actual measurement results of the supplied current; During the second duration, the simulated output current value is generated without any adjustment derived from the actual measurement of the supplied current; Control the operation of a power converter that generates the output voltage based at least in part on the simulated output current value; as well as In response to a trigger condition that detects the load powered by the output voltage experiencing a transient current consumption condition, the adjustment is prevented from being applied to the simulated output current value during the second duration.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The frequency of operation of the power converter that generates the output voltage is monitored and controlled. as well as In response to the detection of the frequency change, the application of the adjustment to the simulated output current value is disabled.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: During both the first and second durations: a reference voltage setpoint signal is derived based on the amplitude of the simulated output current value; as well as The power converter adjusts the generation of the output voltage based on the reference voltage setpoint signal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the power converter performs load line adjustment during the conversion of the input voltage to the output voltage.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The simulated output current value is used to control the operation of the power converter operating in constant on-time control mode.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The simulated output current value is derived from the inductor current simulation information; as well as Providing adjustment to the simulated output current value during the first duration includes: biasing the magnitude of the simulated output current value to track the magnitude of the actual measured result of the supplied current.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein for each of a plurality of sampling times, the inductor current simulation information is assigned to an estimated output current amount of the load.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Based on the switching control state of the power converter applied to generate the output voltage, an estimated change in the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load is generated for each of a plurality of sampling times.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the simulated output current value comprises: For each of the multiple sampling times, estimate the change in the amount of current supplied from the voltage across the inductor to the load; as well as The simulated output current value is derived from the changes estimated during the first duration and the second duration.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: An analog-to-digital converter is implemented to generate the actual measurement result of the supplied current; as well as The simulated output current value is a more accurate representation of the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load compared to the actual measurement of the supplied current obtained via the analog-to-digital converter during the second duration.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A timer is implemented such that, after a certain amount of time following the second duration after the adjustment is disabled, the simulated output current value is generated based on the actual measurement of the supplied current.

12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The simulated output current value is generated based on the inductance of the power converter that converts the input voltage into the output voltage.

13. A power supply device, comprising: A simulator capable of being operated to generate simulated output current values ​​representing the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load at different points in time; A controller, operable to adjust the output voltage based on the simulated output current value; as well as Compensator, the compensator being operable to: i) During the first duration, enable adjustment of the simulated output current value based on the measurement results of the supplied current; as well as ii) During the second duration, disable adjustments to the simulated output current value based on measurements of the supplied current. The compensator can also be operated to: In response to a trigger condition that detects the load powered by the output voltage experiencing a transient current consumption condition, adjustment of the simulated output current value is disabled.

14. The power supply device according to claim 13, further comprising: A monitoring resource, which can be operated to monitor the frequency of operation of the power converter that generates the output voltage; as well as The compensator can also be operated to disable the adjustment of the simulated output current value in response to detecting a change in the frequency.

15. The power supply device of claim 13, wherein the compensator is further operable to: During both the first and second durations: a reference voltage setpoint signal is derived based on the amplitude of the simulated output current value; and The generation of the output voltage is adjusted based on the reference voltage setpoint signal.

16. The power supply device of claim 15, wherein the compensator is operable to perform load line adjustment during the conversion of the input voltage to the output voltage.

17. The power supply device of claim 14, wherein the compensator is further operable to: The operation of the power converter, which operates in a constant on-time control mode, is controlled using the simulated output current value, and the power converter generates the output voltage based at least in part on the amplitude of the simulated output current value.

18. The power supply device of claim 14, wherein the simulator is further operable to: derive the simulated output current value from inductor current simulation information; and The compensator can also be operated to bias the magnitude of the simulated output current value via the adjustment to track the magnitude of the actual measured result of the supplied current.

19. The power supply device of claim 18, wherein for each of a plurality of sampling times, the inductor current simulation information specifies an estimated change in the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load.

20. The power supply device of claim 19, wherein the simulator is further operable to: Based on the switching control state of the power converter that generates the output voltage, an estimated change in the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load is generated for each of a plurality of sampling times.

21. The power supply device of claim 13, wherein the simulator is further operable to: For each of the multiple sampling times, estimate the change in the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load; and The simulated output current value is derived from the changes estimated during the first duration and the second duration.

22. The power supply device according to claim 13, further comprising: An analog-to-digital converter, which can be operated to produce an actual measurement of the supplied current; as well as The simulated output current value is a more accurate representation of the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load compared to the actual measurement of the supplied current obtained via the analog-to-digital converter during the second duration.

23. The power supply device according to claim 13, further comprising: A timer that can be operated to generate the simulated output current value based on an actual measurement of the supplied current, after a certain amount of time following the second duration after the adjustment is disabled.

24. The power supply device of claim 13, wherein the simulator is further operable to: The simulated output current value is generated based on the inductance of the power converter that converts the input voltage into the output voltage.

25. A computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, the instructions causing the computer processor hardware, when executed by computer processor hardware, to: At different points in time, simulated output current values ​​representing the amount of current supplied from the output voltage to the load are generated; During the first duration, adjustments to the simulated output current value are provided based on actual measurements of the supplied current; During the second duration, the adjustment of the simulated output current value based on the actual measurement results of the supplied current is stopped; and In response to a trigger condition that detects the load powered by the output voltage experiencing a transient current consumption condition, the adjustment is prevented from being applied to the simulated output current value during the second duration.

26. A power supply system, comprising: Circuit substrate; The power supply device according to claim 13, wherein the power supply device is coupled to the circuit substrate; and The load is coupled to the substrate.

27. A method for manufacturing a circuit, comprising: Acceptor circuit substrate; as well as The device according to claim 13 is coupled to the circuit substrate.

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