Multiphase power regulator and its temperature balance control method

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a multiphase power regulator and a method for temperature balance control thereof. A method for temperature balance control in a multiphase power regulator includes: providing a multiphase power regulator comprising a controller and multiple power stages; the controller transmitting corresponding control signals to each power stage; each power stage including a temperature sampling unit; multiple outputs of the multiple temperature sampling units connected in parallel and outputting a temperature detection signal; and by sequentially adjusting the control signals of each power stage and detecting changes in the temperature detection signal, determining the power stage with the highest temperature, and lowering the temperature of that power stage to achieve a more balanced temperature distribution in the multiphase power regulator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a voltage regulator, and more particularly to a multiphase power supply regulator and its temperature balance control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of semiconductor technology, computers and related digital products are constantly being updated. In the integrated circuits used in computers and related digital products, the rapid development of semiconductor processes has led to more diverse power supply requirements. Various combinations of voltage regulators, such as boost converters and buck converters, are used to meet the different power needs of various integrated circuits, becoming a crucial factor in the ability to provide a wide range of digital products.

[0003] In various voltage regulation circuits, multiphase power supply regulators exhibit excellent performance in high-current or high-power applications. However, inconsistencies in the layout and design of multiphase power supplies can lead to inconsistent temperatures across phases, with some phases exhibiting lower temperatures while others remain higher. This reduces the reliability of the multiphase power supply and limits its power output capability. Therefore, controlling the temperature balance of multiphase power supply regulators is a crucial problem that needs to be addressed.

[0004] The "Prior Art" paragraph is only used to help understand the content of this invention. Therefore, the content disclosed in the "Prior Art" paragraph may include some prior art that does not constitute conventional art known to those skilled in the art. The content disclosed in the "Prior Art" paragraph does not mean that the content or the problem to be solved by one or more embodiments of this invention was known or recognized by those skilled in the art prior to this application. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a method for temperature balance control in a multiphase power regulator, which can effectively achieve temperature balance.

[0006] The present invention also provides a multiphase power regulator that can effectively achieve temperature balance.

[0007] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be further understood from the technical features disclosed herein.

[0008] The method for temperature balance control in a multiphase power regulator of the present invention includes the following steps: Step 1a: A multiphase power regulator is provided, the multiphase power regulator including a controller and multiple power stages, the controller transmitting corresponding multiple control signals to each of the power stages, each power stage including a temperature sampling unit, multiple output terminals of the multiple temperature sampling units being connected in parallel, and outputting a temperature detection signal. Step 1b: The controller sequentially adjusts the corresponding control signals of the multiple power stages, and the controller determines the output temperature detection signal. Step 1c: If the output temperature detection signal changes with the control signal, the power stage correspondingly adjusted is marked as a high-temperature power stage.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, after step 1c above, the following step is further included: Step 1d: The controller adjusts the control signal corresponding to the high-temperature power stage to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature power stage, and repeats steps 1b to 1c.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control signal is a pulse width modulation signal, and the controller adjusts the pulse width of the control signal.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, step 1b above further includes the controller increasing the pulse width of the control signal corresponding to the power stage and determining whether the output temperature detection signal has increased.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, step 1b above further includes the controller reducing the pulse width of the control signal corresponding to the power stage and determining whether the output temperature detection signal has decreased.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, step 1d above further includes the controller reducing the pulse width of the control signal corresponding to the high-temperature power stage, and repeating steps 1b to 1c.

[0014] The multiphase power regulator of the present invention includes a controller and multiple power stages. The controller transmits corresponding control signals to each of the power stages. Each power stage includes a temperature sampling unit, and multiple output terminals of the multiple temperature sampling units are connected in parallel to output a temperature detection signal. The temperature detection signal changes according to the control signal of at least one power stage, thereby balancing the temperature among the multiple power stages.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sampling unit includes a temperature sampling circuit, a pull-up circuit, and a pull-down circuit. The pull-up circuit and the pull-down circuit are respectively coupled to the temperature sampling circuit, and the pull-up circuit and the pull-down circuit are jointly connected to the output terminal of the temperature sampling unit.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the multiphase power regulator described above is configured to perform the following steps: Step 2a: The controller sequentially adjusts the corresponding control signals of the plurality of power levels, and the controller determines the output of the plurality of temperature detection signals. Step 2b: If the output temperature detection signal changes with the control signal, the power level corresponding to the adjustment is marked as a high-temperature power level. And Step 2c: The controller adjusts the control signal corresponding to the high-temperature power level to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature power level, and repeats steps 2a to 2b.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control signal is a pulse width modulation signal, and the controller adjusts the pulse width of the control signal.

[0018] Based on the above, the multiphase power regulator and its temperature balance control method provided by this invention can identify the power stage with the highest temperature by detecting whether the temperature detection signal output by the temperature detection circuit changes with the control signal, and can effectively achieve temperature uniformity among multiple power stages, thus significantly improving the reliability of the multiphase power regulator. The multiphase power regulator of this invention can fully utilize the power output capability of the multiphase power supply while improving its reliability.

[0019] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a multiphase power regulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a temperature balance control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a temperature balance control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control signals for a temperature balance control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a temperature balance control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the control signal of a temperature balance control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a temperature balance control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the control signal of a temperature balance control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The foregoing descriptions and other technical contents, features, and effects of this invention will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of one embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this document, the terminology used in the description of various embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, or is not intentionally limiting the number of components, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein also include the plural forms. On the other hand, the terms “comprising” and “including” are intended to be included, meaning that additional components may be present in addition to the listed components.

[0029] When a component is described as “connected” or “coupled” to another component, the component may be connected or coupled to the other component directly or through an intermediate component; additionally, it should be understood that the order of description of the various embodiments should not be construed as implying that operations or steps must depend on the order, and alternative embodiments may use a different order of steps, operations, methods, etc., to perform them.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a multiphase power regulator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multiphase power regulator 1 includes a controller C and multiple power stages 11, 12, and 13. The present invention does not limit the number of power stages included in the multiphase power regulator. This embodiment uses a multiphase power regulator 1 with three power stages 11, 12, and 13 as an example. The controller C transmits corresponding control signals C1, C2, and C3 to each of the power stages 11, 12, and 13. Each of the multiple power stages 11, 12, and 13 includes multiple temperature sampling units 111, 121, and 131. Multiple output terminals 113, 123, and 133 of the multiple temperature sampling units 111, 121, and 131 are connected in parallel and output a temperature detection signal TSENS.

[0031] In this embodiment, the plurality of temperature sampling units 111, 121, and 131 each include a plurality of temperature detection circuits 1111, 1211, and 1311. The plurality of temperature sampling units 111, 121, and 131 each include a plurality of pull-up circuits 1113, 1213, and 1313 and a plurality of pull-down circuits 1115, 1215, and 1315. The pull-up circuits 1113, 1213, and 1313 and the pull-down circuits 1115, 1215, and 1315 are respectively coupled to the temperature detection circuits 1111, 1211, and 1311, and are also commonly connected to the output terminals 113, 123, and 133 of the temperature sampling units 111, 121, and 131. The pull-up circuits 1113, 1213, and 1313 can be implemented using common methods in existing related technologies, such as including a field-effect transistor (FET) and a capacitor connected between the source and ground of the FET. The pull-down circuits 1115, 1215, and 1315 can also be implemented using common methods in existing related technologies, such as including a FET and a capacitor connected between the source and ground of the FET. In embodiments of the present invention, pull-up circuits 1113, 1213, and 1313 with strong pull-up capabilities and pull-down circuits 1115, 1215, and 1315 with weak pull-down capabilities can be selected. This allows the output terminals 113, 123, and 133 of the temperature sampling units 111, 121, and 131 to be directly connected in parallel, and the parallel output terminals 113, 123, and 133 to output the temperature detection signal TSENS corresponding to the highest temperature among the multiple power stages 11, 12, and 13.

[0032] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a temperature balance control method 100 for a multiphase power regulator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step S101a, the following is first provided: Figure 1The multiphase power regulator 1 shown includes a controller C and power stages 11, 12, and 13. Each power stage 11, 12, and 13 includes temperature sampling units 111, 121, and 131, respectively. The output terminals 113, 123, and 133 of the temperature sampling units 111, 121, and 131 are connected in parallel and output a temperature detection signal TSENS. The controller C sends corresponding control signals C1, C2, and C3 to each power stage 11, 12, and 13. Next, in step S103a, the controller C sequentially adjusts the multiple control signals C1, C2, and C3 of the multiple power stages 11, 12, and 13. In other words, when adjusting the control signals, only the control signal of a single power stage is adjusted. For example, when the control signal C1 of power stage 11 is adjusted first, the control signals C2 and C3 of power stages 12 and 13 are not adjusted. The controller C determines the output temperature detection signal TSENS.

[0033] Next, in step S105a, if the output temperature detection signal TSENS changes with the control signal, then the power stage being adjusted is marked as a high-temperature power stage. For example, operationally, first adjust the control signal C1 of power stage 11 (without adjusting the control signals C2 and C3 of power stages 12 and 13), and determine that the temperature detection signal TSENS output by power stage 11 changes with the control signal C1; then adjust the control signal C2 of power stage 12 (without adjusting the control signals C1 and C3 of power stages 11 and 13), and determine that the temperature detection signal TSENS output by power stage 12 changes with the control signal C2; then adjust the control signal C3 of power stage 13 (without adjusting the control signals C1 and C2 of power stages 11 and 12), and determine that the temperature detection signal TSENS output by power stage 13 changes with the control signal C3. If the temperature detection signal TSENS changes with the control signal C1, then the power level 11 corresponding to the adjustment is marked as a high-temperature power level. This marking action can be performed by the controller C, for example, by storing the number corresponding to the power level, or it can be performed by the corresponding high-temperature power level itself. In another embodiment, the marking does not need to correspond to an independent operation, but rather to the operation of adjusting the control signal of the high-temperature power level in subsequent steps.

[0034] Please also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a temperature balance control method 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control signals for the corresponding temperature balance control method 200. In this embodiment, control signals C1, C2, and C3 are pulse width modulation (PWM) signals. Figure 3 In this process, the control signals C1, C2, and C3 each have pulses S1, S2, and S3, respectively. Step S101b is the same as the aforementioned step S101a, but in step S103b, the controller C sequentially adjusts the pulse widths of the multiple control signals C1, C2, and C3 of the multiple power stages 11, 12, and 13, and determines whether the temperature detection signal TSENS output by the power stage 11, 12, and 13 changes with the control signals C1, C2, and C3. In embodiments of the present invention, the control signals can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the pulse width. Figure 4 The controller C is shown to reduce the width d1 of the pulse S1. The reduction of the width d1 can be in step S103b, where the controller C adjusts the pulse width of the control signals C1, C2, and C3, or it can be in step S107b as described below.

[0035] In step S105b, if the temperature detection signal TSENS changes with the width of the pulse S1, it indicates that the power level with the highest temperature is the one that changes. Then, the power level that is adjusted is marked as a high-temperature power level. In this embodiment, power level 11 is used as an example.

[0036] Next, in step S107b, the controller C reduces the pulse width of the control signal corresponding to the high-temperature power stage, for example, in Figure 3 In step S103b, the controller C reduces the width d1 of the pulse S1, thereby lowering the temperature of the high-temperature power stage and improving the temperature balance in the multiphase power supply. Then, it returns to step S103b to continue adjusting the corresponding control signals of multiple power stages sequentially and to detect the output temperature detection signal TSENS.

[0037] In step S105b, if the temperature detection signal TSENS does not change, it indicates that the temperature of the power level 11 corresponding to the control signal C1 is not the highest. At this time, the controller C can restore the pulse S1 of the control signal C1 to its original pulse width S1 (that is, increase the pulse width d1 again). Then, the control signals of other power levels are adjusted sequentially until the power level with the highest temperature is found and its control signal is adjusted so that the temperature of the high-temperature power level decreases.

[0038] In other embodiments of the present invention, the pulse width adjustment values ​​of each pulse S1, S2, and S3 can be different. At higher temperatures, a larger pulse width adjustment can be made. Therefore, through this temperature balance control method 200, the power stages 11, 12, and 13 can be effectively made to achieve uniform temperature, significantly improving the reliability of the multiphase power regulator 1.

[0039] Please combine Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a temperature balance control method 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the control signals for the corresponding temperature balance control method 300. Step S101c is the same as the aforementioned step S101a. However, in step S103c, the controller C sequentially adjusts the pulse widths of the multiple control signals C1, C2, and C3 of the multiple power stages 11, 12, and 13, and determines whether the temperature detection signal TSENS output by the power stages 11, 12, and 13 changes with the control signals C1, C2, and C3. In this embodiment, the method of adjusting the control signals in step S103c is to reduce the pulse width d2 of the control signal C1. Figure 6 The controller C is shown to reduce the width d2 of the pulse S1. The reduction of the width d2 can be in step S103c, where the controller C adjusts the pulse width of the control signals C1, C2, and C3, or it can be in step S107c as described below.

[0040] In step S105c, if the output temperature detection signal TSENS decreases with the control signal, then the power level C1 being adjusted is marked as a high-temperature power level. Next, in step S107c, the controller C adjusts the control signal corresponding to the high-temperature power level, causing the temperature of the high-temperature power level to decrease, and then returns to step S103c. Figure 5 , Figure 6 In the embodiments described above, the current settings can be maintained, that is, the pulse width of the control signal C1 can be set to be smaller (i.e., the pulse width after reducing the width d2).

[0041] In another embodiment, reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a temperature balance control method 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the control signals for the corresponding temperature balance control method 400. Step S101d is the same as the aforementioned step S101a. However, in step S103d, the controller C sequentially adjusts the pulse widths of the multiple control signals C1, C2, and C3 of the multiple power stages 11, 12, and 13, and determines whether the temperature detection signal TSENS output by the power stages 11, 12, and 13 changes with the control signals C1, C2, and C3. In this embodiment, the method of adjusting the control signals in step S103d is to increase the pulse width d3 of the control signal C1. Figure 8 The controller C is shown to reduce the width d3 of the pulse S1. The reduction of the width d3 can be in step S103d, where the controller C adjusts the pulse width of the control signals C1, C2, and C3, or it can be in step S107d as described below.

[0042] In step S105d, if the output temperature detection signal TSENS increases with the control signal, then the power level C1 being adjusted is marked as a high-temperature power level. Next, in step S107d, the controller C adjusts the control signal corresponding to the high-temperature power level, causing the temperature of the high-temperature power level to decrease, and then returns to step S103d.

[0043] The above figure is for illustrative purposes only. In various embodiments of the present invention, the adjustment values ​​d1, d2 and d3 may be different; in addition, the pulse width adjustment values ​​of the control signals C1, C2 and C3 may also be different.

[0044] In this way, the temperature balance control method can make the power stages 11, 12 and 13 reach a uniform temperature, which greatly improves the reliability of the multiphase power regulator 1.

[0045] In summary, this invention provides a multiphase power regulator and its temperature balance control method. By detecting whether the temperature detection signal output by the temperature detection circuit changes with the control signal, the power stage with the highest temperature can be identified, and the control signal of the high-temperature power stage can be adjusted accordingly, allowing multiple power stages to effectively achieve temperature uniformity and significantly improving the reliability of the multiphase power regulator. The multiphase power regulator of this invention can fully utilize the power output capability of a multiphase power supply while simultaneously improving its reliability.

[0046] [Explanation of Diagram Symbols]

[0047] 1: Multiphase power regulator

[0048] 100, 200, 300, 400: Temperature balance control methods

[0049] 11, 12, 13: Power Stage

[0050] 111, 121, 131: Temperature sampling units

[0051] 113, 123, 133: Output terminals

[0052] 1111, 1211, 1311: Temperature detection circuit

[0053] 1113, 1213, 1313: Pull-up circuits

[0054] 1115, 1215, 1315: Pull-down circuits

[0055] C: Controller

[0056] C1, C2, C3: Control signals

[0057] d1, d2, d3: Width

[0058] S1, S2, S3: Pulse

[0059] TSENS: Temperature detection signal

[0060] S101a, S103a, S105a, S107a: Steps

[0061] S101b, S103b, S105b, S107b: Steps

[0062] S101c, S103c, S105c, S107c: Steps

[0063] S101d, S103d, S105d, S107d: Steps.

Claims

1. A method for temperature balance control in a multiphase power regulator, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1a: Provide a multiphase power regulator, which includes a controller and multiple power stages. The controller sends corresponding control signals to each power stage. Each power stage includes a temperature sampling unit. Multiple output terminals of multiple temperature sampling units are connected in parallel and output a temperature detection signal. Step 1b: The controller sequentially adjusts the control signals corresponding to the multiple power levels, and the controller determines the output temperature detection signal; Step 1c: If the output temperature detection signal changes with the control signal, then mark the corresponding adjusted power level as a high-temperature power level; as well as Step 1d: The controller adjusts the control signal corresponding to the high-temperature power stage to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature power stage, and repeats steps 1b to 1c.

2. The temperature balance control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control signal is a pulse width modulation signal, and the controller adjusts the pulse width of the control signal.

3. The temperature balance control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Step 1b further includes the controller increasing the pulse width of the control signal corresponding to the power stage and determining whether the output temperature detection signal has increased.

4. The temperature balance control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Step 1b further includes the controller reducing the pulse width of the control signal corresponding to the power stage and determining whether the output temperature detection signal has decreased.

5. The temperature balance control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Step 1d further includes the controller reducing the pulse width of the control signal corresponding to the high-temperature power stage, and repeating steps 1b to 1c.

6. A multiphase power regulator, characterized in that, include: One controller; as well as Multiple power levels, and the controller transmits corresponding control signals to each power level respectively; Each power stage includes a temperature sampling unit, and multiple outputs of multiple temperature sampling units are connected in parallel to output a temperature detection signal; wherein the temperature detection signal changes with the adjustment of the control signal corresponding to at least one power stage, thereby balancing the temperature among the multiple power stages, and the multiphase power regulator is configured to perform the following steps: Step 2a: The controller sequentially adjusts the control signals corresponding to the multiple power levels, and the controller determines the output temperature detection signal; Step 2b: If the output temperature detection signal changes with the control signal, then mark the corresponding adjusted power level as a high-temperature power level; and Step 2c: The controller adjusts the control signal corresponding to the high-temperature power stage to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature power stage, and repeats steps 2a to 2b.

7. The multiphase power regulator as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The temperature sampling unit includes a temperature sampling circuit, a pull-up circuit, and a pull-down circuit. The pull-up circuit and the pull-down circuit are respectively coupled to the temperature sampling circuit, and the pull-up circuit and the pull-down circuit are jointly connected to the output terminal of the temperature sampling unit.

8. The multiphase power regulator as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The control signal is a pulse width modulation signal, and the controller adjusts the pulse width of the control signal.

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