Voltage regulating device and method for regulating voltage, direct voltage transforming device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a voltage regulating device and a method for regulating voltage, and a direct current voltage conversion device, and belongs to the technical field of circuits. The voltage regulating device comprises a driving module, a load detection module and at least two power output modules. The first ends of the power output modules are connected together, and the connection node is a first node. The second ends of the power output modules are connected together, and the connection node is a second node. The driving module is connected to the first node. The load detection module is connected between the second node and the driving module. The load detection module is configured to detect the load of the voltage regulating device and feed back the detection result to the driving module. The driving module is configured to respond to a first square wave signal, output a control signal according to the detection result of the load detection module, and select one power output module. The power output module is configured to respond to the control signal and convert the first direct current voltage based on the first square wave signal to output a second square wave signal to obtain a second direct current voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure belongs to the field of circuit technology, specifically relating to a voltage regulation device and a method for regulating voltage, and a DC transformer. Background Technology

[0002] A voltage regulator can convert a fluctuating voltage into a stable voltage with a certain driving capability, or increase or decrease the input voltage. The main control loop samples the output voltage and feeds it back to the loop control module. The feedback voltage and the reference voltage are processed and compared by the loop control circuit to obtain a square wave signal, which is used to drive the power output module. Then, the square wave signal is filtered by a filtering circuit into a stable voltage with less ripple.

[0003] Currently, most voltage regulator designs employ two main control methods: 1. No processing is done for light and heavy loads; both are controlled using PWM. Although the frequency is fixed and the noise introduced is relatively small, this circuit is extremely inefficient under light loads. 2. When a light load is detected, PSM control is used to reduce the switching frequency. Although this method is highly efficient under light loads, reducing the switching frequency may lead to an unstable operating frequency, increased output voltage ripple, and even cause the voltage regulator's operating frequency to enter the audio frequency range. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a voltage regulation device and a DC transformer.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a voltage regulation device, the voltage regulation device comprising: a drive module, a load detection module, and at least two power output modules;

[0006] The first ends of each of the at least two power output modules are connected together, and the connection node is the first node; the second ends of each of the at least two power output modules are connected together, and the connection node is the second node; the drive module is connected to the first node; and the load detection module is connected between the second node and the drive module.

[0007] The load detection module is configured to detect the load of the voltage regulation device and feed the detection result back to the drive module;

[0008] The drive module is configured to respond to a second square wave signal and output a control signal based on the detection result of the load detection module, thereby selecting at least one of the at least two power output modules to operate.

[0009] The power output module is configured to respond to the control signal and convert the first DC voltage based on the first square wave signal to output the second square wave signal to obtain the second DC voltage.

[0010] The voltage regulation device further includes a sampling feedback module and a loop control module;

[0011] The sampling feedback module is configured to collect the second DC voltage as the feedback voltage and feed it back to the loop control module;

[0012] The loop control module is configured to generate a first square wave signal based on the feedback voltage and the reference voltage.

[0013] The loop control module includes an error amplifier and a PWM comparator.

[0014] The inverting input of the error amplifier is connected to the sampling feedback module, the non-inverting input is connected to the reference voltage terminal, and the output is connected to the non-inverting input of the PWM comparator.

[0015] The inverting input of the PWM comparator is connected to the ramp generation module and the sampling module, and the output is connected to the drive module. The ramp generation module provides a sawtooth wave voltage, and the sampling module provides a sampling voltage. The first square wave signal is generated based on the sawtooth wave voltage and the sampling voltage.

[0016] The voltage regulation device further includes a filtering module;

[0017] The filtering module is connected to the second node and is configured to filter the second square wave signal output by the second node to obtain a continuous DC voltage output signal in response to the second square wave signal output by the second node.

[0018] The filtering module is an LRC filter.

[0019] When the power output modules are working, the frequency and duty cycle of the square wave signal output from the second terminal of each power output module are the same.

[0020] The control signals are all square wave signals; the frequency and duty cycle of each drive signal are the same as those of the first square wave signal.

[0021] The frequency and duty cycle of the second square wave signal are the same as those of the first square wave signal; the rising edge and falling edge of the second square wave signal are the same as or different from those of the first square wave signal.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for adjusting voltage using a voltage regulating device. The method includes adjusting voltage using the voltage regulating device described in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments. The voltage regulating device includes: a drive module, a load detection module, and at least two power output modules; the first ends of each of the at least two power output modules are connected together, and the connection node is a first node; the second ends of each of the at least two power output modules are connected together, and the connection node is a second node; the drive module is connected to the first node; and the load detection module is connected between the second node and the drive module. The method for adjusting voltage using the voltage regulating device includes:

[0023] The load detection module detects the load of the voltage regulation device and feeds back the detection result to the drive module, thereby selecting the power output module that needs to work;

[0024] The drive module responds to the first square wave signal and, based on the detection result of the load detection module, selects at least one of the at least two power output modules and outputs a control signal.

[0025] The power output module responds to the control signal and converts the first DC voltage based on the first square wave signal to output the second square wave signal to obtain the second DC voltage.

[0026] The voltage regulation device further includes: a loop control module and a sampling feedback module; the method for regulating voltage using the voltage regulation device further includes:

[0027] The sampling feedback module collects the second DC voltage as the feedback voltage and feeds it back to the loop control module.

[0028] The loop control module compares the reference voltage and the feedback voltage, and generates a first square wave signal based on the comparison result.

[0029] The voltage regulating device further includes a filtering module connected to the second node; the method for regulating voltage using the voltage regulating device further includes:

[0030] The filtering module filters the second square wave signal output by the second node to obtain a continuous second DC voltage.

[0031] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a DC transformer device, the DC voltage device including any of the voltage regulating devices described above. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary voltage regulation device;

[0033] Figure 1b for Figure 1a The circuit diagram of the voltage regulation device shown is shown.

[0034] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of another exemplary voltage regulation device;

[0035] Figure 2b for Figure 2a The circuit diagram of the voltage regulation device shown is shown.

[0036] Figure 3a A schematic diagram of a voltage regulation device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 3b for Figure 3a The circuit diagram of the voltage regulation device shown is shown.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a method for adjusting voltage using a voltage regulating device, as provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an,” “a,” or “the,” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “including,” “comprising,” or “containing,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected,” “linked,” or similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.

[0041] A voltage regulator can convert a fluctuating voltage into a stable voltage with a certain driving capability, or increase or decrease the input voltage. The main control loop samples the output voltage and feeds it back to the loop control module. The feedback voltage and the reference voltage are processed and compared by the loop control circuit to obtain a square wave signal, which is used to drive the power output module. Then, the square wave signal is filtered by a filtering circuit into a stable voltage with less ripple.

[0042] Currently, most voltage regulator designs employ two main control methods: 1. No processing is done for light and heavy loads, resulting in extremely low efficiency under light loads; 2. When a light load is detected, the switching frequency is reduced. However, reducing the switching frequency may lead to an unstable operating frequency, increased output voltage ripple, and even cause the voltage regulator's operating frequency to enter the audio band.

[0043] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary voltage regulation device, such as... Figure 1a As shown, the voltage regulation device includes a loop control module 5, a drive module 2, a power output module 3, a filter module 6, a sampling feedback module 4, and a load module 7. The sampling feedback module 4 acquires a second DC voltage VDD2 as a feedback voltage VFB and feeds it back to the loop control module 5. The loop control module 5 generates a first square wave signal PWM based on the feedback voltage VFB and the reference voltage VREF. The drive module 2 responds to the second square wave signal SW and outputs a control signal GD to the power output module 3. The power output module 3 responds to the control signal GD and converts the first DC voltage VDD1 based on the first square wave signal PWM, outputting the second square wave signal SW. The filter module 6 responds to the second square wave signal SW and filters it to obtain a continuous DC voltage output signal. The voltage regulation device in this scheme has a relatively fixed output load range and cannot be adjusted according to load changes.

[0044] Figure 1b This is a circuit diagram of a voltage regulation device. (Example:) Figure 1b As shown, the sampling feedback module 4 may include a first voltage divider resistor R. fb1 Second voltage divider resistor R fb2 The loop control module 5 includes an error amplifier gm, a first comparator (PWM Comparer), an SR latch, and a capacitor. Cref ,capacitance Ccomp and resistance R comp The drive module 2 includes a first drive sub-circuit and a second drive sub-circuit. The power output module 3 includes an inductor L, a first transistor LS, a second transistor HS1, and a load capacitor Cout. The filter module 6 consists of a capacitor C1 and a resistor R1. The load module 7 can be composed of a resistor R2.

[0045] Specifically, the first voltage divider resistor R fb1 The first terminal is electrically connected to the output voltage Vout terminal, and the first voltage divider resistor R fb1 The second terminal and the second voltage divider resistor R fb2 The first terminal is electrically connected to the inverting input terminal of the error amplifier gm, and the second voltage divider resistor R fb2 The second terminal is electrically connected to the first reference voltage terminal. The first reference voltage terminal can be a ground terminal, and in this embodiment, it is used as an example. Capacitor Ccomp and resistance R comp The two are connected in series, and simultaneously connected to a capacitor. Cref Parallel connection, and capacitor Ccomp and resistance R comp One end of the series connection is connected to the output of the error amplifier gm and the inverting input of the first comparator PWM Comparer, while the other end is connected to ground. The non-inverting input of the first comparator PWM Comparer is configured to receive the sawtooth wave signal V. slope The output of the first comparator (PWM Comparer) is connected to the R terminal of the SR latch. The S terminal of the SR latch is configured to receive the clock signal (Clock). The Q terminal of the SR latch is connected to the driver module. The first terminal of the inductor L is electrically connected to the input voltage Vin. The second terminal of the inductor L is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first transistor LS and the first terminal of the second transistor HS1. The second terminal of the first transistor LS is electrically connected to the second reference voltage terminal. The control terminal of the first transistor LS is electrically connected to the first driver sub-circuit. The second terminal of the second transistor HS1 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the load capacitor Cout. The control terminal of the second transistor HS1 is electrically connected to the second driver sub-circuit. Figure 2a A schematic diagram of another exemplary voltage regulation device, such as Figure 2aAs shown, the voltage regulation device includes a loop control module 5, a drive module 2, a power output module 3, a filter module 6, a sampling feedback module 4, a load detection module 1, and a load module 7. The sampling feedback module 4 acquires a second DC voltage VDD2 as a feedback voltage VFB and feeds it back to the loop control module 5. The load detection module 1 detects the current or voltage required by the load in the voltage regulation device and feeds it back to the loop control module 5. The loop control module 5 generates a first square wave signal PWM based on the feedback voltage VFB, the reference voltage VREF, and the load detected by the load detection module 1. The drive module 2 responds to the first square wave signal PWM by increasing its amplitude and outputting a control signal GD to the power output module 3. The power output module 3 responds to the control signal GD and converts the first DC voltage VDD1 based on the first square wave signal PWM, outputting a second square wave signal SW. The filter module 6 responds to the second square wave signal SW by filtering it to obtain a continuous DC voltage output signal. The voltage regulation device in this scheme detects the magnitude of the load current or voltage through the load detection module 1, and adjusts the duty cycle and frequency of the first square wave signal PWM accordingly based on the load detection result.

[0046] Figure 2b for Figure 2a Circuit diagram of a voltage regulation device; such as Figure 2b As shown, in this circuit, with Figure 1b The only difference is that the specific structure of the load detection module 1 is disclosed, which includes a load current detection ADC, a resistor R3, and an adder to detect the current or voltage required by the load in the voltage regulation device and feed it back to the non-inverting input of the first comparator PWM Comparer. The rest of the structure is the same as before. Figure 1b The same applies here, so I will not repeat it here.

[0047] Reference Figure 2aThe power output module 3 operates based on the square wave signal provided by the drive module 2. Typically, the switch in the power output module 3 is a transistor. The square wave signal provided by the drive module 2 is sent to the control electrode of the transistor to control its on and off states. The power output module 3 includes energy storage elements such as inductors and capacitors. These energy storage elements store the electrical energy provided by the first DC voltage VDD1 input to the power output module 3 and then release it through the output terminal. The output power or voltage is related to the duty cycle and frequency of the square wave signal provided by the drive module 2. Under heavy load conditions requiring high current or high voltage output, the square wave signal has a larger duty cycle and a higher frequency; under light load conditions requiring lower current or lower voltage output, the square wave signal has a smaller duty cycle and a lower frequency. When the loop control module 5 detects that the output current or voltage reaches or exceeds the upper limit of the voltage or current required by the load, the generated square wave signal may have an unstable operating frequency or briefly stop working or skip cycles. This causes the square wave signal output by the power output module 3 to have an unstable frequency, which in turn makes the second DC voltage VDD2 filtered out by the filter module 6 not a continuous and stable voltage, which may generate ripple or cause the operating frequency of the entire voltage regulation device to enter the audio band (200 Hz-20000 Hz).

[0048] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a voltage regulation device, including multiple power output modules 3 for adjusting a first DC voltage VDD1 to obtain a required second DC voltage VDD2, and improves the working efficiency and stability of the voltage regulation device under light load conditions, prevents the work from stopping due to cycle skipping in the light load working mode and excessive changes in the switching frequency, thereby preventing ripple from the final output second DC voltage VDD2.

[0049] The voltage regulation device and voltage regulation method in the embodiments of this disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0050] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a voltage regulation device. Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of a voltage regulation device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 3aAs shown, the voltage regulation device includes: a drive module 2, a load detection module 1, and at least two power output modules 3; the first ends of each power output module 3 are connected together, and the connection node is the first node; the second ends of each power output module 3 are connected together, and the connection node is the second node; the drive module 2 is connected to the first node; the load detection module 1 is connected between the second node and the drive module 2; the load detection module 1 detects the load of the voltage regulation device and feeds back the detection result to the drive module 2; the drive module 2 is configured to respond to a first square wave signal PWM, and output a control signal GD according to the detection result of the load detection module 1, and select at least one power output module 3 to work; the power output module 3 is configured to respond to the control signal GD, and convert the first DC voltage VDD1 based on the first square wave signal PWM, and output a second square wave signal SW to obtain a second DC voltage VDD2.

[0051] Specifically, multiple power output modules 3 are connected in parallel. Each first terminal is connected to the drive module 2, and the connection node of each first terminal is the first node. Each second terminal is connected to the load detection module 1, and the connection node of each second terminal is the second node. The drive module 2 pre-stores control signals GD corresponding to each power output module 3 for driving the power output modules 3 to work. The load detection module 1 detects the current or voltage required by the load of the voltage regulator and feeds back the detection result to the drive module 2. The drive module 2 selects the corresponding control signal GD according to the feedback result. Under the selection and drive of the control signal GD, the power output module 3 corresponding to the control signal GD starts to convert the first DC voltage VDD1 according to the first square wave signal PWM and outputs the adjusted second square wave signal SW. By setting multiple power output modules 3, different power output modules 3 are selected to adjust the final output voltage or current under different working conditions to reduce the change of the operating frequency of the voltage regulator, thereby reducing the ripple of the final output DC voltage signal. In particular, in the light load working mode, the working efficiency is improved, and the operation will not stop due to the low required output voltage or power.

[0052] Furthermore, each control signal GD is a square wave signal; the frequency and duty cycle of each drive signal are the same as those of the first square wave signal PWM. This can be understood as the drive module 2 amplifying the amplitude of the first square wave signal PWM to generate the corresponding control signal GD for the selected power output module 3, which drives the power output module 3 to operate. Correspondingly, when each power output module 3 is operating, the frequency and duty cycle of the square wave signal output from its second terminal are the same. When only one power output module 3 is operating, its output square wave signal is the second square wave signal SW. When two or more power output modules 3 are operating, the square waves output by each power output module 3 are superimposed to obtain the second square wave signal SW. Each power output module 3 is selected by the drive module 2. When the required output power is large, multiple power output modules 3 are selected to output simultaneously according to the output requirements. At this time, the frequency and duty cycle of the square wave signal output from the second terminal of each operating power output module 3 are the same.

[0053] In this embodiment, taking the number of power output modules 3 in the voltage regulation device as n, where n≥2 and n is an integer, one control signal (GD1-GDn) corresponds to each of the n power output modules 3. In this embodiment, the load detection module 1 detects the load current of the voltage regulation device; the relationship between the load currents output by the 1st to nth power output modules 3 is that the latter is twice the former, which is used as an example. In this case, the maximum current that the voltage regulation device can output is 2... n+1 When the required load current is less than I, only the first power output module 3 needs to be activated. When the required load current is between I and 2I, the second power output module 3 is activated, and the maximum load current that the second power output module 3 can output is 2I. When the required load current is between 2I and 3I, both the first and second power output modules 3 are activated. When the required load current is between 3I and 4I, the third power output module 3 is activated, and the maximum load current that the third power output module 3 can output is 4I. This process continues until the required load current is between (2I and 3I). n+1 -1)I-2 n+1 When I is in the middle, all power output modules 3 are turned on and work simultaneously.

[0054] By dividing the existing power output module 3 into multiple power output modules 3, and adjusting the number of operating power output modules 3, the maximum output load current or voltage can be controlled. When the load current or voltage is small, the voltage regulator is in a light-load state, activating the corresponding power output module 3 with a smaller output load current or voltage, or activating a smaller number of power output modules 3. When the load current or voltage is large, the voltage regulator is in a heavy-load state, activating the corresponding power output module 3 with a larger output load current or voltage, or activating a larger number of power output modules 3. When the number of power output modules 3 is sufficient, the duty cycle and frequency of the first square wave signal PWM output by the loop control module 5 can remain basically unchanged regardless of whether it is in a light-load or heavy-load operating mode, improving efficiency and reducing the possibility of ripple in the second DC voltage VDD2.

[0055] It should be noted that the load current or voltage that each power output module 3 can output can be the same, or they can be in other multiple or mathematical relationships. The specific setting method can be adjusted in the production according to actual needs, and no further specific limitations are made here.

[0056] In some examples, refer to Figure 3a The voltage regulation device includes not only the above-mentioned structure, but also a sampling feedback module 4 and a loop control module 5; the sampling feedback module 4 is configured to acquire the second DC voltage VDD2 as the feedback voltage VFB and feed it back to the loop control module 5; the loop control module 5 is configured to generate a first square wave signal PWM based on the feedback voltage VFB and the reference voltage VREF.

[0057] Specifically, the sampling feedback module 4 collects the second DC voltage VDD2 and feeds it back to the loop control module 5 for comparison with the reference voltage VREF. The loop control module 5 generates a first square wave signal PWM with a certain frequency and duty cycle based on the comparison result between the reference voltage VREF and the feedback voltage VFB.

[0058] Furthermore, the loop control module 5 includes an error amplifier and a PWM comparator. The inverting input of the error amplifier is connected to the sampling feedback module 4, the non-inverting input is connected to the reference voltage terminal VREF, and the output is connected to the non-inverting input of the PWM comparator. The inverting input of the PWM comparator is connected to the ramp generation module and the sampling module, and the output is connected to the drive module 2; wherein, the ramp generation module is used to provide a sawtooth wave voltage. The ramp generation module can be a ramp generator, for example, an oscillator, which directly generates a sawtooth wave voltage for the PWM comparator to output a square wave. The sampling module is used to sample the current in the voltage regulation device, typically sampling the current of the capacitor at the output terminal, and the sampling module outputs a sampling voltage based on the sampled current. The PWM comparator generates a first square wave signal based on the received sawtooth wave voltage and the sampling voltage. In this embodiment, an exemplary structure is provided, and no specific limitation is made.

[0059] The sampling feedback module 4 is connected to the inverting input of the PWM comparator, the non-inverting input of the PWM comparator is connected to the reference voltage VREF, and the output of the PWM comparator is electrically connected to the driver module 2. The PWM comparator directly compares the feedback voltage VFB with the reference voltage VREF to obtain a square wave signal, which is directly used as the first square wave signal PWM.

[0060] It should be noted that in this embodiment, only a comparator is used to generate a square wave, which simplifies the circuit to some extent. The loop control module 5 may include only a PWM comparator, or it may include a PWM comparator and an error amplifier. The error amplifier compares the reference voltage VREF and the feedback voltage VFB and amplifies the difference by a certain ratio to obtain the adjustment voltage. Then, it is used by the pulse width modulation comparator and the oscillator to generate a sawtooth wave with a certain period, and then the first square wave signal PWM is generated based on the sawtooth wave and the adjustment voltage. Those skilled in the art can adjust the loop control circuit according to actual use, but it must at least include a PWM comparator to compare the feedback voltage VFB and the reference voltage VREF to generate the first square wave signal PWM.

[0061] In some examples, refer to Figure 3a The voltage regulation device includes not only the above-described structure but also a filter module 6. The filter module 6 is connected to the second node and is configured to filter the second square wave signal SW output by the second node to obtain a continuous second DC voltage signal VDD2. The filter module 6 is an LRC filter.

[0062] Furthermore, the output terminal of the filter module 6 is connected to a load module 7. The load module 7 can be a resistive load, such as an incandescent lamp or an electric furnace, or an electronic load, such as a transistor.

[0063] Figure 3b for Figure 3a The circuit diagram of the voltage regulation device shown is as follows: Figure 3b As shown in the diagram, this structure is similar to... Figure 2b Compared to the structures shown, the only difference is that there are multiple power output modules 3, and correspondingly, multiple drive sub-circuits in the drive module 2. The specific structure of each power output module 3 is the same as... Figure 3b The same applies here, so I will not repeat it here.

[0064] To better illustrate the voltage regulation device of this disclosure embodiment, a specific example will be used to describe the voltage regulation device of this disclosure embodiment. As shown in FIG3, the voltage regulation device includes a sampling feedback module 4, a loop control module 5, a load detection module 1, a drive module 2, at least two power output modules 3, a filter module 6, and a load module 7. The first ends of each power output module 3 are connected, and their connection node is a first node; the second ends of each power output module 3 are connected, and their connection node is a second node; the drive module 2 is connected to the first node, and the load detection module 1 is connected between the second node and the drive module 2. The sampling feedback module 4 is connected to the output terminals of the loop control module 5 and the filter module 6. The sampling feedback module 4 samples the second DC voltage output by the filter module 6 to obtain a feedback voltage VFB. The feedback voltage VFB is transmitted to the loop control module 5. The loop control module 5 also includes an externally provided reference voltage VREF. The loop control module 5 compares the feedback voltage VFB and the reference voltage VREF and performs other processing to obtain a first square wave signal PWM with a certain duty cycle and frequency, and sends it to the drive module 2. At this time, the load detection module 1 detects the load of the voltage regulation device and feeds back the detection result to the drive module 2. The drive module 2 responds to the first square wave signal PWM and, based on the detection result of the load detection module 1, selects the pre-stored control signal GD of the drive module 2 to control the power output module 3 corresponding to the control signal GD to operate. One or more power output modules 3 operate according to the control signal GD, which is a square wave signal with the same duty cycle and frequency as the first square wave signal PWM. The power output module 3 converts the first DC voltage VDD1 and outputs a square wave signal, finally obtaining the second square wave signal SW. The filtering module 6 filters the second square wave signal SW received from the second node to obtain a continuous second DC voltage VDD2, which is used to drive the load devices on the load module 7.

[0065] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a method for adjusting voltage using a voltage regulating device. The voltage regulating device includes: a drive module 2, a load detection module 1, and at least two power output modules 3; the first ends of each power output module 3 are connected together, and the connection node is a first node; the second ends of each power output module 3 are connected together, and the connection node is a second node; the drive module 2 is connected to the first node, and the load detection module 1 is connected to the second node; the method for adjusting voltage using the voltage regulating device specifically includes:

[0066] S1: Load detection module 1 detects the load of the voltage regulator and feeds back the detection results to drive module 2, which then selects the power output module 3 that needs to work.

[0067] Specifically, the load detection module 1 detects the actual load of the voltage regulator and feeds back the detection results to the drive module 2, so that the drive module 2 can select the pre-stored control signal GD according to the detection results.

[0068] S2: The drive module 2 responds to the first square wave signal PWM and selects at least one power output module 3 and outputs a control signal GD according to the detection result of the load detection module 1;

[0069] Specifically, the drive module 2 receives the first square wave signal PWM. Based on the load detection by the load detection module 1, it selects the corresponding control signal GD. Each power output module 3 has a corresponding control signal GD. The selected control signal GD controls the corresponding power output module 3 to operate. Each control signal GD is pre-stored in the drive module 2 and can be distinguished by different clock domains or by binary representation; no further limitation is made here. The control signal GD is a square wave signal with the same duty cycle and frequency as the first square wave signal PWM, but with a slightly larger amplitude.

[0070] S3: Power output module 3 responds to control signal GD and converts first DC voltage VDD1 based on first square wave signal PWM to output second square wave signal SW to obtain second DC voltage VDD2.

[0071] Specifically, the power output module 3 typically uses a transistor as a switch, and the control signal GD is a square wave signal. The level of the control signal GD is applied to the control electrode of the transistor to control the transistor's conduction and turn-off, thereby controlling the switching of the power output module 3. The ratio of the on and off times of the power output module 3 is related to the duty cycle of the control signal GD; a larger duty cycle results in a larger output current or voltage. In this embodiment, the duty cycle and frequency of the control signal GD remain essentially constant. By selecting different power output modules 3 and changing the number of selected power output modules 3, the output power is changed, enabling operation in light-load and heavy-load modes without altering the operating frequency.

[0072] In some examples, the voltage regulation device further includes: a loop control module 5 and a sampling feedback module 4; correspondingly, the method for regulating the voltage by the voltage regulation device also includes:

[0073] S11: The sampling feedback module 4 collects the second DC voltage VDD2 as the feedback voltage VFB and feeds it back to the loop control module 5.

[0074] Specifically, the sampling feedback module 4 samples the second DC voltage VDD2 to obtain the feedback voltage VFB, which is then transmitted to the loop control module 5 for comparison with the reference voltage VREF.

[0075] S12: The loop control module 5 compares the reference voltage VREF and the feedback voltage VFB, and generates the first square wave signal PWM based on the comparison result.

[0076] Specifically, loop control module 5 compares the reference voltage VREF and the feedback voltage VFB using a comparator, and generates a first square wave signal PWM based on the comparison result. Loop control module 5 may also include an error amplifier, which compares the reference voltage VREF and the feedback voltage VFB and amplifies the difference by a certain ratio; the amplified comparison result is then compared with a sawtooth wave with a certain period generated by an oscillator using a pulse width modulation comparator, thereby generating the first square wave signal PWM.

[0077] In some examples, the voltage regulating device further includes a filter module 6, which is connected to a second node, the second node being the connection node for the second end of each power output module 3; the method for regulating voltage by the voltage regulating device further includes:

[0078] S21: The second square wave signal SW output by the second node is filtered by the filter module 6 to obtain a continuous second DC voltage VDD2.

[0079] Specifically, the filter can be an LRC filter.

[0080] To better illustrate the voltage regulation method of the voltage regulating device according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the method will be described in conjunction with specific examples. As shown in FIG3, the voltage regulating device includes a sampling feedback module 4, a loop control module 5, a load detection module 1, a drive module 2, at least two power output modules 3, a filter module 6, and a load module 7. The first ends of each power output module 3 are connected, and their connection node is a first node; the second ends of each power output module 3 are connected, and their connection node is a second node; the drive module 2 is connected to the first node, and the load detection module 1 is connected to the second node. The sampling feedback module 4 is connected to the output terminals of the loop control module 5 and the filter module 6. Figure 4 As shown, the method for adjusting voltage using the voltage regulating device in this embodiment specifically includes:

[0081] S101: The sampling feedback module 4 samples the second DC voltage VDD2 to obtain the feedback voltage VFB.

[0082] Specifically, the sampling feedback module 4 samples the second DC voltage VDD2 output by the filtering module 6 to obtain the feedback voltage VFB, which is then transmitted to the loop control module 5.

[0083] S102: Loop control module 5 generates the first square wave signal PWM.

[0084] Specifically, the loop control module 5 also includes an externally provided reference voltage VREF. The loop control module 5 compares the feedback voltage VFB and the reference voltage VREF and performs other processing to obtain a first square wave signal PWM with a certain duty cycle and frequency, and sends it to the drive module 2.

[0085] S103: Load detection module 1 detects the load of the voltage regulator.

[0086] Specifically, the load detection module 1 detects the load of the voltage regulator and feeds back the detection results to the drive module 2, so that the drive module 2 can select the pre-stored control signal GD according to the detection results.

[0087] S104: Drive module 2 sends control signal GD to the selected power output module 3.

[0088] Specifically, the drive module 2 responds to the first square wave signal PWM, and according to the detection result of the load detection module 1, selects the pre-existing control signal GD of the drive module 2 to control the power output module 3 corresponding to the control signal to work.

[0089] S105: Power output module 3 operates according to control signal GD to obtain the second square wave signal SW.

[0090] Specifically, one or more power output modules 3 operate according to the control signal GD, which is a square wave signal with the same duty cycle and frequency as the first square wave signal PWM. The power output module 3 converts the first DC voltage VDD1 and outputs a square wave signal, ultimately obtaining the second square wave signal SW.

[0091] S106: Filter module 6 converts the second square wave signal SW into the second DC voltage VDD2.

[0092] Specifically, the filtering module 6 filters the second square wave signal SW received from the second node to obtain a continuous second DC voltage VDD2, which is used to drive the load device on the load module 7.

[0093] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a DC transformer device that can be used as a DC transformer capable of outputting a stable voltage.

[0094] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A voltage regulating device, characterized in that, The voltage regulation device includes: a drive module, a load detection module, and at least two power output modules; The first ends of each of the at least two power output modules are connected together, and the connection node is the first node; the second ends of each of the at least two power output modules are connected together, and the connection node is the second node; the drive module is connected to the first node; and the load detection module is connected between the second node and the drive module. The load detection module is configured to detect the load of the voltage regulation device and feed the detection result back to the drive module; The drive module is configured to respond to a first square wave signal and output a control signal based on the detection result of the load detection module, and select at least one of the at least two power output modules to operate. The power output module is configured to respond to the control signal and convert the first DC voltage based on the first square wave signal to output a second square wave signal to obtain a second DC voltage.

2. The voltage regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage regulation device also includes a sampling feedback module and a loop control module; The sampling feedback module is configured to collect the second DC voltage as the feedback voltage and feed it back to the loop control module; The loop control module is configured to generate a first square wave signal based on the feedback voltage and the reference voltage.

3. The voltage regulating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The loop control module includes an error amplifier and a PWM comparator; The inverting input of the error amplifier is connected to the sampling feedback module, the non-inverting input is connected to the reference voltage terminal, and the output is connected to the non-inverting input of the PWM comparator. The inverting input of the PWM comparator is connected to the ramp generation module and the sampling module, and the output is connected to the drive module. The ramp generation module provides a sawtooth wave voltage, and the sampling module provides a sampling voltage. The first square wave signal is generated based on the sawtooth wave voltage and the sampling voltage.

4. The voltage regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The voltage regulation device also includes a filtering module; The filtering module is connected to the second node and is configured to filter the second square wave signal output by the second node to obtain a continuous DC voltage output signal in response to the second square wave signal output by the second node.

5. The voltage regulating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filtering module is an LRC filter.

6. The voltage regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When each power output module is in operation, the frequency and duty cycle of the square wave signal output from the second terminal of each power output module are the same.

7. The voltage regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the control signals is a square wave signal; the frequency and duty cycle of each of the control signals are the same as the frequency and duty cycle of the first square wave signal.

8. The voltage regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frequency and duty cycle of the second square wave signal are the same as those of the first square wave signal; the rising edge and falling edge of the second square wave signal are the same as or different from those of the first square wave signal.

9. A method for regulating voltage using a voltage regulating device, characterized in that, The method for regulating voltage using the voltage regulating device includes a method for regulating voltage using the voltage regulating device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the voltage regulating device includes: a drive module, a load detection module, and at least two power output modules; the first ends of each of the at least two power output modules are connected together, and the connection node is a first node; the second ends of each of the at least two power output modules are connected together, and the connection node is a second node; the drive module is connected to the first node; and the load detection module is connected between the second node and the drive module; the method for regulating voltage using the voltage regulating device includes: The load detection module detects the load of the voltage regulation device and feeds back the detection result to the drive module to select at least one of the at least two power output modules to work. The drive module responds to the first square wave signal and, based on the detection result of the load detection module, selects at least one of the at least two power output modules to output a control signal. The power output module responds to the control signal and converts the first DC voltage based on the first square wave signal to output the second square wave signal to obtain the second DC voltage.

10. The method for adjusting voltage using the voltage regulating device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The voltage regulating device further includes: a loop control module and a sampling feedback module; the method for regulating voltage using the voltage regulating device further includes: The sampling feedback module collects the second DC voltage as the feedback voltage and feeds it back to the loop control module. The loop control module compares the reference voltage and the feedback voltage, and generates a first square wave signal based on the comparison result.

11. The method for adjusting voltage using the voltage regulating device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The voltage regulating device further includes a filtering module connected to the second node; the method for regulating voltage using the voltage regulating device further includes: The filtering module filters the second square wave signal output by the second node to obtain a continuous second DC voltage.

12. A DC transformer device, characterized in that, The DC transformer includes the voltage regulating device as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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