Scalable switched capacitor voltage regulator

Abstract

The invention relates to a scalable switched capacitor voltage regulator. A solution for regulating the voltage of a wide range of integrated circuits (ICs) using multiple switched capacitor voltage regulator circuits is disclosed. A system may include a plurality of circuits configured to provide a voltage output in response to a voltage input. Each circuit may include a plurality of switches and one or more capacitors and may be coupled in parallel with each of other circuits of the plurality of circuits such that an input of each circuit is coupled to the voltage input and an output of each circuit is coupled to the voltage output. The plurality of switches of each circuit may be configured to switch on and off at a phase different from a phase of at least one further plurality of switches of another circuit of the plurality of circuits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to voltage regulators, including but not limited to switched capacitor voltage regulators. Background Art

[0002] Voltage regulators can be used to maintain a stable output voltage for circuits and devices used in a variety of applications. Voltage regulators can utilize varying or unregulated voltages and provide a stable voltage output. Voltage regulators can vary based on design and they can provide varying efficiency, cost, and performance characteristics. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to scalable switched capacitor voltage regulators that can power a wide range of circuit systems from below a die on which the circuit system is mounted. Circuit systems (e.g., integrated circuit systems or ICs) typically rely on voltage regulators to convert input voltages from power supplies into more stable voltage outputs, thereby powering the circuit systems at input levels desired by the circuit systems. However, in order to accommodate the varying voltage levels utilized by different circuit systems across different applications and systems, voltage regulators, such as switched capacitor voltage regulators (SCVRs), may be individually redesigned for each specific application. Therefore, supplying specific power and stability preferences for each different circuit system that has its input power regulated by a voltage regulator typically involves redesigning the voltage regulator for the specific application, thereby increasing complexity, cost, and inefficiency. Furthermore, placing voltage regulators around the outer periphery of the circuit system being powered can be challenging because space around the periphery of the circuit system can be limited. The present solution overcomes these challenges by providing a scalable voltage regulator design that accommodates a wide range of circuitry while connecting to the circuitry from beneath the die in which it is formed, thereby not utilizing the limited space around the outer perimeter of the circuitry.

[0004] In some aspects, the present solution relates to a system. The system may include a plurality of circuits arranged to provide a voltage output in response to a voltage input. Each of the plurality of circuits may include a plurality of switches and one or more capacitors. Each of the plurality of circuits may be coupled in parallel with each of the other circuits of the plurality of circuits. The input of each circuit may be coupled to the voltage input and the output of each circuit may be coupled to the voltage output. The plurality of switches of each of the plurality of circuits may be configured to be switched on and off at a phase different from the phase of at least one other plurality of switches of another circuit of the plurality of circuits.

[0005] The ripple of the output voltage is configured to be reduced according to the number of phases in which the plurality of switches from one or more circuits of the plurality of circuits are turned on or off. The voltage output of the plurality of circuits may be generated according to the sum of outputs of a subset of the plurality of circuits receiving a plurality of signals for controlling a respective phase of each circuit of the subset of the plurality of circuits, each of the plurality of switches of each circuit of the subset of the plurality of circuits being switched on or off according to the respective phase.

[0006] The system may include a controller that provides a plurality of signals to cause the plurality of switches of a first circuit of the plurality of circuits to switch on and off at a first predetermined time that is different from a second predetermined time at which the plurality of switches of a second circuit of the plurality of circuits are switched on and off. The plurality of switches of the first circuit of the plurality of circuits may be configured to be switched on and off according to a first phase that is different from a second phase according to which the plurality of switches of the second circuit of the plurality of circuits are configured to be switched on and off. The first phase and the second phase may each be different from a third phase according to which the plurality of switches of the third circuit of the plurality of circuits are configured to be switched on and off.

[0007] The system may include a memory coupled to the controller. The memory may store one or more instructions to cause the controller to provide the phase for the plurality of switches of each of the plurality of circuits. The controller may be configured to cause the plurality of circuits to provide the voltage output according to a sum of outputs of each of the plurality of circuits. The sum may include at least a first voltage from a first output of a first circuit of the plurality of circuits and a second voltage from a second output of a second circuit of the plurality of circuits.

[0008] The system may include a first circuit of the plurality of circuits, the first circuit including a first one or more switches of the plurality of switches of the first circuit. The first one or more switches may be configured to cause a first one or more capacitors of the one or more capacitors of the first circuit to charge when the first one or more switches are switched off and to discharge when the first one or more switches are switched on. The first circuit may include a second one or more switches of the plurality of switches of the first circuit. The second one or more switches may be configured to cause the first one or more capacitors to charge when the second one or more switches are switched on and to discharge when the second one or more switches are switched off. The system may include a controller electrically coupled to the plurality of circuits. The controller may be configured to provide a first plurality of signals, thereby causing the first one or more switches and the second one or more switches to switch on and off simultaneously.

[0009] The system may include a die including circuitry powered by the voltage outputs of the plurality of circuits. The plurality of circuits may be disposed below the die, and the voltage outputs may be provided to the circuitry using one or more through-holes oriented vertically and electrically coupled to the circuitry at the die. The system may include a die including circuitry powered by the voltage outputs of the plurality of circuits. At least a portion of a first circuit of the plurality of circuits may be formed within one of an interposer, a package, or a printed circuit board. The one of the interposer, the package, or the printed circuit board may include an outer surface on which the die is supported.

[0010] The system may include a die including circuitry powered by the voltage outputs of the plurality of circuits. The die may be supported on an outer surface of an interposer supported on an outer surface of a package. One or more capacitors of a first circuit of the plurality of circuits may be disposed at least partially within the interposer and the plurality of switches of the first circuit may be disposed below the one or more capacitors of the first circuit. The plurality of switches of the first circuit may be electrically coupled to the one or more capacitors of the first circuit using first one or more vertically oriented through-holes. A first plurality of switches may be disposed on the package located below the interposer. One or more capacitors may be electrically coupled to the circuitry of the die using second one or more vertically oriented through-holes.

[0011] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a method. The method may include a plurality of circuits providing a voltage output in response to a voltage input. Each of the plurality of circuits may include a plurality of switches and one or more capacitors. The method may include, by each of the plurality of circuits, coupling an input of each respective circuit to the voltage input of the plurality of circuits and coupling an output of each respective circuit to the voltage output of the plurality of circuits. The plurality of circuits may be configured in parallel with each of the other circuits of the plurality of circuits. The method may include switching the plurality of switches of each of the plurality of circuits on and off at a phase different from a phase of at least one other plurality of switches of another circuit of the plurality of circuits.

[0012] The method may include reducing, by the plurality of circuits, a ripple of the output voltage according to the number of phases at which the plurality of switches from one or more of the plurality of circuits are turned on or off. The method may include generating, by the plurality of circuits, the voltage output according to a sum of outputs of a subset of the plurality of circuits receiving a plurality of signals to control a respective phase of each circuit in the subset of the plurality of circuits, each of the plurality of switches of each circuit in the subset of the plurality of circuits being turned on or off according to the respective phase.

[0013] The method may include providing a plurality of signals by a controller to cause the plurality of switches of a first circuit of the plurality of circuits to switch on and off at a first predetermined time, the first predetermined time being different from a second predetermined time at which the plurality of switches of a second circuit of the plurality of circuits are switched on and off. The method may include switching the plurality of switches of the first circuit of the plurality of circuits on and off according to a first phase. The method may include switching the plurality of switches of the second circuit of the plurality of circuits on and off according to a second phase different from the first phase. The method may include switching the plurality of switches of the third circuit of the plurality of circuits on and off according to a third phase different from the first phase and different from the second phase.

[0014] The method may include switching, by a first circuit of the plurality of circuits, a first one or more switches of the plurality of switches of the first circuit so that a first one or more capacitors of the one or more capacitors of the first circuit are charged when the first one or more switches are switched off and discharged when the first one or more switches are switched on. The method may include switching, by the first circuit, a second one or more switches of the plurality of switches of the first circuit so that the first one or more capacitors are charged when the second one or more switches are switched on and discharged when the second one or more switches are switched off. The method may include providing, by a controller coupled to the plurality of circuits, a first plurality of signals so that the first one or more switches and the second one or more switches are switched on and off simultaneously. The method may include using the voltage outputs of the plurality of circuits to power circuitry on a die. The plurality of circuits may be disposed below the die. The voltage output may be provided to the circuitry using one or more through-vias oriented vertically and electrically coupled to the circuitry at the die.

[0015] In some aspects, the present solution relates to a system. The system may include a plurality of circuits configured under a die to provide a voltage output to a circuit system included in the die in response to a voltage input. Each of the plurality of circuits may include a plurality of switches and one or more capacitors. Each of the plurality of circuits may be coupled in parallel with each of the other circuits in the plurality of circuits. The input of each circuit may be coupled to the voltage input and the output of each circuit may be coupled to the voltage output. The plurality of switches of each of the plurality of circuits may be configured to be switched on and off at a phase different from the phase of at least one other plurality of switches of another circuit in the plurality of circuits. The voltage output may be electrically coupled to the die using one or more through-holes oriented vertically. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other aspects and features of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become immediately apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a system for regulating voltage across a wide range of circuitry using a voltage regulator including multiple switched capacitor voltage regulator circuits.

[0018] Figure 2 It is an example of a regulator circuit in a voltage regulator used to regulate the voltage of a wide range of circuit systems.

[0019] Figure 3is an example of a graph showing voltage ripple in the voltage output of a voltage regulator or regulator circuit plotted against a time axis.

[0020] Figure 4 is an example of a scalable voltage regulator that includes multiple regulator circuits that utilize switches and capacitors to regulate the output voltage.

[0021] Figure 5 is an example of a diagram of a cross-sectional view of a regulator circuit disposed next to a semiconductor die mounted on a package.

[0022] Figure 6 is an example of a diagram of a cross-sectional view of a regulator circuit disposed in an interposer disposed below a semiconductor die and on top of a package.

[0023] Figure 7 is an example of a diagram of a cross-sectional view of a regulator circuit having a capacitor disposed in an interposer and the remainder of the regulator circuit disposed on top of a package disposed below the interposer.

[0024] Figure 8 An exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for regulating voltages of various circuit systems using a voltage regulator having multiple switched capacitor voltage regulator circuits. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The disclosed embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, and the disclosed embodiments are provided as illustrative examples of the embodiments so that those skilled in the art can practice embodiments and alternatives that are obvious to those skilled in the art. The following figures and examples are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed embodiments to a single embodiment, but by exchanging some or all of the elements described or illustrated or those elements that are obvious to those skilled in the art, other embodiments are possible. The specific elements of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented partially or in full using known components, and only those parts necessary for understanding the disclosed embodiments in such known components will be described, and detailed descriptions of other parts of such known components will be omitted to avoid blurring the disclosed embodiments. The embodiments described in the illustrated context thereof should not be limited thereto. For example, the embodiments described as being implemented with software should not be limited only to this implementation, but unless otherwise specified herein, the embodiments may include embodiments implemented with hardware or a combination of software and hardware, and vice versa, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In this specification, embodiments showing singular components should not be considered limiting; rather, unless otherwise expressly stated herein, the present disclosure is intended to encompass other embodiments including a plurality of the same components, and vice versa. Furthermore, applicants do not intend that any term in the specification or claims be considered to have an uncommon or special meaning unless expressly stated so. Furthermore, the presently disclosed embodiments encompass present and future known equivalents of the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

[0026] Processing circuitry, such as an integrated circuit (IC), may be powered by a power supply whose power output is regulated (e.g., reduced) from a higher voltage level to a lower voltage level. This voltage regulation may be implemented by a voltage regulator. For example, the voltage regulator may include a switched capacitor voltage regulator (SCVR) for controlling (e.g., reducing) an input voltage received from the power supply from one voltage level (e.g., a higher voltage Vin) to another voltage level (e.g., a lower voltage Vout). The output voltage may then be input into the processing circuitry to provide a stable and constant power supply tailored to the preferences of the circuitry that operates based on the voltage output from the voltage regulator.

[0027] Since the voltage regulator can operate by charging and discharging the capacitor network through a series of out-of-phase switches, the resulting voltage output from the voltage regulator may have voltage ripple. The voltage ripple may include any variation or fluctuation of the output voltage around the desired or target value of the output. The ripple may be modulated (e.g., reduced or attenuated) based on the number of phases and switches in the voltage regulator. For example, increasing the number of switches and the number of phases in which the switches are switched on and off (e.g., to allow the capacitors of the voltage regulator to charge and discharge) may reduce the voltage ripple in the voltage output of the regulator. However, since the capacitors and switches of the voltage regulator are typically customized to fit the specific operating range of the specific IC it powers, these capacitors and switches are typically integrated next to the IC. This results in creating a unique voltage regulator for each use case or IC, thereby increasing the level of complexity, cost, and inefficiency. In addition, since the capacitors and other circuitry of the voltage regulator are typically around the outer periphery of the IC, it may be difficult to find sufficient space for all capacitors because the peripheral space may be limited.

[0028] The present disclosure overcomes these challenges by providing a scalable switched capacitor regulator solution that can be controlled and configured to accommodate a wide range of ICs over a wide range of power levels and power output profiles (e.g., ripple magnitudes). Since the present solution can be implemented below the die of the IC being powered, the present solution is also not limited by the peripheral space surrounding the IC. Thus, the scalable switched capacitor voltage regulator solution provides a single solution for a variety of IC designs and applications while also allowing the voltage regulator to be coupled to the IC it is powering from below the IC, thereby not occupying peripheral IC space.

[0029] Figure 11 is an exemplary block diagram of a system 100 for regulating voltage of a wide range of integrated circuits (ICs) or other circuit systems 132 that use voltage regulators 110 having multiple switched capacitor voltage regulator circuits (also referred to as circuits 112). The system 100 may include one or more power supplies 102 that provide one or more input voltages (Vin) 104 to the one or more voltage regulators 110. Each voltage regulator 110 may include one or more regulator circuits 112, each of which may include one or more capacitors 114 and switches 116. The system 100 may include one or more controllers 120, which may include one or more memories 122 storing instructions 124 that may be processed by a processor 126 to provide control signals for controlling the timing (e.g., phase) of turning on and off the switches 116 to control the charging and discharging of the capacitors 114 at the regulator circuits 112 of the voltage regulators 110. Voltage regulator 110 may provide an output voltage (Vout) 106 to die 130, which may include or provide circuitry 132 that operates based on Vout 106. Each of power supply 102, die 130, voltage regulator 110, phase controller 120, and circuitry 132 may also be coupled to ground 140.

[0030] The power supply 102 may include any combination of hardware and software for providing power to a circuit, device, or system. The power supply may be used as a source of electrical energy, such as converting alternating current (AC) power from a power main or direct current (DC) power, such as from a battery, into a form suitable for circuitry 132 powered by Vout 106. The power supply 102 may include a battery or another circuit that provides a specific voltage and / or current controlled output. The power supply 102 may be coupled or interfaced with a voltage regulator 110 to form a combination of components that provide a more stable and / or regulated output voltage for powering a specific electronic circuitry 132.

[0031] The voltage regulator 110 may include any combination of hardware and software that can provide or maintain a constant and stable output voltage 106 (e.g., within a desired tolerance level) regardless of changes in the input voltage 104 or changes in the load of the circuit system 132 powered by the voltage regulator 110. The voltage regulator 110 can interface with the power supply 102 to receive power from the power supply 102 and maintain the output voltage 106 within a specific range (e.g., a specific voltage output range suitable for the circuit system 132). For example, the voltage regulator 110 can provide a reliable and consistent voltage to the circuit system 132. The combination of the power supply 102 and the voltage regulator 110 can be used to provide a specified or desired voltage level to operate and protect components, such as the circuit system 132, which may be sensitive to voltage changes.

[0032] The voltage regulator 110 may include one or more regulator circuits 112 that utilize switches 116 to charge and discharge the capacitor 114 according to a control or command signal from the controller 120. For example, the voltage regulator 110 may include any number of regulator circuits 112 that may be arranged or coupled in parallel with each other or in any combination of series and parallel configurations to provide a desired output voltage 106 (e.g., a desired range of ripple voltage) with a given stability.

[0033] Circuit 112 (also referred to as regulator circuit 112) may include any circuitry or combination of hardware and software that regulates the voltage output. Circuit 112 may utilize circuitry using switch 116 to control the operation (e.g., charging or discharging) of capacitor 114 to provide at least a portion of output voltage 106 of voltage regulator 110. Regulator circuit 112 may include a switched capacitor voltage regulator that utilizes switch 116 to time and control the charging and discharging (e.g., in different phases) of capacitor 114 based on signals from controller 120. Regulator circuit 112 may have its switch 116 arranged or configured so as to divide input voltage 104 into several phases, wherein switch 116 connects an input source (e.g., Vin 104) to capacitor 114 for charging capacitor 114.

[0034] The regulator circuit 112 may have its switches 116 arranged or configured to time and control the charging and discharging of the capacitor 114, thereby releasing its stored energy in a timely manner according to the phase of the capacitor 114. This may cause the outputs 212 of the individual circuits 112 (e.g., connected in parallel) to have their individual outputs 212 accumulated or combined to provide, generate, or produce the output voltage 106 of the voltage regulator 110.

[0035] The regulator circuit (RC) 112 may use switches 116 to control the timing and duration of the charging and discharging of the capacitor 114 according to the timing and switching sequence provided by the controller 120, thereby allowing each of the multiple regulator circuits 112 to discharge its capacitor 114 so that the combined output voltage 106 (e.g., from the multiple regulator circuits 112) provides a stable output with a voltage ripple 302 within a desired tolerance or range. The switches 116 of the regulator circuits 112 may control the charging and discharging of the capacitors 114 in the regulator circuits 112 across any number of phases (e.g., at predetermined time intervals at which the switches 116 are turned on or off by the controller 120). For example, by controlling the state of the switches 116, the voltage across a particular capacitor 114 may be manipulated, thereby allowing the regulator circuit 112 to increase or decrease the input 210 to a desired output 212, thereby providing (e.g., together with other regulator circuits 112 coupled in parallel) a desired or target output voltage 106. For example, the switch 116 can connect and disconnect the capacitor 114 from the circuit according to its timing or phase, thereby enabling the transfer of charge according to various phases. This switching action facilitated by the switch 116 can enable the regulator circuit 112 to time and synchronize the outputs 212 from the various regulator circuits 112, thereby providing a stable output voltage 106.

[0036] Capacitor 114 may include any passive electronic component that stores and releases electrical energy in a circuit. Capacitor 114 may include two conductive components (e.g., parallel foils or plates) that may be separated by a dielectric material or gas. When a voltage is applied across capacitor 114, capacitor 114 may charge and accumulate potential energy on the plate or foil. The accumulated energy may be stored in the electric field between the plates or foils of capacitor 114. The capacitor may discharge the stored energy when needed (e.g., after turning switch 116 on or off), thereby releasing the stored energy back into the circuit (e.g., toward Vout 106). Capacitor 114 may be used for various purposes, such as energy storage, filtering, decoupling, and timing. Capacitor 114 may be used, for example, to smooth voltage fluctuations by smoothing voltage ripples in output voltage 106, store charge for short-term power delivery, and control the timing of energy release. Capacitor 114 may vary in type, size, and capacitance value to accommodate different circuit designs.

[0037] The switch 116 may include any type of electronic device for turning on or off the current in the circuit. The switch 116 may use a transistor switch, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET), such as a metal oxide semiconductor FET (MOSFET), including a p-channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) or an n-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS), which can be used to control the current in the circuit. For example, the switch 116 can operate in two states, such as an on state and an off state. When the switch 116 is turned on, the transistor can allow current to flow through the circuit, thereby effectively completing the path of the current. Similarly, when the switch 116 is turned off, the transistor can prevent the current from flowing, thereby forming an open circuit and preventing current from passing through the circuit. By applying a control signal to the transistor, for example, at the base (for BJT) or the gate (for FET, MOSFET, PMOS or NMOS), the switch 116 can be switched between the on state and the off state, thereby enabling the flow of current or preventing the flow of current in the circuit. The control signals may be provided by controller 120 , for example, using instructions 124 processed by processor 126 .

[0038] The controller 120 may include any combination of hardware and software for controlling the phase 308 at which the switch 116 is switched on or off. The controller 120 may generate and provide signals (e.g., control signals) to control or manage the behavior of the switch 116 used to charge or discharge the capacitor. For example, the controller 120 may use a processor 126 to access and process instructions 124 (e.g., code or commands) stored in a memory 122 to generate control signals to control the timing of turning on or off a specific switch 116 at each regulator circuit 112 of a plurality of regulator circuits 112 in the voltage regulator 110.

[0039] The controller 120 may include a processor 126 that may process commands, instructions, or data (e.g., instructions 124 stored in the memory 122) and act as a central control unit to determine the timing and sequence of the switch 116 operations, thereby regulating the individual outputs 212 from the regulator circuits 112 and thus regulating the combined output voltage 106 of the voltage regulator 110 (e.g., multiple regulator circuits 112). The controller 120 may generate signals to activate or deactivate the switches 116 based on the desired voltage level and feedback. By coordinating the switching actions, the controller 120 may allow the capacitors 114 to charge or discharge according to the appropriate phase (e.g., specific charging and discharging time intervals), thereby maintaining the desired individual outputs 212 from each regulator circuit 112 and the stable and desired output voltage 106. For example, precise control of switches 116 in multiple regulator circuits 112 (e.g., of voltage regulator 110) by controller 120 may allow for stable output voltage 106 regardless of a potentially varying input voltage 104 or varying load conditions on die 130 and / or circuitry 132.

[0040] The memory 122 may include any type and form of data storage device or memory device. The memory 122 may store data or instructions for the operation of the controller 120. The memory may store or save program code, variables, configuration settings, and other data for performing the tasks of the controller 120. The memory 122 may be in various forms, such as volatile random access memory (RAM), non-volatile read-only memory (ROM), or flash memory. The memory 122 may include dynamic RAM, static RAM, or any other type of RAM. The processor 126 of the controller 120 may access and retrieve data (e.g., instructions 124) from the memory 122 as needed, and execute the instructions 124, process the data, make decisions, and generate signals for controlling the timing (e.g., phase) of the switch 116 of the regulator circuit 112 to turn on and off. The stored information may include instructions 124, including commands, computer code, or instructions to perform tasks (e.g., generating signals for controlling switches 116 according to their respective phases), as well as data regarding the phase of each of switches 116 and the timing for turning the switches on or off.

[0041] The processor 126 may include any combination of hardware and software, such as a central processing unit that can perform computing tasks and execute the instructions 124. The processor 126 may control the operation of the controller 120 and generate signals for controlling the switches 116. The processor 126 may fetch the instructions 124 from the memory 122, decode the instructions 124, and perform the necessary operations, including calculations, data manipulation, and generation of control signals for controlling the switching of the different switches 116.

[0042] Die 130 may include any block of semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) on which or within which circuitry 132 is fabricated and disposed. Die 130 may provide a structure and / or substrate for circuitry 132, supporting various electronic components, transistors, interconnects, and other elements for allowing circuitry 132 to function and operate. For example, die 130 may include transistors, resistors, capacitors, interconnects such as vias, and the like that may be intricately patterned and etched onto the surface of or within the semiconductor material. Die 130 may be disposed on or encapsulated within a protective package 406, such as a plastic or ceramic housing. For example, die 130 may be supported on an interposer 404, which may be disposed on package 406.

[0043] Integrated circuit (IC) 132 or circuit system 132 may include any combination of hardware and software powered by voltage regulator 110 (e.g., multiple regulator circuits 112). Circuit system 132 may include an integrated circuit or integrated circuit system (IC), such as a processor, controller, field programmable gate array, or any other processing, logic, or memory device. Circuit system 132 may include any complex network of electronic components and interconnects that may be fabricated on one or more semiconductor chips. Circuit system 132 may include any combination of transistors, resistors, capacitors, and any passive and active electronic elements to form memory locations, processing, or logic units of semiconductor circuits. IC 132 may include a processor such as processor 126, a controller such as controller 120, a system including any number of processing or control circuits. IC 132 may be powered by voltage regulator 110 (e.g., multiple regulator circuits 112) to maintain the IC at a stable and regulated supply voltage. Circuit system 132 may include any number of systems, circuits, or devices that may be designed to perform a specific task or function. For example, circuit system 132 may include electronic circuit systems for performing logic operations, amplification, memory storage, or signal processing, either individually or within one or more electronic systems or devices. Circuit system 132 may include electronic or electrical devices. Circuit system 132 may include electrical devices, mechanical devices or systems, or electromechanical devices or systems.

[0044] Ground 140 may include a reference point or node corresponding to a zero voltage reference. Ground 140 may be connected to the negative terminal of power supply 102, voltage regulator 110, controller 120, and / or die 130, and their respective components and parts. Ground 140 may serve as a reference point for data and logic processing, voltage measurement, and other circuit operations. Ground 140 may serve as a return path for current flow and may be used to establish a common voltage level for all interconnected components.

[0045] The phase 302 for charging or discharging the capacitor 114 may be any particular time interval, time instance, or state in which the capacitor 114 in the switched capacitor voltage regulator 110 circuit is charged or discharged. For example, the phase 302 or timing at which each of the individual capacitors 114 may implement its energy charging or discharging (whether its start or end or its duration) may be shifted, offset, or moved relative to the phase 302 (e.g., timing) of other capacitors 114 of other circuits 112. Since the controller 120 may control the phase 302 (e.g., timing) of the switch 116 and thus the timing of the charging and discharging of the phase, each circuit 112 may charge and discharge its own capacitor 114 at a slightly offset phase 302 relative to the other capacitors 114 in the entire voltage regulator 110, thereby providing a smoother (e.g., low voltage ripple 302) output. Thus, because the input 210 of each of the individual circuits 112 in the voltage regulator 110 may be connected to the voltage regulator input 104 (thereby forming an accumulated input 104 from the input 210), and the output 212 of each of the circuits 112 may be connected to the voltage regulator output 106 (thereby forming an accumulated output 106 from the output 212), the voltage ripple 302 at the voltage output 106 may be regulated based on the number of different phases 308 of the capacitors 114 across the individual circuits 212. For example, a greater variety of phases may produce a smoother (e.g., lower voltage ripple 302) output.

[0046] Figure 2 An example 200 corresponding to a regulator circuit 112 in a voltage regulator 110 for regulating an output voltage 106 to power a wide range of circuitry 132 is illustrated, including views 202, 204, and 206. In view 202, example 200 shows a design of a regulator circuit 112 that can charge and discharge energy stored at its capacitor 114. In view 204, a simplified version of RC 112 corresponding to a time period (e.g., a charging phase) when the capacitor 114 of RC 112 is charged is illustrated. In view 206, example 204 shows a simplified version of RC 112 during a time period (e.g., a discharging phase) when the capacitor 114 of RC 112 is discharged.

[0047] In view 202, an instance 200 of a regulator circuit 112 may receive an input (Vin) 210 (e.g., from Vin 104). RC 112 may include a first plurality of switches 116 (e.g., a first pair of switches 116) operating at a first phase (e.g., phase Φ1) and a second plurality of switches 116 (e.g., a second pair of switches 116) operating at a second phase (e.g., phase Φ2). RC 112 may coordinate the timing of turning on and off of the first plurality of switches 116 (e.g., switches 116 with phase Φ1) and the second plurality of switches 116 (e.g., switches 116 with phase Φ2) to cause one or more capacitors 114 (e.g., capacitors C1 and / or C2) to charge and discharge during specific time intervals (e.g., phases).

[0048] In view 204, the charging phase of RC 112 is illustrated. For example, instance 200 of RC 112 may have a first plurality of switches 116 operating according to phase Φ1 closed, while a second plurality of switches 116 operating according to Φ2 open. In this configuration, switches 116 cause capacitors C1 and / or C2 to charge, thereby causing RC 112 to operate in a charging phase. In this configuration, Vin 210 may be coupled to a first plate or foil of the C1 and C2 capacitors, while Vout 212 may be coupled to the other remaining plate or foil of the capacitors. This may cause energy to be stored in capacitors C1 and C2.

[0049] In view 206, the discharge phase of RC 112 is illustrated. For example, instance 200 of RC 112 may have first plurality of switches 116 operating according to phase Φ1 open, while second plurality of switches 116 operating according to Φ2 closed. In this configuration, switches 116 cause capacitors C1 and / or C2 to discharge, thereby operating RC 112 in the discharge phase. In this configuration, Vin 210 may be decoupled from the C1 and C2 capacitors, while Vout 212 may remain coupled to the capacitors (e.g., or at least the C2 capacitor). This may cause energy to be stored in capacitors C1 and C2 (e.g., in view 206, the C2 capacitor) to be discharged, thereby providing an output to the load via Vout 212, which may be indicated as RL and corresponds to the load of circuit system 132.

[0050] Figure 33 is an example of a graph 300 showing a voltage ripple 302 corresponding to a phase 308 plotted relative to a time axis. The voltage ripple 302 and the phase 308 may correspond to the output voltage 106 of the voltage regulator 110 or the output voltage 212 of the regulator circuit 112. The graph 300 may include a vertical axis 304 corresponding to Vout (e.g., 106 or 212) and a horizontal axis 306 corresponding to time. The phases 308 (e.g., Φ1 and Φ2) are plotted along with their corresponding voltage ripple 302. The voltage ripple 302 may be reduced based on the number of phases 308 plotted within the same time interval, such that a larger number of phases within the same duration may reduce the magnitude of the voltage ripple 302 (e.g., Vout on the axis 304).

[0051] Therefore, since the voltage regulator 110 may include a plurality of regulator circuits 112 that have their switches 116 operated at a variety of phases 308 and each of the plurality of phases may be different (e.g., starting and / or ending at a different time than any other phase 308), the voltage output 106 of the voltage regulator 110 may be increasingly smooth and the magnitude of the voltage ripple 302 may be reduced. Therefore, by using any number of RCs 112 from the plurality of RCs 112 and controlling the pairs of switches 116 of the RCs at phases 308 (e.g., Φ1 or Φ2) to charge and discharge the respective capacitors (e.g., C1 and C2) of the RCs according to the individual and different durations (e.g., phases) of each capacitor, the voltage regulator 110 may control the level of the output voltage 106 across a wide voltage range (e.g., lowest voltage to highest voltage) and control the range (e.g., magnitude) of the voltage ripple 302 across a wide ripple voltage range (e.g., lowest voltage to highest voltage).

[0052] Figure 4 1 is an example 400 of a scalable voltage regulator 110 including multiple regulator circuits 112 that utilize switches 116 and capacitors 114 to regulate output voltages 212 from RCs 112 and output voltages 106 from the voltage regulator 110. The example 400 shows a voltage regulator 110 with four different RCs 112, but any number of RCs 112 may be included. For example, the voltage regulator 110 may include up to 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 32, 40, 60, 64, 96, 128, 152, 200, 256, 500, or more than 500 RCs 112. Each RC 112 may include a plurality of regulator circuits 112, such as a switch 116 and a capacitor 114. Figure 2The configuration described and includes a first pair of switches 116 operating at a first phase 308 (e.g., Φ1) and a second pair of switches 116 operating at a second phase 308 (e.g., Φ2). The controller 120 may provide a signal 402 (e.g., a control signal) to the voltage regulator 110 and / or the RC 112 to control the individual switches 116 according to their respective phases 308. The power supply 102 may provide an input voltage 104 to the RCs 112, each of which may be coupled in parallel with each other RC 112 of the plurality of RCs 112. The plurality of RCs 112 of the voltage regulator 110 may have their individual outputs 212 coupled to Vout 106 to provide it to a load (e.g., circuit system 132).

[0053] While example 400 shows all RCs 112 coupled in parallel with each other, it is understood that the RCs 112 may be coupled in any combination of series and parallel coupling. For example, a configuration may include multiple RCs 112 coupled in series and then multiple such RCs 112 may be connected in series in parallel with each other, resulting in a parallel configuration of multiple RCs 112 coupled in series. Each of the switches 116 of each of the RCs 112 may operate according to a phase 308, which may be the same or different than another phase 308 according to which another switch 116 operates.

[0054] Figure 5 406. FIG. 4 is an example of a diagram of a cross-sectional view 500 of a regulator circuit 112 disposed next to a semiconductor die 130 disposed (e.g., disposed, supported, positioned, or placed) on a package 406. In the cross-sectional view 500, a plurality of dies 130 including circuitry 132 may be disposed on an interposer 404, which may be further disposed on a package 406.

[0055] The interposer 404 may include any substrate or platform (e.g., semiconductor material) that allows for integration of multiple semiconductor dies 130 by providing a bridge between them, thereby facilitating communication and electrical connection to and from the circuitry 132 in the dies 130. The interposer 404 may be referred to as a 2.5D interposer because it may allow for interconnection and integration of multiple dies with several components including memory, logic, vias, or RC 112 and its components. The package 406 may include a housing or casing that surrounds and protects the interposer 404, providing mechanical support and electrical connection while facilitating integration of the interposer 404 and the semiconductor dies 130 and their circuitry 132 into a complete module or device. The package 406 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and may be mounted on the PCB. The package 406 may also include or be integrated with a PCB that may support one or more interposers 404 and the circuitry 132 in one or more dies 130.

[0056] In cross-sectional view 500, regulator circuit 112 may be disposed near die 130 (e.g., next to the outer perimeter of the die). Sometimes, the outer perimeter space may be crowded or limited, making it difficult to place capacitor 114 and / or other RC 112 circuits next to die 130. In such examples, at least a portion of RC 112 and / or its components (e.g., capacitor 114 or switch 116) may be disposed, positioned, or placed below die 130. Because capacitor 114 may occupy a similar amount of space as other RC 112 components (e.g., switch 116 and interconnects), the location of capacitor 114 may be illustrated separately from the location of the rest of its corresponding RC 112.

[0057] Figure 66 is an example of a diagram of a cross-sectional view 600 of a regulator circuit 112 disposed in an interposer 404 disposed below semiconductor die 130 and on top of a package 406. As illustrated in the cross-sectional view 600, the RC 112 and / or its capacitor 114 may be at least partially disposed, formed, or disposed on top of or within the interposer 404. For example, the RC 112 including its corresponding capacitor 114 may be formed, fabricated, or disposed on top of or along a top surface of the interposer 404, which may support multiple dies 130 having circuitry 132 on its top surface. Below the interposer 404, the package 406 may be disposed. RC 112 and its capacitor 114 may be connected to die 130 and / or circuitry 132 using vertical (e.g., near vertical) vias 602 and / or other interconnects (e.g., metal horizontal contacts), thereby allowing RC 112 to be located near (e.g., close to) circuitry 132 in order to reduce power losses (e.g., heat dissipation) due to a long connection between RC 112 and circuitry 132. Thus, connecting RC 112 to circuitry 132 using vertical vias 602 and other interconnects in order to shorten the connection path between RC 112 and circuitry 132 may reduce power losses and save energy (e.g., 5% or 10% of the energy that may be lost due to a long connection on the outer perimeter of circuitry 132 and / or die 130).

[0058] Figure 7 4 is an example of a diagram of a cross-sectional view 700 of a regulator circuit 112 having a capacitor 114 disposed in an interposer 404 and the remainder of the regulator circuit 112 (e.g., switches 116 and interconnects) disposed on top of a package 406 disposed below the interposer 404. For example, the cross-sectional view 700 shows that the capacitor 114 of the RC 112 is at least partially disposed, formed, or disposed on top of or within the interposer 404, while the remainder of the RC 112 (e.g., switches 116, interconnects, and / or any other circuitry) is disposed, formed, or disposed on top of or within the package 406. For example, the capacitor 114 may be formed, fabricated, or disposed directly below the die 130 and directly above the remainder of the RC 112 located on or within the package 406. The RC 112 may then be interconnected with the capacitor 114 using vertically oriented vias 602. Vertically oriented vias 602 may also be used to connect capacitor 114 and die 130 and / or circuitry 132. Vertically oriented vias 602 may be oriented approximately vertically to within plus or minus 10 degrees from vertical. Using vertical vias 602 and other interconnects to connect RC 112 and capacitor 114 to circuitry 132 to shorten the connection path may reduce power losses and save energy.

[0059] In an example, the present solution may include a system 100. The system 100 may be part of or coupled to an electronic device or product (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer), an integrated circuit (e.g., a processor or logic unit), a machine or vehicle (e.g., an automotive electronic component or system), a system (e.g., an energy generation or management system), etc. The system 100 may include a plurality of regulator circuits 112 (also referred to as circuits 112), which may be part of a voltage regulator 110 system, circuit, or device. The circuits 112 may be arranged, organized, interconnected, or configured to provide a voltage output 106 in response to a voltage input 104. Each circuit 112 of the plurality of circuits 112 may include a plurality of switches 116 and one or more capacitors 114. Each circuit 112 of the plurality of circuits 112 may be coupled in parallel with each of the other circuits 112 of the plurality of circuits 112. The input of each circuit 112 (e.g., Vin 210) may be coupled to the voltage input 104 of the plurality of circuits 112 (e.g., voltage regulator 110). The output of each circuit 212 (e.g., Vout 212) may be coupled to the voltage output 106. The plurality of switches 116 of each circuit 112 of the plurality of circuits 112 may be switched on and off at a phase 308 that is different from the phase 308 of at least one other plurality of switches 116 of another circuit 112 of the plurality of circuits 112.

[0060] The system 100 may include a configuration to reduce or regulate the voltage ripple 302 from the voltage output 106. For example, the ripple 302 may be reduced based on the number of phases 308 at which the plurality of switches 116 from one or more circuits 112 in the plurality of circuits 112 (e.g., the voltage regulator 110) are switched or turned on or off. The voltage output 106 of the plurality of circuits 112 (e.g., the voltage regulator 110) may be configured to be generated based on the sum of the outputs (e.g., Vout 212) of a subset of the plurality of circuits 112 receiving a plurality of signals 402 to control the respective phases 308 of each circuit in the subset of the plurality of circuits 112, each of the plurality of switches 116 of each circuit in the subset of the plurality of circuits 112 being turned on or off or configured to be switched or turned on or off.

[0061] The system 100 may include a controller 120 configured to provide a plurality of signals 402 to cause a plurality of switches 116 of a first circuit 112 among a plurality of circuits 112 (e.g., a voltage regulator 110) to be turned on and off at a first predetermined time (e.g., a first phase 308), which is different from a second predetermined time (e.g., a second phase 308) at which a plurality of switches 116 of a second circuit among the plurality of circuits 112 are turned on and off.

[0062] The system 100 may include a plurality of switches 116 of a first circuit 112 in a plurality of circuits (e.g., a voltage regulator 110) that are switched or configured to be switched on and off according to a first phase 308 that is different from a second phase 308 according to which a plurality of switches 116 of a second circuit in the plurality of circuits are switched or configured to be switched on and off. The first phase and the second phase 308 may each be different from a third phase 308 according to which a plurality of switches 116 of a third circuit 112 in the plurality of circuits (e.g., a voltage regulator 110) are switched on and off or configured to be switched on and off.

[0063] The system 100 may include a memory 122 coupled to a controller 120. The memory 122 may store one or more instructions 124 to cause the controller 120 to provide a phase 308 for a plurality of switches 116 of each of the plurality of circuits 112. The controller 120 may be configured to cause the plurality of circuits 112 to provide a voltage output 106 according to a sum of outputs (e.g., Vout 212) of each of the plurality of circuits 112. The sum may include at least a first voltage from a first output Vout 212 of a first circuit 112 of the plurality of circuits (e.g., voltage regulators 110) and a second voltage from a second output Vout 212 of a second circuit 112 of the plurality of circuits.

[0064] The system 100 may include a first circuit 112 of a plurality of circuits (e.g., a voltage regulator 110), the first circuit including a first one or more switches 116 of a plurality of switches 116 of the first circuit 112, the first one or more switches being configured to cause a first one or more capacitors 114 of the first circuit 112 to be charged when the first one or more switches 116 are switched off and to be discharged when the first one or more switches 116 are switched on. The first circuit 112 may include a second one or more switches 116 of the plurality of switches 116 of the first circuit 112, the second one or more switches being configured to cause the first one or more capacitors 114 to be charged when the second one or more switches 116 are switched on and to be discharged when the second one or more switches are switched off. For example, the first one or more switches 116 may be operated according to the first phase 308 and the second one or more switches may be operated according to the second phase 308.

[0065] The system 100 may include a controller 120 electrically coupled to a plurality of circuits 112 (e.g., voltage regulators 110). The controller 120 may be configured to provide a first plurality of signals 402, causing the first one or more switches 116 and the second one or more switches 116 to switch on and off simultaneously. The system 100 may include a die 130, the die including circuitry 132 powered by voltage outputs 106 of the plurality of circuits 112 (e.g., voltage regulators 110). The plurality of circuits 112 may be disposed, positioned, formed, or arranged below the die 130. For example, a plane in which at least a portion of the circuits 112 are oriented, formed, arranged, or positioned may be lower than a plane in which the die 130 is oriented, formed, arranged, or positioned. For example, a plane in which at least a portion of the circuits 112 are oriented, formed, arranged, or positioned may be lower than a plane in which the circuitry 132 is oriented, formed, arranged, or positioned. The voltage output 106 may be provided to the circuitry 132 at the die 130 using one or more conductive vias 602, which may be vertically oriented (e.g., within 10 degrees from vertical) and may be electrically coupled with the circuitry 132 at the die 130. For example, the vias 602 may include a vertically oriented conductive material (e.g., metal) that may interconnect with various interconnects (e.g., metal lines or contacts) that may be in electrical contact with the circuitry 132 and / or the die 130.

[0066] System 100 may include a die 130 that may include circuitry 132 powered by voltage outputs 106 of a plurality of circuits 112. At least a portion of a first circuit 112 of the plurality of circuits 112 may be formed within one of an interposer 404, a package 406, or a printed circuit board (e.g., 406). For example, forming at least a portion of circuit 112 within interposer 404, package 406, or PCB 406 may include only partially forming within, contacting or interfacing with, or completely forming within the interposer, package, or PCB. For example, one of interposer 404, package 406, or printed circuit board may include an outer surface (e.g., a top surface) on which die 130 is supported.

[0067] System 100 may include a die 130 that may include circuitry 132 powered by voltage outputs 106 of a plurality of circuits 112. Die 130 may be supported on an outer surface of an interposer 404, which may be supported on an outer surface of a package 406. One or more capacitors 114 of a first circuit 112 of a plurality of circuits 112 (e.g., voltage regulator 110) may be at least partially disposed within interposer 404. A plurality of switches 116 of the first circuit 112 may be disposed below the one or more capacitors 114 of the first circuit 112. The plurality of switches 116 of the first circuit 112 may be electrically coupled to the one or more capacitors 114 of the first circuit 112 using first one or more through-vias 602 oriented vertically. The first plurality of switches 116 may be disposed on a package 406, which may be located below the interposer 404. The one or more capacitors 114 of the first circuit 112 may be electrically coupled to the circuitry 132 of die 130 using second one or more through-vias 602 oriented vertically.

[0068] The system 100 may include a plurality of circuits 112 arranged below the die 130 to provide a voltage output 106 to a circuit system 132 included in the die 130 in response to a voltage input 104. Each circuit 112 in the plurality of circuits 112 may include a plurality of switches 116 and one or more capacitors 114. Each circuit 112 in the plurality of circuits 112 may be coupled in parallel with each of the other circuits 112 in the plurality of circuits 112. An input 210 of each circuit 112 may be coupled to the voltage input 104. An output 212 of each circuit 112 may be coupled to the voltage output 106. The plurality of switches 116 of each circuit 112 in the plurality of circuits may be configured to be switched on and off at a phase 308 that is different from the phase 308 of at least one other plurality of switches 116 of another circuit 112 in the plurality of circuits. The voltage output 106 may be electrically coupled to the die 130 using one or more through-vias 602 oriented vertically.

[0069] Figure 8 An exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for regulating the voltage of a wide range of circuit systems using a voltage regulator including multiple switched capacitor voltage regulator circuits. The method 600 may include, for example, using Figures 1 to 4 The method may include performing actions 802 to 806 implemented by the system 100 of FIG. 1 . For example, at 802, the method may include providing voltage outputs of a plurality of circuits in response to a voltage input. At 804, the method may include coupling an input from each circuit to the voltage input and coupling an output from each circuit to the voltage output. At 806, the method may include switching a switch of each circuit according to a phase to provide a power output.

[0070] At 802, the method may include providing voltage outputs of a plurality of circuits in response to voltage inputs. The method may include providing voltage outputs by a plurality of circuits in response to voltage inputs. The voltage outputs may be provided by combining outputs from each of the plurality of circuits. For example, each of the plurality of circuits may receive a voltage input and provide a voltage output in response to one or more phases for controlling a timing of a plurality of switches within each of the plurality of circuits. The voltage regulator may include a plurality of regulator circuits, each regulator circuit may include a plurality of switches that control charging and discharging of one or more capacitors according to the one or more phases.

[0071] For example, a voltage regulator may include a plurality of circuits. Each of the plurality of circuits may include a first plurality of switches that may be switched on or off according to a first phase and a second plurality of switches that may be switched on or off according to a second phase that is different from the first phase. The first phase and the second phase may be different (e.g., opposite) from each other, such that when the first phase is on, the second phase is off and vice versa.

[0072] At 804, the method may include coupling an input from each circuit to a voltage input and coupling an output from each circuit to a voltage output. The method may include, by each circuit of a plurality of circuits, coupling an input of each respective circuit to a voltage input of a plurality of circuits and coupling an output of each respective circuit to a voltage output of a plurality of circuits. A plurality of circuits may be arranged in parallel with each of the other circuits of the plurality of circuits.

[0073] The plurality of circuits may include each of the plurality of circuits coupled in parallel with each other. The circuits may be coupled in parallel along a voltage input node on one end of the voltage regulator and a voltage output node on the other end of the voltage regulator. For example, the plurality of circuits may include a plurality of circuits coupled to each other in a combination of series and parallel configurations. For example, a first plurality of circuits may be coupled in a first series and a second plurality of circuits may be coupled in a second series. The first series and the second series may be coupled in parallel with each other.

[0074] The plurality of circuits may include a first circuit having a plurality of switches that can be switched on or off according to a first phase and a second circuit in the plurality of circuits having a second plurality of switches that can be switched on or off according to a second phase different from the first phase. The first phase and the second phase may be different from each other (e.g., opposite) so that when the first phase is on, the second phase is off and vice versa, or may at least partially overlap. The plurality of circuits may include a plurality of circuits, each of which may include two sets of switches that operate at two different (e.g., mutually exclusive and opposite) phases relative to each other to charge and discharge their corresponding one or more capacitors according to their corresponding phases. The plurality of circuits may each have their respective phase pairs offset from the phase pairs of at least one other circuit in the plurality of circuits. For example, the phases of different circuits in the plurality of circuits may be partially offset so as to minimize voltage ripple. The first circuit and the second circuit may have their phases overlapped by 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of their respective duty cycles. The output from each of the capacitors discharged according to the phase of the circuit may be coupled to a voltage output of a voltage regulator including the plurality of circuits.

[0075] At 806, the method may include switching switches of each circuit according to a phase to provide a power output. The method may include switching multiple switches of each circuit of the multiple circuits to be turned on and off at a phase different from the phase of at least one other multiple switches of another circuit of the multiple circuits. The multiple circuits may reduce the ripple of the output voltage according to the number of phases at which multiple switches from one or more circuits of the multiple circuits are turned on or off. For example, by cascading the phase group of each corresponding circuit of the multiple circuits to partially overlap with at least one other phase group of another circuit of the multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may time the capacitors of the multiple circuits to discharge at overlapping time intervals. This may result in the voltage output remaining stable at a specific voltage output and having a ripple voltage within a range defined according to the number of capacitors that are discharged within the number of phases in the cycle in which all capacitors from all circuits are discharged.

[0076] The method may include a plurality of circuits generating a voltage output according to a sum of outputs of a subset of the plurality of circuits receiving a plurality of signals, the plurality of signals being used to control a respective phase of each circuit in the subset of the plurality of circuits, each of a plurality of switches of each circuit in the subset of the plurality of circuits being turned on or off according to the respective phase. The plurality of switches of each circuit in the subset of the plurality of circuits may cause one or more capacitors of its respective circuit to charge and discharge according to its respective phase. The method may include a controller providing a plurality of signals to cause a plurality of switches of a first circuit in the plurality of circuits to switch on and off at a first predetermined time, the first predetermined time being different from a second predetermined time at which a plurality of switches of a second circuit in the plurality of circuits are switched on and off.

[0077] The method may include a plurality of switches of a first circuit among the plurality of circuits being switched on and off according to a first phase. The method may include a plurality of switches of a second circuit among the plurality of circuits being switched on and off according to a second phase different from the first phase. The method may include a plurality of switches of a third circuit among the plurality of circuits being switched on and off according to a third phase different from the first phase and different from the second phase. Each of the first circuit, the second circuit, and the third circuit may have its respective plurality of switches cause one or more capacitors of the respective circuit to charge and discharge at different phases within a certain time period, thereby reducing voltage ripple of voltage outputs from the plurality of circuits.

[0078] The method may include a first circuit in a plurality of circuits switching a first one or more switches in a plurality of switches of the first circuit so that a first one or more capacitors in the one or more capacitors of the first circuit are charged when the first one or more switches are switched off and discharged when the first one or more switches are switched on. The method may include a first circuit switching a second one or more switches in a plurality of switches of the first circuit so that the first one or more capacitors are charged when the second one or more switches are switched on and discharged when the second one or more switches are switched off. The method may include a controller electrically coupled to the plurality of circuits providing a first plurality of signals to cause the first one or more switches and the second one or more switches to be switched on and off simultaneously. The method may include a voltage regulator including the plurality of circuits using the voltage outputs of the plurality of circuits to power circuitry on a die. The plurality of circuits may be disposed below the die and provide the voltage outputs to the circuitry using one or more through-holes oriented vertically and electrically coupled to the circuitry at the die.

[0079] Now that some illustrative embodiments have been described, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not restrictive, and is provided by way of example. Specifically, although many of the examples presented herein relate to specific combinations of method actions or system elements, those actions and those elements may be combined in other ways to achieve the same goals. The actions, elements, and features discussed in conjunction with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from similar roles or embodiments in other embodiments.

[0080] The phraseology and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," "characterized by," "characterized in that," and variations thereof herein are intended to encompass the items listed thereafter, their equivalents and additional items, as well as alternative embodiments consisting of the items specifically listed thereafter. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0081] Any reference to an embodiment or element or action of a system and method mentioned herein in the singular may also include an embodiment comprising a plurality of these elements, and any reference to any embodiment or element or action herein in the plural may also include an embodiment comprising only a single element. Reference in the singular or plural form is not intended to limit the currently disclosed system or method, its components, actions or elements to a single or plural configuration. Reference to any action or element based on any information, action or element may include an embodiment in which the action or element is based at least in part on any information, action or element.

[0082] Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment or example, and references to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an embodiment," etc. are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment or example. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Any embodiment may be inclusively or exclusively combined with any other embodiment in any manner consistent with the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein.

[0083] References to "or" may be interpreted as inclusive, such that any term described using "or" may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a joint list of terms may be interpreted as an inclusive or to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, references to "at least one of 'A' and 'B'" may include only 'A', only 'B', and both 'A' and 'B'. Such references used in conjunction with "including" or other public terms may include additional items.

[0084] Where a technical feature in a drawing, detailed description or any claim is followed by a reference sign, the reference sign has been included to improve the intelligibility of the drawing, detailed description and claims. Therefore, the reference sign and its absence shall have no limiting effect on the scope of any claim element.

[0085] When an element is referred to herein as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it is understood that the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements between the connected or coupled elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, it is understood that there are no intervening elements in the "direct" connection between the elements. However, the presence of a direct connection does not exclude other connections in which intervening elements may be present.

[0086] When an element is referred to herein as being "disposed" below or above a particular element, it is understood that the element may be positioned or placed directly above or below another element, or that there may be intervening elements between the two elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly disposed" above or below another element, it is understood that there may be no intervening elements in a "direct" arrangement between the elements. However, the presence of a direct arrangement does not exclude other arrangements in which there may be intervening elements.

[0087] Although operations are depicted in a particular order in the drawings, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, and not all illustrated operations need be performed. The actions described herein may be performed in a different order. The separation of various system components need not be separated in all embodiments, and the described program components may be included in a single hardware or software product.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a plurality of circuits configured to provide a voltage output in response to a voltage input, each circuit of the plurality of circuits comprising a plurality of switches and one or more capacitors; wherein each circuit of the plurality of circuits is coupled in parallel with each of the other circuits of the plurality of circuits, wherein an input of each circuit is coupled to the voltage input and wherein an output of each circuit is coupled to the voltage output; and wherein the plurality of switches of a first circuit of the plurality of circuits are configured to be switched on and off at a phase different from a phase of at least the plurality of switches of a second circuit of the plurality of circuits.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the ripple of the output voltage is configured to be reduced according to a number of phases in which the plurality of switches from one or more of the plurality of circuits are switched on or off.

3. The system according to claim 1, The voltage outputs of the multiple circuits are generated based on the sum of the outputs of a subset of the multiple circuits receiving multiple signals, the multiple signals being used to control the corresponding phases of each circuit in the subset of the multiple circuits, each of the multiple switches of each circuit in the subset of the multiple circuits being switched on or off according to the corresponding phases.

4. The system according to claim 1, Wherein, in response to a plurality of signals provided by a controller, the plurality of switches of the first circuit among the plurality of circuits are switched on and off at a first time, the first time being different from a second time at which the plurality of switches of the second circuit among the plurality of circuits are switched on and off.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the phase at which the plurality of switches of the first circuit are configured to be switched on and off and the phase at which the plurality of switches of the second circuit are configured to be switched on and off are each different from a third phase at which the plurality of switches of a third circuit of the plurality of circuits are configured to be switched on and off.

6. The system according to claim 1, comprising: A memory is coupled to a controller, wherein the memory is configured to store one or more instructions to cause the controller to provide the phases for the plurality of switches of the first circuit and the plurality of switches of the second circuit.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of circuits provide the voltage output according to a sum of outputs of each of the plurality of circuits in response to a signal from a controller, the sum comprising at least a first voltage from a first output of the first circuit of the plurality of circuits and a second voltage from a second output of the second circuit of the plurality of circuits.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein a first one or more capacitors of the one or more capacitors of the first circuit are charged in response to a first one or more switches of the plurality of switches being switched off and are discharged in response to the first one or more switches being switched on.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first one or more capacitors are charged in response to the second one or more switches being switched on and are discharged in response to the second one or more switches being switched off.

10. The system according to claim 9, comprising: A controller is coupled to the plurality of circuits, wherein the first one or more switches and the second one or more switches are simultaneously switched on and off in response to a first plurality of signals from the controller.

11. The system according to claim 1, comprising: A die includes an integrated circuit powered by the voltage outputs of the plurality of circuits, wherein the plurality of circuits are disposed below the die and the voltage outputs are provided to the integrated circuit using one or more vias vertically oriented and coupled to the integrated circuit at the die.

12. The system of claim 1, comprising: A die comprising an integrated circuit powered by the voltage outputs of the plurality of circuits, wherein at least a portion of the first of the plurality of circuits is formed within one of an interposer, a package, or a printed circuit board, wherein the one of the interposer, the package, or the printed circuit board includes an exterior surface on which the die is supported.

13. The system of claim 1, comprising: A die comprising an integrated circuit powered by the voltage outputs of the plurality of circuits, wherein the die is supported on an outer surface of an interposer, the interposer being supported on an outer surface of a package, wherein the one or more capacitors of a first circuit of the plurality of circuits are at least partially disposed within the interposer and the plurality of switches of the first circuit are disposed below the one or more capacitors of the first circuit, the plurality of switches of the first circuit being coupled with the one or more capacitors of the first circuit using vertically oriented first one or more through-vias.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein a first plurality of switches are disposed on the package below the interposer, and wherein the one or more capacitors are coupled with the integrated circuit of the die using a second one or more vias that are vertically oriented.

15. A method comprising: providing a voltage output by a plurality of circuits in response to a voltage input, each circuit of the plurality of circuits comprising a plurality of switches and one or more capacitors; coupling, by each circuit of the plurality of circuits, an input of each respective circuit to the voltage input of the plurality of circuits and an output of each respective circuit to the voltage output of the plurality of circuits, the plurality of circuits being configured in parallel with each of the other circuits of the plurality of circuits; and The plurality of switches of a first circuit among the plurality of circuits are switched on and off at a phase different from a phase of at least the plurality of switches of a second circuit among the plurality of circuits.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising: reducing, by the plurality of circuits, a ripple of the output voltage according to a number of phases at which the plurality of switches from one or more of the plurality of circuits are turned on or off; and The voltage output is generated by the plurality of circuits according to a sum of outputs of a subset of the plurality of circuits receiving a plurality of signals for controlling a corresponding phase of each circuit in the subset of the plurality of circuits, each of the plurality of switches of each circuit in the subset of the plurality of circuits being turned on or off according to the corresponding phase.

17. The method according to claim 15, comprising: A plurality of signals are provided by a controller, in response to which the plurality of switches of the first circuit among the plurality of circuits are switched on and off at a first time, the first time being different from a second time at which the plurality of switches of the second circuit among the plurality of circuits are switched on and off.

18. The method according to claim 15, comprising: switching the plurality of switches of the first circuit among the plurality of circuits on and off according to a first phase; switching the plurality of switches of the second circuit among the plurality of circuits on and off according to a second phase different from the first phase; and The plurality of switches of a third circuit among the plurality of circuits are switched on and off according to a third phase that is different from the first phase and different from the second phase.

19. The method according to claim 15, comprising: switching, by the first circuit of the plurality of circuits, a first one or more switches of the plurality of switches of the first circuit, in response to which a first one or more capacitors of the one or more capacitors of the first circuit are charged in response to the first one or more switches being switched off and discharged in response to the first one or more switches being switched on; switching, by the first circuit, a second one or more switches of the plurality of switches of the first circuit, in response to which the first one or more capacitors are charged in response to the second one or more switches being switched on and discharged in response to the second one or more switches being switched off; providing, by a controller coupled to the plurality of circuits, a first plurality of signals to cause the first one or more switches and the second one or more switches to be switched on and off simultaneously; as well as An integrated circuit on a die is powered using the voltage outputs of the plurality of circuits, wherein the plurality of circuits are disposed below the die and the voltage outputs are provided to the integrated circuit using one or more vias oriented vertically and coupled to the integrated circuit at the die.

20. A system comprising: a plurality of circuits configured under the die to provide a voltage output to an integrated circuit included in the die in response to a voltage input, each circuit of the plurality of circuits comprising a plurality of switches and one or more capacitors; wherein each circuit of the plurality of circuits is coupled in parallel with each of the other circuits of the plurality of circuits, wherein an input of each circuit is coupled to the voltage input and wherein an output of each circuit is coupled to the voltage output; wherein the plurality of switches of each circuit of the plurality of circuits is configured to be switched on and off at a phase different from a phase of at least one other plurality of switches of another circuit of the plurality of circuits; and Wherein the voltage output is coupled with the die using one or more vias oriented vertically.

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