Multi-phase power supply, power supply method and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a multi-phase power supply, a power supply method and electronic equipment, relates to the field of power supply design, and is used for improving the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply in a light load state. The multi-phase power supply comprises a multi-phase controller, N first power supply modules (N is a positive integer), and a second power supply module. The second power supply module comprises two power supply sub-modules which are connected in parallel, and the loss of each power supply sub-module is smaller than that of each first power supply module. The input end of the multi-phase controller is used for being coupled to the output end of the processor, and the first output end of the multi-phase controller is coupled to the control ends of the power supply sub-modules and the control ends of the first power supply modules. The second output end of the multi-phase controller is coupled to the input end of each power supply sub-module and the input end of each first power supply module. The power supply ends of all the power supply sub-modules and all the first power supply modules are used for being coupled to the output end of a voltage source. The output end of each power supply sub-module and the output end of each first power supply module are respectively coupled to the power supply end of the processor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of power supply design, and in particular, to a multi-phase power supply, a power supply method, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of electronic devices, the power consumption of electronic devices is getting higher and higher. Therefore, how to reduce the power consumption of electronic devices is an urgent problem to be solved. Generally, improving the efficiency of the power supply of electronic devices is a means to reduce the power consumption of electronic devices. By analyzing the power consumption of the power supply of electronic devices, it can be seen that the power consumption of the processor in the electronic device accounts for a large proportion of the overall power consumption of the electronic device. Therefore, in order to reduce the overall power consumption of the electronic device, the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply that supplies power to the processor can be improved. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides a multi-phase power supply, a power supply method and an electronic device, which are used to improve the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply under a light load state, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of the electronic device.

[0004] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, a multi-phase power supply is provided, the multi-phase power supply comprising: a multi-phase controller, N first power modules and second power modules connected in parallel, N being a positive integer. The second power module comprises a first power submodule and a second power submodule connected in parallel, and the loss of the first power submodule and the loss of the second power submodule are less than the loss of each first power module.

[0006] Wherein, the input end of the multi-phase controller is used to couple to the output end of the processor. The first output end of the multi-phase controller is coupled to the control end of the first power submodule, the control end of the second power submodule and the control end of each first power module. The second output end of the multi-phase controller is coupled to the input end of the first power submodule, the input end of the second power submodule and the input end of each first power module. The power supply end of the first power submodule, the power supply end of the second power submodule and the power supply end of each first power module are respectively used to couple to the output end of the voltage source of the electronic device. The output end of the first power submodule, the output end of the second power submodule and the output end of each first power module are respectively coupled to the power supply end of the processor. The multi-phase controller is used to control the first power submodule to supply power to the processor when the processor indicates that the multi-phase power supply is in a light load state.

[0007] When the multi-phase power supply provided by the present application is in a light-load state, the multi-phase controller can control one of the two power sub-modules to supply power to the processor. In this way, since the loss of each power sub-module is less than the loss of each power module in the original multi-phase power supply, under the above-mentioned light-load state, one of the two power sub-modules has a smaller power loss when supplying power to the processor, thereby improving the power supply efficiency of the power sub-module, and further improving the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply under the light-load state.

[0008] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, each first power supply module includes: a driver chip, a first field effect transistor, a second field effect transistor, and a first inductor. The input end of the driver chip is coupled to the output end of the multi-phase controller. The output end of the driver chip is coupled to the control end of the first field effect transistor and the control end of the second field effect transistor. The first end of the first field effect transistor is used to couple to a voltage source of the electronic device. The second end of the first field effect transistor is coupled to the first end of the second field effect transistor and the first end of the first inductor. The second end of the first inductor is coupled to the power supply end of the processor.

[0009] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, each power submodule in the first power submodule and the second power submodule includes: a driver chip, a third field effect transistor, a fourth field effect transistor, and a second inductor. The input end of the driver chip is coupled to the output end of the multi-phase controller, and the output end of the driver chip is coupled to the control end of the third field effect transistor and the control end of the fourth field effect transistor. The first end of the third field effect transistor is used to couple to a voltage source of an electronic device. The second end of the third field effect transistor is coupled to the first end of the fourth field effect transistor and the first end of the second inductor. The second end of the second inductor is coupled to the power supply end of the processor. Among them, the loss of the third field effect transistor is less than the loss of the first field effect transistor, the loss of the fourth field effect transistor is less than the loss of the second field effect transistor, and the loss of the second inductor is less than the loss of the first inductor.

[0010] Since the loss of the third field effect tube is less than the loss of the first field effect tube, the loss of the fourth field effect tube is less than the loss of the second field effect tube, and the loss of the second inductor is less than the loss of the first inductor, the loss of each power submodule is less than the loss of each first power module. Based on this, under the light load state, controlling one of the power submodules to supply power to the processor can reduce the power loss, thereby improving the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply under the light load state.

[0011] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the third field effect transistor and the fourth field effect transistor meet at least one of the following conditions: small internode capacitance, small on-resistance, and low switching frequency.

[0012] From the loss formula of the field effect transistor, it can be seen that the loss of the field effect transistor is related to the inter-node capacitance, on-resistance and switching frequency. Therefore, selecting a field effect transistor that meets at least one of the above conditions can ensure that the loss of the field effect transistor is small.

[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the inductance of the second inductor is greater than the inductance of the first inductor. For an inductor, the greater the inductance of the inductor, the smaller the ripple current of the inductor. The ripple current of the inductor is proportional to the magnetic loss of the inductor, so the smaller the ripple current of the inductor, the smaller the magnetic loss of the inductor. It can be seen that the greater the inductance of the inductor, the smaller the loss of the inductor.

[0014] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first inductor and the second inductor may be inductors of the same package. Generally, the larger the inductance value of the inductor, the larger the size of the inductor. The larger the size of the inductor, the higher the cost, and the larger the area of ​​the power module, resulting in a larger area of ​​the multi-phase power supply. In order to reduce costs and control the area of ​​the multi-phase power supply, an inductor with a larger inductance value can be selected as the second inductor in the same package.

[0015] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, each first power supply module further includes a first sampling module. A first end of the first sampling module is coupled to a first end of the first inductor. A second end of the first sampling module is coupled to a second end of the first inductor. An output end of the first sampling module is coupled to a first feedback end of the multi-phase controller.

[0016] The first sampling module can collect a first sampling signal of the first inductor in the first power module, and feed back the first sampling signal to the multi-phase controller. The multi-phase controller can perform current sharing control on the output current of each power module according to the first sampling signal of each power module, so that when the multi-phase power supply operates in the full-phase continuous conduction mode, the output current of each phase of the multi-phase power supply is equal.

[0017] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first sampling module includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a first capacitor. The first end of the first resistor is coupled to the first end of the first inductor, the second end of the first resistor is coupled to the first end of the first capacitor, and the second end of the first capacitor is coupled to the second end of the first inductor. The first end of the first capacitor is also coupled to the first end of the first transconductance amplifier of the multi-phase controller. The second end of the first capacitor is also coupled to the second end of the first transconductance amplifier through the second resistor.

[0018] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second power module further includes a second sampling module. A first end of the second sampling module is coupled to a first end of a second inductor in the first power submodule, a second end of the second sampling module is coupled to a second end of the second inductor in the first power submodule, and an output end of the second sampling module is coupled to a second feedback end of the multi-phase controller.

[0019] The second sampling module can collect the first sampling signal of the second inductor in the first power submodule, and feed back the first sampling signal to the multi-phase controller. The multi-phase controller can obtain the first sampling signal of the second power module according to the first sampling signals of each power submodule. Then, the multi-phase controller combines the first sampling signals of each first power module to perform current balancing control on the output current of each power module, so that when the multi-phase power supply operates in the full-phase continuous conduction mode, the output current of each phase of the multi-phase power supply is equal.

[0020] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second sampling module includes: a third resistor, a fourth resistor, and a second capacitor. The first end of the third resistor is coupled to the first end of the second inductor in the first power submodule, the second end of the third resistor is coupled to the first end of the second capacitor, and the second end of the second capacitor is coupled to the second end of the second inductor in the first power submodule. The first end of the second capacitor is also coupled to the first end of the second transconductance amplifier of the multi-phase controller, and the second end of the second capacitor is also coupled to the second end of the second transconductance amplifier through the fourth resistor.

[0021] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second power module further includes a third sampling module. A first end of the third sampling module is coupled to a first end of a second inductor in the second power submodule, a second end of the third sampling module is coupled to a second end of the second inductor in the second power submodule, and an output end of the third sampling module is coupled to a third feedback end of the multi-phase controller.

[0022] The third sampling module can collect the first sampling signal of the second inductor in the second power submodule, and feed back the first sampling signal to the multi-phase controller. The multi-phase controller can obtain the first sampling signal of the second power module according to the first sampling signals of each power submodule. Then, the multi-phase controller combines the first sampling signals of each first power module to perform current sharing control on the output current of each power module, so that when the multi-phase power supply operates in the full-phase continuous conduction mode, the output current of each phase of the multi-phase power supply is equal.

[0023] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the third sampling module includes: a fifth resistor, a sixth resistor, and a third capacitor. The first end of the fifth resistor is coupled to the first end of the second inductor in the second power submodule, the second end of the fifth resistor is coupled to the first end of the third capacitor, and the second end of the third capacitor is coupled to the second end of the second inductor in the second power submodule. The first end of the third capacitor is also coupled to the first end of the third transconductance amplifier of the multi-phase controller, and the second end of the third capacitor is also coupled to the second end of the third transconductance amplifier through the sixth resistor.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present application provides a power supply method, which is applied to the multi-phase power supply described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The power supply method includes:

[0025] When the processor indicates that the multi-phase power supply is in a light-load state, the first power submodule is controlled to supply power to the processor.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the power supply method further includes: when the processor indicates that the multi-phase power supply is in a full-phase continuous conduction mode, controlling each power sub-module and each first power supply module to supply power to the processor.

[0027] In another possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the power supply method further includes: when the processor indicates that the multi-phase power supply is in the single-phase continuous conduction mode, controlling one of the first power supply modules to supply power to the processor.

[0028] In another possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the power supply method further includes: when the processor indicates that the multi-phase power supply is in the single-phase continuous conduction mode, controlling each power sub-module to supply power to the processor.

[0029] In a third aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, which includes a voltage source, a processor, a microcontroller, and the multi-phase power supply described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The output end of the voltage source is coupled to the power supply end of the multi-phase power supply and the power supply end of the microcontroller. The control end of the multi-phase power supply is coupled to the output end of the processor and the output end of the microcontroller. The output end of the multi-phase power supply is coupled to the power supply end of the processor.

[0030] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions, which, when executed on an electronic device, enable the electronic device to execute the power supply method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0031] The technical effects of the second to fourth aspects refer to the technical effects of the first aspect and any of its embodiments, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device in conventional technology;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-phase power supply in conventional technology;

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of current distribution of a multi-phase power supply;

[0035] Figure 4 One of the structural schematic diagrams of a multi-phase power supply provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 5 One of the flow charts of a power supply method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 6 A second structural schematic diagram of a multi-phase power supply provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 7 A second flow chart of a power supply method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 8 A third flow chart of a power supply method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the efficiency gain of a multi-phase power supply provided in an embodiment of the present application when operating under a light load state;

[0041] Fig.10 A third structural diagram of a multi-phase power supply provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Fig.11 This is a fourth structural schematic diagram of a multi-phase power supply provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The terms "first", "second", etc. involved in the embodiments of the present application are only used to distinguish features of the same type and cannot be understood as indicating relative importance, quantity, order, etc.

[0044] The terms "exemplary" or "for example" and the like in the embodiments of the present application are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the related concepts in a specific way.

[0045] The terms "coupling" and "connection" involved in the embodiments of the present application should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a direct physical connection, or an indirect connection achieved through electronic devices, such as a connection achieved through resistors, inductors, capacitors or other electronic devices.

[0046] First, some concepts involved in the embodiments of the present application are described.

[0047] A multi-phase power supply is a power supply that can simultaneously provide multiple voltages with the same frequency but different initial phases. For example, a multi-phase power supply can be a three-phase power supply, a four-phase power supply, a six-phase power supply, etc.

[0048] Multiphase controller, which is generally a digital chip, is an important component of a multiphase power supply. A multiphase controller usually uses pulse width modulation (PWM) technology to synchronously control multiple single-phase power supplies in a multiphase power supply, so that multiple single-phase power supplies are consistent in phase and voltage, thereby forming a multiphase power supply.

[0049] An operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) is an amplifier that converts input voltage into output current. In other words, an OTA is a voltage-controlled current source.

[0050] With the development of electronic devices, the power consumption of electronic devices is getting bigger and bigger. Therefore, how to reduce the power consumption of electronic devices is an urgent problem to be solved. Generally, improving the efficiency of the power supply of electronic devices is a means to reduce the power consumption of electronic devices. By analyzing the power consumption of the power supply of electronic devices, it can be known that the power consumption of the processor in the electronic device accounts for a large proportion of the overall power consumption of the electronic device, such as about 25%. Therefore, in order to reduce the overall power consumption of electronic devices, the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply that supplies power to the processor can be improved.

[0051] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device in conventional technology. Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device 100 may include: a charging interface 110 , a voltage source 120 , a multi-phase power supply 130 , a processor 140 , a load module 150 and a microcontroller 160 .

[0052] The charging interface 110 is coupled to an external power source via a charging cable ( Figure 1 The output end of the charging interface 110 is coupled to the power supply end of the voltage source 120. The output end of the voltage source 120 is coupled to the power supply end of the multi-phase power supply 130, the power supply end of the load module 150 and the power supply end of the microcontroller 160, and is used to supply power to the multi-phase power supply 130, the load module 150 and the microcontroller 160. The output end of the multi-phase power supply 130 is coupled to the power supply end of the processor 140, and is used to supply power to the processor 140.

[0053] The output end of the processor 140 is coupled to the control end of the multi-phase power supply 130 and the control end of the load module 150, and is used to control the multi-phase power supply 130 and the load module 150. The output end of the microcontroller 160 is coupled to the control end of the multi-phase power supply 130, and is used to control the multi-phase power supply 130 to supply power to the processor 140 before the processor 140 is started, so that the processor 140 can start up, so that the processor 140 can send control information to the multi-phase power supply 130.

[0054] The voltage source 120 may be a battery, but is not limited thereto. The processor 140 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), but is not limited thereto. The microcontroller 160 may be a low-frequency, low-specification central processing unit, but is not limited thereto. The load module 150 may include a display screen, a button, an audio module, a sensor module, and a communication module, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] Optionally, the voltage source 120 may be provided by a first power conversion module ( Figure 1 ) is coupled to the microcontroller 160. Similarly, the voltage source 120 can be coupled to the microcontroller 160 through the second power conversion module ( Figure 1 The first power conversion module and the second power conversion module may be the same power conversion module or different power conversion modules, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0056] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-phase power supply structure in conventional technology. Figure 2 As shown, the multi-phase power supply 130 may include: a multi-phase controller 210, M power modules 220. The power supply signal output by each power module 220 is one phase of the power supply signal output by the multi-phase power supply 130. Wherein, M is a positive integer greater than 1, and the size of M depends on the number of "phases" of the multi-phase power supply. For example, when the multi-phase power supply is a three-phase power supply, M=3.

[0057] The input terminal of the multi-phase controller 210 is coupled to the output terminal of the processor 140. The first output terminal of the multi-phase controller 210 is coupled to the control terminal of each power module 220, and the second output terminal of the multi-phase controller 210 is coupled to the input terminal of each power module 220. The power supply terminal of each power module 220 is coupled to the output terminal of the voltage source ( Figure 2 140). That is, the voltage source supplies power to each power module 220. The output end of each power module 220 is coupled to the power supply end of the processor 140. In summary, the multi-phase controller 210 can control at least one power module 220 to output a corresponding power supply signal to the power supply end of the processor 140 based on the control information output by the output end of the processor 140.

[0058] It should be noted that the first output terminal and the second output terminal of the multi-phase controller 210 are different output terminals, but this does not mean that the multi-phase controller 210 only includes two output terminals.

[0059] Each power module 220 may include: a driving chip 221 , a first field effect transistor 222 , a second field effect transistor 223 and a first inductor 224 .

[0060] The control end of the driver chip 221 is coupled to the first output end of the multi-phase controller, the input end of the driver chip 221 is coupled to the second output end of the multi-phase controller 210, and the output end of the driver chip 221 is coupled to the control end of the first field effect transistor 222 and the control end of the second field effect transistor 223. The first end of the first field effect transistor 222 is coupled to the output end of the voltage source ( Figure 2 That is, the first end of the first field effect tube 222 is the power supply end of the power module 220. The second end of the first field effect tube 222 is coupled to the first end of the second field effect tube 223, and the second end of the second field effect tube 223 is coupled to the ground end of the electronic device ( Figure 2 The second end of the first field effect transistor 222 is also coupled to the first end of the first inductor 224, and the second end of the first inductor 224 is coupled to the power supply end of the processor 140. In other words, the second end of the first inductor 224 is the output end of each power module 220.

[0061] Specifically, the state of the multi-phase power supply may include a working state and a shut-down state (i.e., an invalid (disable) mode). The following takes a multi-phase power supply for supplying power to a processor (such as a CPU) as an example to briefly introduce possible working states of the multi-phase power supply:

[0062] Full-phase continuous conduction mode: Full-phase (continuous conduction mode, CCM), that is, each power module (i.e. each phase) of the multi-phase power supply has an output. In this mode, the current of the inductor in each power module will never reach 0A during a switching cycle of the field effect tube, or in other words, the inductor in each power module will never "reset". This means that the inductor flux in each power module will never reach 0 during a switching cycle of the field effect tube. Usually, in full-phase continuous conduction mode, the output current of the multi-phase power supply is greater than 10A.

[0063] When the multi-phase controller 210 receives the first control information indicating that the multi-phase power supply 130 needs to be in a full-phase continuous conduction mode, it can enable the driver chip 221 in each power module 220 to control the first field effect transistor 222 and the second field effect transistor 223 to be alternately turned on, thereby charging and discharging the first inductor 224, and then supplying power to the processor 140.

[0064] Single-phase continuous conduction mode: Single-phase (continuous conduction mode, CCM), that is, a mode in which one of the power modules (i.e., one phase) of a multi-phase power supply outputs a power supply signal. In this mode, during a switching cycle of the field effect tube, the current of the inductor in a working power module never reaches 0A, or the inductor in the power module never "resets". This means that during a switching cycle of the field effect tube, the inductor flux in the power module never reaches 0. Typically, in single-phase continuous conduction mode, the output current of a multi-phase power supply is about 5A-10A.

[0065] When the multi-phase controller 210 receives the first control information indicating that the multi-phase power supply 130 needs to be in a single-phase continuous conduction mode, it can enable the driver chip 221 in one of the power modules 220 to control the first field effect transistor 222 and the second field effect transistor 223 to be alternately turned on, thereby charging and discharging the first inductor 224, and then supplying power to the processor 140.

[0066] Single-phase discontinuous conduction mode: Single-phase (discontinuous conduction mode, DCM) is also a mode in which one of the power modules of a multi-phase power supply outputs a power supply signal. In this mode, within a switching cycle of the field effect tube, the current of the inductor in a working power module will always reach 0, or the inductor in the power module will be properly "reset". This means that within a switching cycle of the field effect tube, the inductor flux in the power module will reach 0. Usually, in the single-phase discontinuous conduction mode, the output current of the multi-phase power supply can be less than 5A.

[0067] In some embodiments, the single-phase discontinuous conduction mode may also be referred to as a light load state. For the convenience of description, the single-phase discontinuous conduction mode is referred to as a light load state in the following description. Generally, when the electronic device is working in a light office scene (such as editing documents, browsing web pages, holding a video conference, etc.), the multi-phase power supply can work in a light load state.

[0068] When the multi-phase controller 210 receives the first control information indicating that the multi-phase power supply 130 needs to be in a single-phase discontinuous conduction mode (i.e., a light load state), it controls the driver chip 221 in the power module 220 of one phase to control the corresponding first field effect transistor 222 and the second field effect transistor 223 to be alternately turned on, thereby controlling the charging and discharging of the corresponding first inductor 224, and then supplying power to the processor 140.

[0069] To summarize, the process of a multi-phase power supply supplying power to a processor is as follows: a multi-phase controller controls at least one driver chip to control the corresponding first field effect transistor and second field effect transistor to alternately conduct according to the first control information sent by the processor, so that at least one first inductor is charged and discharged, thereby supplying power to the processor.

[0070] Figure 3 Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of current distribution of a multi-phase power supply. Figure 3 As shown, the cumulative frequency of the current of the multi-phase power supply being less than 4.926 A is 90%. That is, the time when the current of the multi-phase power supply is less than 4.926 A is the most.

[0071] Combining the working state of the multi-phase power supply and the current distribution of the multi-phase power supply, it can be known that the multi-phase power supply works in a light-load state most of the time. Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply, the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply in the light-load state can be improved.

[0072] Continue as Figure 2 As shown, in actual application, in order to adapt to the maximum input current of the processor 140, the maximum output current of each power module 220 in the multi-phase power supply 130 needs to meet the average current of the maximum input current. In other words, the first field effect transistor 222, the second field effect transistor 223 and the first inductor 224 in each power module 220 need to be able to withstand the average current of the maximum input current.

[0073] For example, taking the multi-phase power supply as a four-phase power supply and the maximum input current of the processor as 170 A, the average current of the maximum input current is 42.5 A. That is, the first field effect transistor 222, the second field effect transistor 223 and the first inductor 224 in each power module 220 need to be able to withstand a current of 42.5 A.

[0074] Usually, field effect tubes and inductors will produce certain losses during operation. These losses are the main reason for the low efficiency of multi-phase power supplies, especially the low efficiency of multi-phase power supplies under light load conditions. The following briefly introduces the losses of field effect tubes and inductors.

[0075] For field effect transistors, the losses of the field effect transistors may include conduction loss, switching loss, and driving loss, but are not limited thereto.

[0076] Specifically, conduction loss refers to the loss generated when current passes through the inside of the field effect tube. The conduction loss can be expressed by the following formula (1):

[0077]

[0078] Among them, P loss1 is the conduction loss; I drainis the drain-source current of the field effect tube when the field effect tube is turned on; R dson is the on-resistance of the field effect tube.

[0079] Switching loss refers to the loss generated when the field effect tube is performing a switching operation. The switching loss can be expressed by the following formula (2):

[0080]

[0081] Among them, P loss2 is the switching loss; C gd is the internode capacitance between the gate and source of the field effect transistor; V gs is the gate-source voltage of the field effect tube; f sw is the switching frequency of the field effect tube.

[0082] In addition, the current capacity of the field effect tube (i.e., I drain ) is larger, the larger the internode capacitance between the gate and source of the field effect tube is. Based on this, combined with the above formula (1) and formula (2), it can be seen that: in order to withstand a larger current, it is necessary to select a field effect tube with a larger internode capacitance. However, the power loss of such a field effect tube is large, and at the same time, the current loss of the field effect tube is also large. In other words, the field effect tube that can withstand a larger current has a larger loss, which will lead to a lower efficiency of each power module, thereby leading to a lower efficiency of the multi-phase power supply.

[0083] For an inductor, the loss of the inductor may include, but is not limited to, a DC loss and an AC loss of the inductor, wherein the AC loss of the inductor may also be referred to as a magnetic loss of the inductor.

[0084] Specifically, the magnetic loss of an inductor refers to the loss generated when the work done by the outside world on the inductor is converted into heat during the charging and discharging process of the inductor. The magnetic loss of an inductor can be expressed by the following formula (3):

[0085] AC 损 =ΔI 2 ×R AC (3)

[0086] Among them, AC 损 is the magnetic loss of the inductor; ΔI is the ripple current of the inductor; R AC is the AC resistance of the inductor.

[0087] It can be seen from formula (3) that when the AC resistance of the inductor is constant, the larger the ripple current of the inductor, the greater the magnetic loss of the inductor.

[0088] In addition, the inductance value and the ripple current of the inductor can be expressed by the following formula (4):

[0089]

[0090] Among them, U is the voltage across the inductor; D is the duty cycle; L is the inductance value of the inductor; r is the current ripple rate of the inductor; f sw is the switching frequency of the field effect tube.

[0091] From formula (4), we know that the inductance value of the inductor is inversely proportional to the ripple current of the inductor. The larger the inductance value of the inductor, the smaller the ripple current of the inductor. Therefore, by selecting an inductor with a large inductance value, the ripple current of the inductor can be reduced, thereby reducing the magnetic loss of the inductor.

[0092] However, due to the limitations of the packaging of the inductor and the current carrying capacity of the inductor, the inductance value of the inductor cannot be increased all the time. Specifically, the larger the inductance value of the inductor, the smaller the current carrying capacity of the inductor. That is to say, in the case of large current, an inductor with a large inductance value cannot be selected. At the same time, the larger the inductance value of the inductor, the larger the packaging of the inductor, and the larger the size of the inductor, which will not only increase the cost of the multi-phase power supply, but also increase the circuit area of ​​the multi-phase power supply. In other words, under the condition that each inductor can withstand the average current of the maximum input current, the low cost and the small circuit area of ​​the multi-phase power supply, it is impossible to select an inductor with a larger inductance value. Due to the above reasons, only inductors with smaller inductance values ​​can be selected in the multi-phase power supply in conventional technology. Therefore, the magnetic loss of the inductor cannot be reduced, which will result in low efficiency of each power module, thereby resulting in low efficiency of the multi-phase power supply.

[0093] For example, the inductor in the conventional technology is a 0630 package with an inductance of 0.15uH. If the parameters such as the inductor current carrying capacity and the DC resistance of the inductor remain unchanged, if an inductor with a larger inductance is selected, an inductor with a 1030 package needs to be selected. However, compared with the inductor with a 0630 package, the size of the inductor with a 1030 package is larger.

[0094] In summary, each power module in the conventional multi-phase power supply has large losses in field effect transistors and inductors even under light load conditions, taking into account cost, size, and the average current of the maximum input current of the processor. Therefore, under light load conditions, the losses of each power module in the conventional multi-phase power supply are large. It can be seen that the efficiency of the conventional multi-phase power supply under light load conditions is low.

[0095] To this end, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device that improves a multi-phase power supply. In the improved multi-phase power supply, one power module in the original multi-phase power supply is replaced by two power submodules connected in parallel. The replaced power module can be any power module in the original multi-phase power supply. The internal structure of the two power submodules is the same as that of any original power module. The sum of the output currents of the two power submodules is equal to the output current of one power module in the original multi-phase power supply, so the output current of each power submodule can be respectively less than the output current of one power module in the original multi-phase power supply. In other words, the maximum current that each power submodule can withstand can be respectively less than the average current of the maximum input current. In this way, the current that the field effect tube in each power submodule needs to withstand is less than the current that the field effect tube in one power module in the original multi-phase power supply needs to withstand, so the loss of the field effect tube in each power submodule can be less than the loss of the field effect tube in one power module in the original multi-phase power supply. Similarly, the current that the inductor in each power submodule needs to withstand is smaller than the current that the inductor in one power module in the original multi-phase power supply needs to withstand, so the loss of the inductor in each power submodule can be smaller than the loss of the inductor in one power module in the original multi-phase power supply. Therefore, the loss of each power submodule is smaller than the loss of each power module in the original multi-phase power supply.

[0096] When the multi-phase power supply is in a light load state, the multi-phase controller can control one of the two power sub-modules to supply power to the processor, while the other power sub-module does not supply power to the processor. In this way, since the loss of each power sub-module is less than the loss of each power module in the original multi-phase power supply, under the above light load state, one of the two power sub-modules has a smaller power loss when supplying power to the processor, thereby improving the power supply efficiency of the power sub-module, and further improving the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply under the light load state.

[0097] The electronic device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be mobile or fixed. The electronic device may be deployed on land (e.g., indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted, etc.), on the water (e.g., a ship model), or in the air (e.g., a drone, etc.). The electronic device may be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, terminal unit, subscriber unit, terminal station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, terminal agent or terminal device, etc. For example, the electronic device may be a mobile phone, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a terminal in industrial control, a terminal in self-driving, a terminal in remote medical, a terminal in smart grid, a terminal in transportation safety, a terminal in smart city, a terminal in smart home, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific type and structure of the electronic device.

[0098] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows one of the structural schematic diagrams of a multi-phase power supply provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, the improved multi-phase power supply 400 provided in the embodiment of the present application may include: a multi-phase controller 210, N first power modules 411 and a second power module 412, where N is a positive integer. The input end of the multi-phase controller 210 is coupled to the output end of the processor 140. The first output end of the multi-phase controller 210 is coupled to the control end of each first power module 411 and the control end of the second power module 412. The second output end of the multi-phase controller 210 is coupled to the input end of each first power module 411 and the input end of the second power module 412. The power supply end of each first power module 411 is coupled to the output end of the voltage source ( Figure 4 ), and the power supply end of the second power supply module 412 is also coupled to the output end of the voltage source ( Figure 4 The output end of each first power module 411 is coupled to the power supply end of the processor 140, and the output end of the second power module 412 is also coupled to the power supply end of the processor 140.

[0099] The multi-phase controller 210 can be used to execute a power supply method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, the power supply method may include:

[0100] S501. The multi-phase controller receives first control information sent by a processor.

[0101] Among them, the first control information may include: the target operating state and voltage information of the multi-phase power supply. The target operating state refers to a working state in which the processor needs the multi-phase power supply. In this working state, the current provided by the multi-phase power supply to the processor can meet the current working scenario of the electronic device. The target operating state can be one of the full-phase continuous conduction mode, the single-phase continuous conduction mode, and the light load state. The voltage information is the output voltage of the multi-phase power supply, that is, the input voltage required by the processor.

[0102] When the electronic device is working in a light office scenario, the first control information is used to indicate that the target working state of the multi-phase power supply is a light load state. When the electronic device is working in a heavy load scenario, the first control information is used to indicate that the target working state of the multi-phase power supply is a full-phase continuous conduction mode. When the electronic device is working in other scenarios, the first control information is used to indicate that the target working state of the multi-phase power supply is a single-phase continuous conduction mode.

[0103] S502: Based on the first control information indicating that the target working state of the multi-phase power supply is a full-phase continuous conduction mode, the multi-phase controller sends second control information and first enable information to each first power module and second power module.

[0104] The enabling information involved in the embodiments of the present application is used to control each power module to start or stop working. The enabling information can be a high level signal or a low level signal. For example, the enabling information is a high level, which is used to control each power module to start; the enabling information is a low level, which is used to control each power module to stop working. Alternatively, the enabling information is a low level, which is used to control each power module to start; the enabling information is a high level, which is used to control each power module to stop working.

[0105] In this embodiment, the first enabling information is used to instruct each power module (such as each first power module and each second power module) to start. It should be noted that in the full-phase continuous conduction mode, each phase of the multi-phase power supply needs to output current to power the processor. Therefore, the multi-phase controller can send the same first enabling information to each first power module and the second power module.

[0106] The second control information is used to control each power module to supply power to the processor. The second control information may be a square wave signal with an adjustable duty cycle. For example, the second control information may be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. By adjusting the duty cycle of the second control information, the output current of the corresponding power module may be adjusted.

[0107] It should be noted that, in the full-phase continuous conduction mode, each phase of the multi-phase power supply needs to output current to power the processor; and the output current of each phase of the multi-phase power supply is required to be substantially equal. Therefore, the multi-phase controller can send the same second control information to each first power module and the second power module to ensure that each first power module and the second power module can output substantially equal current to the processor.

[0108] S503: Each first power supply module supplies power to the processor according to the second control information and the first enable information.

[0109] Figure 6 FIG2 shows a second structural diagram of a multi-phase power supply provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 ,like Figure 6 As shown, the first power module 411 may include: a driving chip 221 , a first field effect transistor 222 , a second field effect transistor 223 and a first inductor 224 .

[0110] The control end of the driver chip 221 is coupled to the first output end of the multi-phase controller 210, that is, the control end of the driver chip 221 in the first power module 411 is the control end of the first power module 411. The input end of the driver chip 221 is coupled to the second output end of the multi-phase controller 210, that is, the input end of the driver chip 221 in the first power module 411 is the input end of the first power module 411. The output end of the driver chip 221 is coupled to the control end of the first field effect transistor 222 and the control end of the second field effect transistor 223. The first end of the first field effect transistor 222 is coupled to the output end of the voltage source ( Figure 6 The first end of the first field effect tube 222 is coupled to the first end of the second field effect tube 223, and the second end of the second field effect tube 223 is coupled to the ground end ( Figure 6 The second end of the first field effect tube 222 is coupled to the first end of the first inductor 224, and the second end of the first inductor 224 is coupled to the power supply end of the processor 140. In other words, the second end of the first inductor 224 is the output end of the first power module 411. The grounding end is the grounding end of the electronic device.

[0111] Specifically, when the driver chip 221 in a first power module 411 receives the first enable information, the driver chip 221 starts. After the driver chip 221 starts, a first square wave signal for controlling the first field effect tube 222 to be turned on or off, and a second square wave signal for controlling the second field effect tube 223 to be turned off or on are generated based on the second control information. At the same time, the waveforms of the first square wave signal and the second square wave signal are opposite. In other words, the state of the first field effect tube 222 is opposite to the state of the second field effect tube 223. When the first field effect tube 222 is turned on, the second field effect tube 223 is turned off; when the first field effect tube 222 is turned off, the second field effect tube 223 is turned on.

[0112] When the first field effect transistor 222 is turned on and the second field effect transistor 223 is turned off, the voltage source charges the first inductor 224 through the first field effect transistor 222 and supplies power to the processor 140. Then, the first field effect transistor 222 is turned off and the second field effect transistor 223 is turned on, the first inductor 224 starts to discharge and continues to supply power to the processor 140. In this way, the first field effect transistor 222 and the second field effect transistor 223 in each first power module 411 are repeatedly turned off and turned on alternately, so as to charge the processor 140.

[0113] S504: The second power supply module supplies power to the processor according to the second control information and the first enable information.

[0114] Continue as Figure 4 As shown, the second power module 412 may include: a first power submodule 421 and a second power submodule 422 connected in parallel. Since the output current of the first power submodule 421 and the output current of the second power submodule 422 are smaller than those of each second power module, the loss of the first power submodule 421 is smaller than the loss of each first power module 411, and the loss of the second power submodule 422 is smaller than the loss of each first power module 411. For example, the above loss may be the loss of the field effect transistor in the power module and the loss of the inductor.

[0115] Specifically, the control end of the first power submodule 421 is coupled to the first output end of the multi-phase controller 210, the input end of the first power submodule 421 is coupled to the second output end of the multi-phase controller 210, and the power supply end of the first power submodule 421 is coupled to the output end of the voltage source ( Figure 4 (not shown), the output end of the first power submodule 421 is coupled to the power supply end of the processor 140.

[0116] The control end of the second power submodule 422 is coupled to the first output end of the multi-phase controller 210, the input end of the second power submodule 422 is coupled to the second output end of the multi-phase controller 210, and the power supply end of the second power submodule 422 is coupled to the output end of the voltage source ( Figure 4 (not shown), the output end of the second power submodule 422 is coupled to the power supply end of the processor 140.

[0117] Typically, the output current of the first power submodule 421 is less than the output current of each first power module 411, and the output current of the second power submodule 422 is less than the output current of each first power module 411. At the same time, the difference between the sum of the output current of the first power submodule 421 and the output current of the second power submodule 422 and the output current of each first power module 411 is less than the first threshold. For example, the sum of the output current of the first power submodule 421 and the output current of the second power submodule 422 is equal to the output current of each first power module 411.

[0118] In actual application, when the multi-phase power supply 410 is in the full-phase continuous conduction mode, the output current of each phase of the multi-phase power supply 410 is substantially equal. Therefore, when the multi-phase power supply 410 is in the full-phase continuous conduction mode, the first power submodule 421 and the second power submodule 422 in the second power module 412 jointly supply power to the processor 140 to ensure that the sum of the output current of the first power submodule 421 and the output current of the second power submodule 422 is equal to the output current of each first power module 411.

[0119] The structure of the first power submodule 421 may be the same as or different from the structure of the second power submodule 422. In the embodiment of the present application, the structure of the first power submodule 421 is the same as the structure of the second power submodule 422. The following briefly introduces the possible structures of each power submodule by taking the first power submodule as an example.

[0120] Continue as Figure 6 As shown, the first power submodule 421 may include: a driving chip 221 , a third field effect transistor 511 , a fourth field effect transistor 512 and a second inductor 513 .

[0121] The control end of the driver chip 221 is coupled to the first output end of the multi-phase controller 210, that is, the control end of the driver chip 221 in the first power submodule 421 is the control end of the first power submodule 421. The input end of the driver chip 221 is coupled to the second output end of the multi-phase controller 210, that is, the input end of the driver chip 221 in the first power submodule 421 is the input end of the first power submodule 421. The output end of the driver chip 221 is coupled to the control end of the third field effect transistor 511 and the control end of the fourth field effect transistor 512. The first end of the third field effect transistor 511 is coupled to the output end of the voltage source ( Figure 6The third field effect tube 511 is the power supply terminal of the first power submodule 421. The second end of the third field effect tube 511 is coupled to the first end of the fourth field effect tube 512, and the second end of the fourth field effect tube 512 is coupled to the ground terminal ( Figure 6 The first end of the second inductor 513 is coupled to the second end of the third field effect transistor 511, and the second end of the second inductor 513 is coupled to the power supply end of the processor 140. In other words, the second inductor 513 is the output end of the first power submodule 421.

[0122] Combine the following Figure 6 , taking the first power submodule 421 as an example, the power supply principle of each power submodule is briefly introduced:

[0123] Specifically, when the driver chip 221 in the first power supply submodule 421 receives the first enable information, the driver chip 221 starts. After the driver chip 221 starts, a third square wave signal for controlling the third field effect tube 511 to be turned on or off, and a fourth square wave signal for controlling the fourth field effect tube 512 to be turned off or on are generated based on the second control information. At the same time, the waveforms of the third square wave signal and the fourth square wave signal are opposite. In other words, the state of the third field effect tube 511 is opposite to the state of the fourth field effect tube 512. When the third field effect tube 511 is turned on, the fourth field effect tube 512 is turned off; when the third field effect tube 511 is turned off, the fourth field effect tube 512 is turned on.

[0124] When the third field effect transistor 511 is turned on and the fourth field effect transistor 512 is turned off, the voltage source charges the second inductor 513 through the third field effect transistor 511 and supplies power to the processor 140. Then, the third field effect transistor 511 is turned off and the fourth field effect transistor 512 is turned on, the second inductor 513 starts to discharge and continues to supply power to the processor 140. In this way, the third field effect transistor 511 and the fourth field effect transistor 512 in the first power submodule are repeatedly turned off and turned on alternately, so as to charge the processor 140.

[0125] It should be noted that, since the structure of the second power submodule 422 is the same as that of the first power submodule 421, the power supply principle of the second power submodule 422 is the same as that of the first power submodule 421. Therefore, the power supply principle of the second power submodule 422 can refer to the above description of the power supply principle of the first power submodule 421, and the embodiment of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0126] In addition, continue as Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the control end of each first power module 411 and the control end of the first power submodule 421 in the second power module 412 can be coupled together and then coupled to the first output end of the multi-phase controller 210. Figure 6 In the figure, the control end of each first power module 411 and the control end of the first power submodule 421 in the second power module 412 are respectively coupled to the first output end of the multi-phase controller 210 for illustration.

[0127] Optionally, the multi-phase controller 210 can also be used to execute another power supply method provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the power supply method may include:

[0128] S701. The multi-phase controller receives first control information sent by a processor.

[0129] For a detailed description of the first control information, reference may be made to the description in S501 above.

[0130] S702: Based on the first control information indicating that the target operating state of the multi-phase power supply is the single-phase continuous conduction mode, the multi-phase controller sends third control information and second enable information to the first power module A.

[0131] The first power module A is one of the first power modules.

[0132] Continue to refer to the introduction of the enable information in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, the second enable information is used to instruct one of the first power modules to start. It should be noted that in the single-phase continuous conduction mode, one phase of each phase of the multi-phase power supply 410 needs to output current to power the processor. Therefore, the multi-phase controller can send the second enable information to a first power module.

[0133] Since the first enabling information and the second enabling information are both used to start the driver chip in the power module, the first enabling information and the second enabling information may be the same enabling information. For example, the first enabling information and the second enabling information may be high level.

[0134] The third control information is used to control the first power module to supply power to the processor. The third control information may be a square wave signal with an adjustable duty cycle. For example, the third control information may be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. By adjusting the duty cycle of the third control information, the output current of the corresponding power module may be adjusted.

[0135] It should be noted that, since both the full-phase continuous conduction mode and the single-phase continuous conduction mode are continuous conduction modes, the third control information and the second control information may be the same control information.

[0136] S703: The first power module A supplies power to the processor according to the third control information and the second enable information.

[0137] In this embodiment, the principle that a first power module supplies power to the processor according to the third control information and the second enabling information is consistent with the principle that each first power module supplies power to the processor according to the second control information and the first enabling information in the above S503. Therefore, in S703, the process of the first power module supplying power to the processor according to the third control information and the second enabling information can refer to the introduction of the above S503, and this embodiment of the present application will not be repeated.

[0138] S704: Based on the first control information indicating that the target operating state of the multi-phase power supply is the single-phase continuous conduction mode, the multi-phase controller sends third enabling information to each first power module B and the second power module.

[0139] The first power module B is the first power module other than the first power module A among all the first power modules.

[0140] Continue to refer to the introduction of the enabling information in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, the third enabling information is used to instruct each of the first power module B and the second power module to stop working. That is, the third enabling information is different from the second enabling information. For example, when the second enabling information is a high level, the third enabling information is a low level.

[0141] In the single-phase continuous conduction mode, only one phase of the multi-phase power supply is needed to supply power to the processor. Therefore, when the target working state of the multi-phase power supply is indicated to be the single-phase continuous conduction mode based on the first control information, the multi-phase controller needs to send third enabling information to each of the first power supply modules A and the second power supply modules in addition to sending the second enabling information to the first power supply module A, so that the first power supply module A supplies power to the processor, while each of the first power supply modules B and the second power supply modules does not need to supply power to the processor.

[0142] S705: Based on the third enabling information, each of the first power module B and the second power module does not work.

[0143] The non-operation of each first power module B and the second power module may include: the power module switching from a working state to a non-operating state, or maintaining the original non-operating state, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0144] In other embodiments, when the multi-phase power supply is in the single-phase continuous conduction mode, it is sufficient for one phase of the multi-phase power supply to have an output current. Therefore, when the first control information indicates that the target operating state of the multi-phase power supply is the single-phase continuous conduction mode, the multi-phase controller may also only send the third control information and the second enable information to the second power module. At the same time, the multi-phase controller may also send the third enable information to each first power module.

[0145] Specifically, the principle that the second power module supplies power to the processor according to the third control information and the second enabling information is consistent with the principle that the second power module supplies power to the processor according to the second control information and the first enabling information in the above S504. Therefore, the process in which the second power module supplies power to the processor according to the third control information and the second enabling information can refer to the introduction of the above S504, and the embodiments of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0146] Optionally, the multi-phase controller 210 can also be used to execute another power supply method provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the power supply method may include:

[0147] S801. The multi-phase controller receives first control information sent by a processor.

[0148] For a detailed description of the first control information, reference may be made to the description in S501 above.

[0149] S802: Based on the first control information indicating that the target working state of the multi-phase power supply is a light load state, the multi-phase controller sends fourth control information and fourth enable information to the first power submodule.

[0150] Continue to refer to the introduction of the enable information in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, the fourth enable information is used to instruct the first power submodule to start. It should be noted that under light load, the output current of the multi-phase power supply is small, so only one sub-phase power supply output current is needed to power the processor. Therefore, the multi-phase controller can send the fourth enable information to a first power submodule.

[0151] The fourth enabling information may be the same as the first enabling information and the second enabling information. For example, the first enabling information, the second enabling information and the fourth enabling information may be at a high level.

[0152] The fourth control information is used to control the first power submodule to supply power to the processor. The fourth control information may be a square wave signal with an adjustable duty cycle. For example, the fourth control information may be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. By adjusting the duty cycle of the fourth control information, the output current of the corresponding power submodule may be adjusted.

[0153] It should be noted that, since the light load state is a discontinuous conduction mode, that is, within a switching cycle, the current of the inductor is 0, the fourth control information and the third control information (or the second control information) may be different control information.

[0154] The maximum output current of each power submodule is small, therefore, compared with each first power module, a field effect tube that can withstand a smaller current can be selected in each power submodule. For example, a field effect tube with a smaller internode capacitance, a smaller on-resistance, or a smaller switching frequency can be selected. At the same time, when the current is small, the loss of the field effect tube with a smaller internode capacitance, a smaller on-resistance, or a smaller switching frequency is small. That is to say, when the current is small, selecting a field effect tube with a smaller internode capacitance, a smaller on-resistance, or a smaller switching frequency in the power submodule can reduce the power consumption of the power submodule, thereby improving the efficiency of the power submodule, and then improving the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply under light load conditions.

[0155] At the same time, the maximum output current of each power submodule is small, so a second inductor with an inductance greater than the first inductor can be selected in each power submodule. Combined with the above formula (4), it can be seen that the inductance of the second inductor is large, so the ripple current of the second inductor is small. Combined with the above formula (3), it can be seen that the ripple current of the second inductor is small, so the magnetic loss of the second inductor will also be reduced. In this way, the efficiency of the power submodule can be further improved, thereby further improving the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply under light load conditions.

[0156] In addition, the first inductor and the second inductor may be inductors of the same package, or the package of the second inductor may be smaller than that of the first inductor. In this way, the size of the inductor remains unchanged, so that the size and cost of the multi-phase power supply remain unchanged. Alternatively, the size of the inductor is smaller, so that the size and cost of the multi-phase power supply are smaller.

[0157] S803: The first power submodule supplies power to the processor according to the fourth control information and the fourth enable information.

[0158] In this embodiment, the principle that the first power submodule supplies power to the processor according to the fourth control information and the fourth enabling information is consistent with the principle that the first power submodule supplies power to the processor according to the second control information and the first enabling information in the above S504. Therefore, in S803, the process of the first power submodule supplying power to the processor according to the fourth control information and the fourth enabling information can refer to the introduction of the above S504, and the embodiment of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0159] S804: Based on the first control information indicating that the target working state of the multi-phase power supply is a light load state, the multi-phase controller sends fifth enabling information to each first power module and second power submodule.

[0160] Continue to refer to the introduction of the enabling information in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, the fifth enabling information is used to instruct each of the first power module and the second power submodule to stop working. That is, the fifth enabling information is different from the fourth enabling information. For example, when the fourth enabling information is a high level, the fifth enabling information is a low level.

[0161] In the single-phase discontinuous conduction mode, only one sub-phase power supply in the multi-phase power supply is required to supply power to the processor. Therefore, when the target working state of the multi-phase power supply is indicated to be the single-phase discontinuous conduction mode based on the first control information, the multi-phase controller needs to send fifth enabling information to each of the first power supply modules and the second power supply sub-modules in addition to sending the fourth enabling information to the first power supply sub-module, so that the first power supply sub-module supplies power to the processor, while each of the first power supply modules and the second power supply sub-modules does not need to supply power to the processor.

[0162] S805: Based on the fifth enabling information, each first power module and second power submodule does not work.

[0163] Each of the first power supply modules and the second power supply submodules is not working, which may include: the power supply module is switched from a working state to a non-working state, or it may be maintained in the original non-working state, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0164] In other embodiments, when the multi-phase power supply is in a light load state, one sub-phase of the multi-phase power supply only needs to have an output current. Therefore, when the first control information indicates that the target operating state of the multi-phase power supply is a light load state, the multi-phase controller may also only send the fourth control information and the fourth enable information to the second power sub-module. At the same time, the multi-phase controller may also send the fifth enable information to each first power module and the first power sub-module.

[0165] In summary, since the output current of the multi-phase power supply is small when it is in a light load state, the multi-phase controller can control a power sub-module with smaller losses to supply power to the processor when the multi-phase power supply is in a light load state. Since the losses of each power sub-module are smaller than the losses of each power module in the original multi-phase power supply, under the above light load state, one of the two power sub-modules has smaller power loss when supplying power to the processor, thereby improving the power supply efficiency of the power sub-module, and further improving the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply under light load state.

[0166] At the same time, the output current of the second power supply module after the two power supply submodules are connected in parallel is substantially equal to the output current of each first power supply module, so when the multi-phase power supply is in full-phase continuous conduction mode or single-phase continuous conduction mode, the multi-phase controller can simultaneously control the two power supply submodules to supply power to the processor, thereby meeting the power demand of the processor. In other words, the multi-phase power supply provided in the embodiment of the present application is not only highly efficient in a light-load state, but can also normally supply power to the processor in other working states.

[0167] Combine the following Fig. 9 , taking the example that the inductance of the second inductor is twice the inductance of the first inductor, the efficiency gain of the multi-phase power supply provided in the embodiment of the present application working under a light load state is introduced.

[0168] Assume that the inductance value of the inductor is doubled. Continuing to refer to formula (4), it can be seen that when the inductance value of the inductor is doubled, the ripple current of the inductor is reduced by half. Continuing to refer to formula (3), it can be seen that when the ripple current of the inductor is reduced by half, the magnetic loss of the inductor will become one-fourth of the original, that is, the magnetic loss of the inductor is reduced by three-quarters.

[0169] For example, Fig. 9 As shown, when the inductance value of the inductor increases, the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply under light load can be improved by at least 2.6%.

[0170] Similarly, when the current flowing through the field effect tube decreases, a field effect tube with a smaller internode capacitance can be selected to minimize the loss of the field effect tube. For example, under light load conditions (current less than 5A), the loss of the field effect tube is reduced, which can increase the efficiency of the multi-phase power supply under light load conditions by about 3%.

[0171] Optional, combined Figure 6 ,like Fig.10 As shown, each first power module 411 may further include a first sampling module 1010 , and the second power module 412 may further include a second sampling module 1020 and a third sampling module 1030 .

[0172] In each first power supply module 411 , a first end of the first sampling module 1010 is coupled to a first end of the first inductor 224 , a second end of the first sampling module 1010 is coupled to a second end of the first inductor 224 , and an output end of the first sampling module 1010 is coupled to a first feedback end of the multi-phase controller 210 .

[0173] The first sampling module 1010 may collect a first sampling signal of the first inductor 224 in the first power module 411 , and then send the first sampling signal of the first inductor 224 in the first power module 411 to the multi-phase controller 210 .

[0174] Among them, the first end of the second sampling module 1020 is coupled to the first end of the second inductor 513 in the first power submodule 421, the second end of the second sampling module 1020 is coupled to the second end of the second inductor 513 of the first power submodule 421, and the output end of the second sampling module 1020 is coupled to the second feedback end of the multi-phase controller 210.

[0175] The second sampling module 1020 may collect a first sampling signal of the second inductor 513 in the first power submodule 421 , and then send the first sampling signal of the second inductor 513 in the first power submodule 421 to the multi-phase controller 210 .

[0176] Among them, the first end of the third sampling module 1030 is coupled to the first end of the second inductor 513 of the second power submodule 422, the second end of the third sampling module 1030 is coupled to the second end of the second inductor 513 of the second power submodule 422, and the output end of the third sampling module 1030 is coupled to the third feedback end of the multi-phase controller 210.

[0177] The third sampling module 1030 may collect a first sampling signal of the second inductor 513 in the second power submodule 422 , and then send the first sampling signal of the second inductor 513 in the second power submodule 422 to the multi-phase controller 210 .

[0178] It should be noted that the first feedback terminal, the second feedback terminal, and the third feedback terminal of the multi-phase controller 210 are different feedback terminals included in the multi-phase controller.

[0179] Optional, continue to refer to Fig.10 , the number of feedback terminals of the multi-phase controller 210 is related to the number of "phases" of the multi-phase power supply. For example, when the multi-phase power supply is an (N+1)-phase power supply, that is, the multi-phase power supply includes N first power modules 411 and one second power module 412, the multi-phase controller 210 may include (N+2) feedback terminals. Among them, the (N+2) feedback terminals include N first feedback terminals, one second feedback terminal and one third feedback terminal, and the N first feedback terminals are respectively coupled to the output terminals of the N first sampling modules.

[0180] Combine the following Fig.11 , possible structures of the multi-phase controller, the first sampling module and the second sampling module are introduced.

[0181] Optional, combined Fig.10 ,like Fig.11As shown, each first sampling module 1010 may include: a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2 and a first capacitor C1. The first end of the first resistor R1 is coupled to the first end of the first inductor 224, and the second end of the first resistor R1 is coupled to the first end of the first capacitor C1. The second end of the first capacitor C1 is coupled to the second end of the DC resistor DCR1 of the first inductor 224 and the first end of the second resistor R2. The first end of the first capacitor C1 is also coupled to the first input end of the corresponding first transconductance amplifier GM1 in the multi-phase controller 210. The second end of the second resistor R2 is coupled to the second input end of the first transconductance amplifier GM1. The first inductor 224 is connected in series with the DC resistor DCR1 of the first inductor 224. The DC resistor DCR1 is the equivalent resistance of the first inductor 224.

[0182] The time constant of the first inductor 224 and the DC resistance DCR1 of the first inductor 224 is equal to the time constant of the first resistor R1 and the first capacitor C1. In this way, the first capacitor C1 can collect the first sampling signal of the first inductor 224. The first transconductance amplifier GM1 can convert the first sampling signal of the first inductor 224 into the second sampling signal of the first inductor.

[0183] Optional, combined Fig.10 ,like Fig.11 As shown, the second sampling module 1020 may include: the second sampling module 1020 may include: a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, and a second capacitor C2. The first end of the third resistor R3 is coupled to the first end of the second inductor 513 of the first power submodule 421, and the second end of the third resistor R3 is coupled to the first end of the second capacitor C2. The second end of the second capacitor C2 is coupled to the second end of the DC resistor DCR2 of the second inductor 513 and the first end of the fourth resistor R4. The first end of the second capacitor C2 is also coupled to the first input end of the second transconductance amplifier GM2 in the multi-phase controller 210. The second end of the fourth resistor R4 is coupled to the second input end of the second transconductance amplifier GM2. The second inductor 513 in the first power submodule 421 is connected in series with the DC resistor DCR2 of the second inductor 513.

[0184] The time constant of the second inductor 513 in the first power submodule 421 and the DC resistance DCR2 of the second inductor 513 is equal to the time constant of the third resistor R3 and the second capacitor C2. In this way, the second capacitor C2 can collect the first sampling signal of the second inductor 513. The second transconductance amplifier GM2 can convert the first sampling signal of the second inductor 513 of the first power submodule 421 into the second sampling signal of the second inductor 513.

[0185] Optional, combined Fig.10 ,like Fig.11As shown, the third sampling module 1030 may include: a fifth resistor R5, a sixth resistor R6 and a third capacitor C3. The first end of the fifth resistor R5 is coupled to the first end of the second inductor 513 of the second power submodule 422, and the second end of the fifth resistor R5 is coupled to the first end of the third capacitor C3. The second end of the third capacitor C3 is coupled to the second end of the DC resistor DCR3 of the second inductor 513 and the first end of the sixth resistor R6. The first end of the third capacitor C3 is also coupled to the first input end of the third transconductance amplifier GM3 in the multi-phase controller 210. The second end of the sixth resistor R6 is coupled to the second input end of the third transconductance amplifier GM3. The second inductor 513 in the second power submodule 422 is connected in series with the DC resistor DCR3 of the second inductor 513.

[0186] The time constant of the second inductor 513 in the second power submodule 422 and the DC resistance DCR2 of the second inductor 513 is equal to the time constant of the fifth resistor R5 and the third capacitor C3. In this way, the third capacitor C3 can collect the first sampling signal of the second inductor 513. The third transconductance amplifier GM3 can convert the first sampling signal of the second inductor 513 of the second power submodule 422 into the second sampling signal of the second inductor 513.

[0187] Optional, continue as Fig.11 As shown, after the output end of the second transconductance amplifier GM2 is cascaded with the output end of the third transconductance amplifier GM3, the first sampling signal of the second power supply module can be sampled as a whole. Then, the output end of the second transconductance amplifier GM2 and the output end of the third transconductance amplifier GM3 are cascaded and coupled to the first input end of the current equalization module 1110, and the output ends of each first transconductance amplifier GM1 are respectively coupled to each second input end of the current equalization module 1110. In this way, the current equalization module 1110 can obtain the sum of the second sampling signals of each phase of the multi-phase power supply. The multi-phase controller can adjust the output current of each phase of the multi-phase power supply according to the sum of the second sampling signals of each phase of the multi-phase power supply obtained by the current equalization module 1110, so that the output current of each phase of the multi-phase power supply is substantially equal (that is, the output current of each first power supply module and the second power supply module is substantially equal).

[0188] It should be noted that how to make the output currents of each phase of a multi-phase power supply the same can be referred to the specific implementation scheme in the prior art, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0189] In summary, the multi-phase power supply provided in the embodiment of the present application is not only highly efficient in a light load state, but can also normally supply power to the processor in other working states. At the same time, the multi-phase power supply provided in the embodiment of the present application can also realize current sharing control of each phase power supply.

[0190] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0191] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the modules and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0192] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and modules described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0193] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the modules is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple modules or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0194] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located in one device or distributed on multiple devices. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0195] In addition, each functional module in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one device, or each module may exist physically separately, or two or more modules may be integrated into one device.

[0196] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multiphase power supply, characterized in that: include: A multi-phase controller, N first power modules, and a second power module, wherein the second power module includes a first power submodule and a second power submodule connected in parallel, the loss of the first power submodule and the loss of the second power submodule are less than the loss of each of the first power modules, and N is a positive integer; The input end of the multi-phase controller is used to couple to the output end of the processor, the first output end of the multi-phase controller is coupled to the control end of the first power submodule, the control end of the second power submodule and the control end of each of the first power modules; the second output end of the multi-phase controller is coupled to the input end of the first power submodule, the input end of the second power submodule and the input end of each of the first power modules; The power supply end of the first power supply submodule, the power supply end of the second power supply submodule and the power supply ends of each of the first power supply modules are respectively used to couple to the output end of the voltage source; the output end of the first power supply submodule, the output end of the second power supply submodule and the output end of each of the first power supply modules are respectively coupled to the power supply end of the processor; The multi-phase controller is used to control the first power submodule to supply power to the processor when the processor indicates that the multi-phase power supply is in a light-load state.

2. The multiphase power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the first power modules includes: a driving chip, a first field effect transistor, a second field effect transistor and a first inductor; The input end of the driving chip is coupled to the output end of the multi-phase controller, and the output end of the driving chip is coupled to the control end of the first field effect transistor and the control end of the second field effect transistor; the first end of the first field effect transistor is used to couple to the voltage source, and the second end of the first field effect transistor is coupled to the first end of the second field effect transistor and the first end of the first inductor; the second end of the first inductor is coupled to the power supply end of the processor.

3. The multi-phase power supply according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each power submodule in the first power submodule and the second power submodule comprises: a driving chip, a third field effect transistor, a fourth field effect transistor and a second inductor; The input end of the driver chip is coupled to the output end of the multi-phase controller, and the output end of the driver chip is coupled to the control end of the third field effect tube and the control end of the fourth field effect tube; the first end of the third field effect tube is used to couple to the voltage source, and the second end of the third field effect tube is coupled to the first end of the fourth field effect tube and the first end of the second inductor; the second end of the second inductor is coupled to the power supply end of the processor; Among them, the loss of the third field effect tube is smaller than the loss of the first field effect tube, the loss of the fourth field effect tube is smaller than the loss of the second field effect tube, and the loss of the second inductor is smaller than the loss of the first inductor.

4. The multi-phase power supply according to claim 3, characterized in that: The third field effect transistor and the fourth field effect transistor meet at least one of the following conditions: small internode capacitance, small on-resistance, and low switching frequency.

5. The multi-phase power supply according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The inductance of the second inductor is greater than the inductance of the first inductor.

6. The multiphase power supply according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The first inductor and the second inductor are inductors in the same package.

7. The multi-phase power supply according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: Each of the first power supply modules further includes a first sampling module; a first end of the first sampling module is coupled to a first end of the first inductor, a second end of the first sampling module is coupled to a second end of the first inductor, and an output end of the first sampling module is coupled to a first feedback end of the multi-phase controller.

8. The multi-phase power supply according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first sampling module includes a first resistor, a second resistor and a first capacitor; The first end of the first resistor is coupled to the first end of the first inductor, the second end of the first resistor is coupled to the first end of the first capacitor, and the second end of the first capacitor is coupled to the second end of the first inductor; the first end of the first capacitor is also coupled to the first end of the first transconductance amplifier of the multi-phase controller, and the second end of the first capacitor is also coupled to the second end of the first transconductance amplifier through the second resistor.

9. The multi-phase power supply according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that: The second power supply module also includes a second sampling module; a first end of the second sampling module is coupled to a first end of a second inductor in the first power supply submodule, a second end of the second sampling module is coupled to a second end of the second inductor in the first power supply submodule, and an output end of the second sampling module is coupled to a second feedback end of the multi-phase controller.

10. The multi-phase power supply according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second sampling module includes: a third resistor, a fourth resistor and a second capacitor; The first end of the third resistor is coupled to the first end of the second inductor in the first power submodule, the second end of the third resistor is coupled to the first end of the second capacitor, and the second end of the second capacitor is coupled to the second end of the second inductor in the first power submodule; the first end of the second capacitor is also coupled to the first end of the second transconductance amplifier of the multi-phase controller, and the second end of the second capacitor is also coupled to the second end of the second transconductance amplifier through the fourth resistor.

11. The multiphase power supply according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The second power supply module also includes a third sampling module; a first end of the third sampling module is coupled to a first end of a second inductor in the second power supply submodule, a second end of the third sampling module is coupled to a second end of the second inductor in the second power supply submodule, and an output end of the third sampling module is coupled to a third feedback end of the multi-phase controller.

12. The multi-phase power supply according to claim 11, characterized in that: The third sampling module includes: a fifth resistor, a sixth resistor and a third capacitor; The first end of the fifth resistor is coupled to the first end of the second inductor in the second power submodule, the second end of the fifth resistor is coupled to the first end of the third capacitor, and the second end of the third capacitor is coupled to the second end of the second inductor in the second power submodule; the first end of the third capacitor is also coupled to the first end of the third transconductance operational amplifier of the multi-phase controller, and the second end of the third capacitor is also coupled to the second end of the third transconductance operational amplifier through the sixth resistor.

13. A power supply method, characterized in that: The multi-phase power supply according to any one of claims 1 to 12; the power supply method comprises: When the processor indicates that the multi-phase power supply is in a light-load state, the first power submodule is controlled to supply power to the processor.

14. The power supply method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The power supply method further comprises: When the processor indicates that the multi-phase power supply is in the full-phase continuous conduction mode, each of the power sub-modules and each of the first power modules is controlled to supply power to the processor.

15. The power supply method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The power supply method further comprises: When the processor indicates that the multi-phase power supply is in the single-phase continuous conduction mode, one of the first power supply modules is controlled to supply power to the processor.

16. The power supply method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The power supply method further comprises: When the processor indicates that the multi-phase power supply is in the single-phase continuous conduction mode, each of the power sub-modules is controlled to supply power to the processor.

17. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: A voltage source, a processor, a microcontroller, and a multi-phase power supply as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12; The output end of the voltage source is coupled to the power supply end of the multi-phase power supply and the power supply end of the microcontroller; The control end of the multi-phase power supply is coupled to the output end of the processor and the output end of the microcontroller, and the output end of the multi-phase power supply is coupled to the power supply end of the processor.

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