Current detection circuit, current detection method, chip, electronic device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the chip technical field, and proposes a current detection circuit, a current detection method, a chip and an electronic device. The circuit comprises a voltage average module, a voltage compensation module and a current detection module. The voltage average module averages the output voltages of M output terminals of a power supply to obtain an average voltage, and outputs the average voltage to the voltage compensation module. The residual voltage of the output voltage when transmitted to a load through a power distribution network is a load voltage. The voltage compensation module obtains a compensation voltage according to the average voltage and the load voltage, and outputs the compensation voltage to the current detection module. The compensation voltage is less than the average voltage, and the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage increases with the increase of the impedance of the power distribution network. The current detection module determines the output current of the power supply according to the compensation voltage, the load voltage and the preset impedance of the power distribution network. The cost of calculating the output current by using the current detection circuit is small, the loss to the load voltage is small, and the accuracy is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of chip technology, and in particular to a current detection circuit, a current detection method, a chip, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Most digital products have a power supply for power. If the power consumption of a digital product is too high, it will reduce the stability of the product and shorten its lifespan. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the power consumption of digital products.

[0003] A common approach to detecting the power consumption of digital products is to first detect the power supply's output current and then determine the product's actual power consumption based on that current. However, existing solutions suffer from drawbacks in detecting output current, including significant voltage loss to the load, high cost, and low accuracy. Therefore, accurately detecting the power supply's output current and determining the actual power consumption of the digital product while minimizing both the cost of calculating the output current and the voltage loss to the load is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this disclosure proposes a current detection circuit, a current detection method, a chip, and an electronic device. The current detection circuit of this disclosure calculates the output current with low cost, low load voltage loss, and high accuracy.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a current detection circuit is provided. The circuit includes a voltage averaging module, a voltage compensation module, and a current detection module. The voltage averaging module is used to average the output voltages of M output terminals of a power supply to obtain an average voltage, and outputs the average voltage to the voltage compensation module. The residual voltage of the output voltage when transmitted to the load via a power distribution network is used as the load voltage. The voltage compensation module is used to obtain a compensation voltage based on the average voltage and the load voltage, and outputs the compensation voltage to the current detection module. The compensation voltage is less than the average voltage, and the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage increases with the increase of the impedance of the power distribution network. The current detection module is used to determine the output current of the power supply based on the compensation voltage, the load voltage, and a preset impedance of the power distribution network.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the voltage compensation module includes a first voltage divider unit and a second voltage divider unit. A first terminal of the first voltage divider unit serves as the first terminal of the voltage compensation module, receiving the average voltage. A second terminal of the first voltage divider unit is connected to the first terminal of the second voltage divider unit and serves as the second terminal of the voltage compensation module, outputting the compensation voltage. A second terminal of the second voltage divider unit serves as the third terminal of the voltage compensation module, receiving the load voltage. The actual impedance of the power distribution network increases with increasing temperature, while the actual impedance of the second voltage divider unit decreases with increasing temperature. The impedances of the first voltage divider unit and the voltage averaging module remain constant during temperature changes.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the second voltage divider unit includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a third resistor. The first resistor is a thermistor. One end of the first resistor is connected to the first end of the third resistor and serves as the first end of the second voltage divider unit. The second end of the first resistor is connected to the first end of the second resistor. The second end of the second resistor is connected to the second end of the third resistor and serves as the second end of the second voltage divider unit.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the voltage averaging module includes M resistors, each of which corresponds to one of the M output terminals of the power supply; the first end of each resistor is connected to a corresponding output terminal, and the second end is connected to the first terminal of the voltage compensation module.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the power supply includes an energy storage module and M switching circuits.

[0010] The output terminal of the energy storage module is connected to the first terminal of each switching circuit, and the second terminal of each switching circuit serves as one of the M output terminals of the power supply. Each switching circuit includes a field-effect transistor switch and an inductor. In any switching circuit, the first terminal of the field-effect transistor switch serves as the first terminal of the switching circuit, the second terminal of the field-effect transistor switch is connected to the first terminal of the inductor, and the second terminal of the inductor serves as the second terminal of the switching circuit.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the power supply includes an energy storage module, M field-effect transistor (FET) switches, and M inductors. Each FET switch is connected to a corresponding inductor. The output terminal of the energy storage module is connected to the first terminal of each FET switch. The second terminal of each FET switch is connected to the first terminal of the corresponding inductor, and the second terminal of the inductor serves as one of the M output terminals of the power supply.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a current detection method is provided. The method uses a current detection circuit to detect the output current of a power supply. The circuit includes a voltage averaging module, a voltage compensation module, and a current detection module. The method includes: averaging the output voltages of M output terminals of the power supply using the voltage averaging module to obtain an average voltage, and outputting the average voltage to the voltage compensation module; using the residual voltage of the output voltage transmitted to the load via a power distribution network as the load voltage; using the voltage compensation module to obtain a compensation voltage based on the average voltage and the load voltage, and outputting the compensation voltage to the current detection module; the compensation voltage being less than the average voltage, and the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage increasing with the increase of the impedance of the power distribution network; and using the current detection module to determine the output current of the power supply based on the compensation voltage, the load voltage, and a preset impedance of the power distribution network.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a chip is provided that includes the current detection circuit described above.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, including the chip described above.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a power supply, a power distribution network, and a load.

[0016] According to the current detection circuit of this disclosure embodiment, the output voltages of the M output terminals of the power supply are averaged by a voltage averaging module to obtain an average voltage, which is then output to a voltage compensation module. The residual voltage of the output voltage when transmitted to the load via the power distribution network is used as the load voltage. The voltage compensation module obtains a compensation voltage based on the average voltage and the load voltage and outputs the compensation voltage to the current detection module. The current detection module determines the output current of the power supply based on the compensation voltage, the load voltage, and the impedance of the power distribution network. Since the compensation voltage is less than the average voltage, the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage increases with the increase of the impedance of the power distribution network. Therefore, the error in the difference between the average voltage and the load voltage caused by the influence of the impedance change of the power distribution network on the load voltage can be canceled out in the difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage, making the difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage close to the voltage difference between the output terminal of the power supply and the input terminal of the load under the ideal condition where the impedance of the power distribution network remains unchanged. Therefore, the output current of the power supply can be obtained based on the compensation voltage, the load voltage, and the preset impedance of the power distribution network, ensuring the accuracy of the output current calculation. This circuit eliminates the need for an integrated power supply, thus reducing circuit cost. Furthermore, the relatively large values ​​of the compensation voltage and load voltage used to calculate the output current result in stronger anti-interference capabilities and higher accuracy of the obtained output current. The elimination of precision resistors reduces load voltage loss and layout complexity, further lowering circuit cost. In summary, the current detection circuit disclosed herein offers low cost, minimal load voltage loss, and high accuracy in calculating the output current.

[0017] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this disclosure together with the specification and serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 An exemplary application scenario of a current detection circuit according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a current detection circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a power supply according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a voltage averaging module and a voltage compensation module according to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided.

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the second voltage divider unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0024] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the flow of a current detection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements that have the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0026] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0027] Furthermore, to better illustrate this disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure can be practiced without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, components, and circuits well known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this disclosure.

[0028] Power supplies in digital products are typically switching power supplies, composed of an energy storage module, MOSFET switches, and inductors. When current sensing is not required, the output terminal of the energy storage module is connected to the first terminal of each MOSFET switch, and the second terminal of each MOSFET switch is connected to the first terminal of the corresponding inductor. The second terminals of all inductors together serve as the power supply's output terminal, connecting to a power distribution network to supply current to the loads connected to the network. The following describes existing power supply output current sensing schemes.

[0029] One approach involves adding a precision resistor between the output of the energy storage module and the first terminal of the connected MOSFET switch. This resistor detects the input current and voltage, and by combining these parameters with the power supply's efficiency, the output current can be calculated. However, due to the delay inherent in the MOSFET switch, the calculated output current is not real-time, making this approach unsuitable for scenarios requiring real-time output current calculation.

[0030] Option two involves using integrated MOSFET switching chips, such as smart power stage (SPS) chips, in the switching power supply. These chips can detect the current flowing through each MOSFET switch in real time, and the real-time power output current can be obtained by calculating the current flowing through all MOSFET switches. However, the cost of integrated MOSFET switching chips is currently very high, about 2-3 times that of independent MOSFET switches, leading to increased circuit costs.

[0031] Option three utilizes the working principle of inductors to achieve current detection. All inductors have a DC on-resistance (DCR) during manufacturing. When a certain current I flows through the inductor, a proportional DC voltage difference V is generated across the inductor, V = I × DCR. Therefore, detecting the DC voltage difference V allows calculation of the current I, i.e., the output current. However, with the development of switching power supplies, switching frequencies are increasing, inductance values ​​are decreasing, and DCR is also decreasing. When the inductance value reaches 80nH, the DCR is only about 0.18 mohm, meaning that a 30A current can only generate a DC voltage difference of about 5.4mV across the inductor. Because the DC voltage difference is so small, even a tiny interference of a few mV can affect the accuracy of the DC voltage difference detection, making it difficult to guarantee the accuracy of the detected output current.

[0032] Option four involves adding a precision resistor between the inductor and the power distribution network to detect the output current. However, this approach has two drawbacks: firstly, it introduces additional voltage losses; secondly, for multi-phase power supplies, each phase requires a precision resistor, which complicates the layout and routing of the substrate and increases the cost of current detection.

[0033] In view of this, this disclosure proposes a current detection circuit, a current detection method, a chip, and an electronic device. The current detection circuit of this disclosure calculates the output current with low cost, low load voltage loss, and high accuracy.

[0034] Figure 1 An exemplary application scenario of a current detection circuit according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the current detection circuit can be installed in an electronic device (not shown). Modules on the electronic device that require power can act as loads, such as central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), etc. When the electronic device is operating, the power supply provides output current to the load, and the current detection module detects the current output by the power supply based on the power supply's output voltage and the load's voltage.

[0036] Based on the detection results from the current sensing module, the actual power consumption of the electronic device can be determined, and whether the performance of the electronic device needs to be limited can be judged based on the actual power consumption. Furthermore, the output voltage of the power supply can be set based on the detection results, which is used to set the load line. The load line is a mechanism where the output voltage decreases proportionally as the load impedance decreases. If VOUT represents the output voltage with a load, V_0 represents the output voltage without a load, IOUT represents the output current with a load, and R_Loadline represents the load impedance, then VOUT = V_0 – IOUT × R_Loadline. The advantage of setting the load line is that it allows the electronic device to operate normally while setting a lower output voltage, resulting in less voltage fluctuation.

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a current detection circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, in one possible implementation, this disclosure proposes a current detection circuit, which includes a voltage averaging module, a voltage compensation module, and a current detection module.

[0039] The voltage averaging module is used to average the output voltages of the M output terminals of the power supply to obtain the average voltage, and then outputs the average voltage to the voltage compensation module.

[0040] The residual voltage when the output voltage is transmitted to the load through the power distribution network is used as the load voltage. The voltage compensation module is used to obtain the compensation voltage based on the average voltage and the load voltage, and outputs the compensation voltage to the current detection module. The compensation voltage is less than the average voltage, and the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage increases with the increase of the impedance of the power distribution network.

[0041] The current detection module is used to determine the output current of the power supply based on the compensation voltage, load voltage, and the preset impedance of the power distribution network.

[0042] For example, the output of a power supply can be connected to the input of a load via a power distribution network (PDN) to supply power to the load. The power supply may include M outputs, where M can be an integer greater than 1; that is, the power supply can be a multi-phase power supply. An exemplary structure of the power supply can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3 And related descriptions.

[0043] The current detection circuit may include a voltage averaging module, a voltage compensation module, and a current detection module. The voltage averaging module connects to the M output terminals of the power supply, averages the voltages output from these M terminals to obtain an average voltage, and outputs the average voltage to the voltage compensation module. The voltage averaging module may include M lines, each connecting one output terminal of the power supply to the voltage compensation module. The average voltage V_average is the total output voltage of the power supply, and it remains constant regardless of temperature fluctuations when the output voltages at each terminal remain unchanged.

[0044] Power distribution networks inherently possess impedance, resulting in voltage loss during transmission. The remaining voltage after the output voltage is transmitted to the load via the power distribution network is the load voltage. The impedance of the power distribution network changes with temperature. As temperature rises, the network impedance increases, the output current decreases, and voltage transmission loss increases; conversely, as temperature decreases, the impedance decreases, the output current increases, and voltage transmission loss decreases. Therefore, even with constant output voltages at all power supply terminals, the load voltage will still change with temperature. As temperature rises, the load voltage decreases; as temperature falls, the load voltage increases.

[0045] If we assume that the impedance of the power distribution network remains constant and equal to its preset impedance (the impedance before voltage transmission) during voltage transfer, then the ratio of the voltage difference between the average voltage and the load voltage to the preset impedance of the power distribution network is the output current of the network. However, the power distribution network heats up due to voltage transmission, causing its impedance to gradually increase, the output current to gradually decrease, voltage transmission losses to gradually increase, the load voltage to gradually decrease, and the voltage difference between the average voltage and the load voltage to gradually increase. If we still use the voltage difference between the average voltage and the load voltage and the preset impedance of the power distribution network to calculate the output current, the calculated output current will not be accurate enough.

[0046] To address this, this disclosure proposes using a voltage compensation module connected to a voltage averaging module to receive the average voltage, and connected to the load input to receive the load voltage. The voltage compensation module can obtain a compensation voltage based on the average voltage and the load voltage, ensuring that the compensation voltage is less than the average voltage. The difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage increases with the increase of the impedance of the power distribution network. In this case, the difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage will be closer to the difference between the average voltage and the load voltage under the ideal condition where the impedance of the power distribution network remains constant.

[0047] For example, assuming the average voltage is V_average, when the power distribution network starts transmitting voltage, the load voltage V_chip is at its maximum and its value is V_chip_max, which is approximately the load voltage when the impedance of the power distribution network remains constant at a preset value. An increase in the impedance of the power distribution network causes the load voltage to decrease by ΔV. This results in a compensation voltage V_partial = V_average - ΔV. At this point, the compensation voltage is less than the average voltage, and the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage equals the change in load voltage (V_average - V_partial = ΔV), which increases as the impedance of the power distribution network increases.

[0048] In this case, the difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage, V_drop = (V_average - ΔV) - (V_chip_max - ΔV) = V_average - V_chip_max, is approximately the difference between the average voltage and the load voltage when the impedance of the power distribution network remains constant at the preset impedance.

[0049] This disclosure does not limit the structure of the voltage averaging module and the voltage compensation module. Exemplary structures of the voltage averaging module and the voltage compensation module can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 .

[0050] The voltage compensation module is also connected to the current detection module and outputs the compensation voltage V_partial to the current detection module. The preset impedance of the power distribution network can be pre-stored in the current detection module; the specific value of the preset impedance of the power distribution network is not limited in this embodiment. The voltage compensation module determines the output current of the power supply based on the compensation voltage, the load voltage, and the preset impedance of the power distribution network. In one example, the difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage can be calculated, and the ratio of this difference to the preset impedance of the power distribution network can be used as the output current of the power supply.

[0051] The current detection module can be implemented based on existing technology, as long as the current detection module can determine the output current of the power supply based on the compensation voltage, load voltage and the preset impedance of the power distribution network. This disclosure does not limit the specific implementation method of the current detection module.

[0052] According to the current detection circuit of this disclosure embodiment, the output voltages of the M output terminals of the power supply are averaged by a voltage averaging module to obtain an average voltage, which is then output to a voltage compensation module. The residual voltage of the output voltage when transmitted to the load via the power distribution network is used as the load voltage. The voltage compensation module obtains a compensation voltage based on the average voltage and the load voltage and outputs the compensation voltage to the current detection module. The current detection module determines the output current of the power supply based on the compensation voltage, the load voltage, and the impedance of the power distribution network. Since the compensation voltage is less than the average voltage, the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage increases with the increase of the impedance of the power distribution network. Therefore, the error in the difference between the average voltage and the load voltage caused by the influence of the impedance change of the power distribution network on the load voltage can be canceled out in the difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage, making the difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage close to the voltage difference between the output terminal of the power supply and the input terminal of the load under the ideal condition where the impedance of the power distribution network remains unchanged. Therefore, the output current of the power supply can be obtained based on the compensation voltage, the load voltage, and the preset impedance of the power distribution network, ensuring the accuracy of the output current calculation. This circuit eliminates the need for an integrated power supply, thus reducing circuit cost. Furthermore, the relatively large values ​​of the compensation voltage and load voltage used to calculate the output current result in stronger anti-interference capabilities and higher accuracy of the obtained output current. The elimination of precision resistors reduces load voltage loss and layout complexity, further lowering circuit cost. In summary, the current detection circuit disclosed herein offers low cost, minimal load voltage loss, and high accuracy in calculating the output current.

[0053] An exemplary structure of the power supply is described below.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the power supply includes an energy storage module, M field-effect transistor (FET) switches, and M inductors, with each FET switch connected to one inductor.

[0055] The output of the energy storage module is connected to the first terminal of each field-effect transistor switch;

[0056] The second terminal of each MOSFET switch is connected to the first terminal of the corresponding inductor, and the second terminal of the inductor serves as one of the M output terminals of the power supply.

[0057] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a power supply according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0058] For example, the MOSFET switches in the same phase of a power supply can be set independently. For example... Figure 3As shown, assuming M=3, the power supply may include three output terminals Vps1-Vps3, an energy storage module, three field-effect transistor switches MOS1-MOS3, and three inductors L1-L3. The output terminal of the energy storage module is connected to the first terminal of the field-effect transistor switches MOS1-MOS3; the second terminal of the field-effect transistor switch MOS1 can be connected to the first terminal of inductor L1, and the second terminal of inductor L1 can serve as output terminal Vps1; the second terminal of the field-effect transistor switch MOS2 can be connected to the first terminal of inductor L2, and the second terminal of inductor L2 can serve as output terminal Vps2; the second terminal of the field-effect transistor switch MOS3 can be connected to the first terminal of inductor L3, and the second terminal of inductor L3 can serve as output terminal Vps3.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the power supply includes an energy storage module and M switching circuits. The output terminal of the energy storage module is connected to the first terminal of each switching circuit, and the second terminal of each switching circuit serves as one of the M output terminals of the power supply.

[0060] Each switching circuit includes a field-effect transistor switch and an inductor. In any switching circuit, the first terminal of the field-effect transistor switch serves as the first terminal of the switching circuit, and the second terminal of the field-effect transistor switch is connected to the first terminal of the inductor. The second terminal of the inductor serves as the second terminal of the switching circuit.

[0061] For example, the MOSFET switch and inductor of the same phase in a power supply can be integrated into a single switching circuit. In this case, the power supply includes an energy storage module and M switching circuits. The output terminal of the energy storage module is connected to the first terminal of each switching circuit, and the second terminal of each switching circuit serves as one of the M output terminals. In each switching circuit, the first terminal of the MOSFET switch serves as the first terminal of that switching circuit, and the second terminal of the MOSFET switch is connected to the first terminal of the inductor, with the second terminal of the inductor serving as the second terminal of that switching circuit. This disclosure does not limit the specific structure of the power supply.

[0062] The following describes exemplary structures for voltage averaging modules and voltage compensation modules.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the voltage averaging module includes M resistors, each of which corresponds to one of the M output terminals of the power supply.

[0064] The first end of each resistor is connected to a corresponding output terminal, and the second end is connected to the first terminal of the voltage compensation module.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the voltage compensation module includes a first voltage divider unit and a second voltage divider unit.

[0066] The first terminal of the first voltage divider unit serves as the first terminal of the voltage compensation module, receiving the average voltage.

[0067] The second end of the first voltage divider unit is connected to the first end of the second voltage divider unit, and serves as the second end of the voltage compensation module to output the compensation voltage;

[0068] The second terminal of the second voltage divider unit serves as the third terminal of the voltage compensation module, receiving the load voltage.

[0069] The actual impedance of the power distribution network increases with increasing temperature, the actual impedance of the second voltage divider unit decreases with increasing temperature, and the impedance of the first voltage divider unit and the voltage averaging module remains constant when the temperature changes.

[0070] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a voltage averaging module and a voltage compensation module according to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, assuming M=3, that is, the power supply includes 3 output terminals Vps1-Vps3, and the voltage averaging module includes 3 resistors R1-R3. Among them, output terminal Vps1 can be connected to the first end of resistor R1, output terminal Vps2 can be connected to the first end of resistor R2, output terminal Vps3 can be connected to the first end of resistor R3, and the second end of resistors R1-R3 can be connected to the first end of the voltage compensation module.

[0072] A line is provided between each output terminal of the power supply and the input terminal of the voltage compensation module. Figure 4 In the example, each line includes one resistor. It is understood that a line may also include multiple resistors connected in series. This disclosure does not limit the number of resistors in a line, as long as the voltage output to the input of the voltage compensation module after averaging by the resistors is equal to the average voltage.

[0073] Since the voltage averaging module is used to achieve voltage averaging, and different lines are connected to different output terminals, to ensure that the voltage output from each line to the input terminal of the voltage compensation module is equal to the average voltage after averaging, the resistors included in the voltage averaging module can be set to adjustable values. Before starting current detection, the resistance value of each line is adjusted according to the output capability of the output terminal connected to that line. In this case, the resistance values ​​of the resistors included in different lines can be the same or different. The adjustment of resistance values ​​can be achieved based on existing technology, which will not be elaborated here.

[0074] The impedance of the voltage averaging module remains constant when the temperature changes. Under these conditions, the average voltage output by the voltage averaging module also remains constant when the temperature changes.

[0075] Those skilled in the art should understand that when the power supply is multi-phase, the voltage averaging module can be implemented in many other ways, as long as it can achieve the above-mentioned functions. This disclosure does not limit the specific implementation of the voltage averaging module. When the power supply is single-phase, a voltage averaging module may not be required; the single output terminal of the single-phase power supply can be directly connected to the first terminal of the voltage compensation module.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the voltage compensation module may include a first voltage divider unit and a second voltage divider unit. The first terminal of the first voltage divider unit serves as the first terminal of the voltage compensation module, receiving the average voltage V_average; the second terminal of the first voltage divider unit is connected to the first terminal of the second voltage divider unit and serves as the second terminal of the voltage compensation module, outputting the compensation voltage V_partial; the second terminal of the second voltage divider unit serves as the third terminal of the voltage compensation module, receiving the load voltage V_chip.

[0077] As mentioned above, when the impedance of the power distribution network increases, the load voltage decreases. To keep the difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage constant, the compensation voltage should decrease as the impedance of the power distribution network increases. Since the average voltage remains constant, the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage increases as the impedance of the power distribution network increases.

[0078] Therefore, the impedance of the first voltage divider unit remains constant despite temperature changes, while the actual impedance of the second voltage divider unit decreases as the temperature rises. In this case, as the temperature increases, the impedance of the power distribution network increases, the load voltage decreases, and the voltage difference between the first and third terminals of the voltage compensation module (the difference between the average voltage and the load voltage) increases. The impedance of the second voltage divider unit decreases, while the impedance of the first voltage divider unit remains constant. Therefore, the current flowing through the first voltage divider unit increases, and the voltage (compensation voltage) at the second terminal of the first voltage divider unit decreases.

[0079] Furthermore, by pre-setting the degree to which the actual impedance of the second voltage divider unit decreases with increasing temperature, the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage during temperature changes can be controlled to match the change in load voltage. The specific control of the impedance change can be implemented using existing technology and will not be elaborated here. In this case, when the temperature rises or falls, the difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage will approximate the difference between the average voltage and the load voltage under the ideal condition where the impedance of the power distribution network remains constant, thus improving the accuracy of the power supply output current calculated using the difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage.

[0080] In one example, in the first voltage divider unit, a resistor can be used to connect the first and second terminals of the first voltage divider unit. The structure of the first voltage divider unit will not be described in detail here, as long as the first voltage divider unit can perform the voltage dividing function. The exemplary structure of the second voltage divider unit is described below.

[0081] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the second voltage divider unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown, in one possible implementation, the second voltage divider unit includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a third resistor, wherein the first resistor is a thermistor.

[0083] One end of the first resistor is connected to the first end of the third resistor and serves as the first end of the second voltage divider unit;

[0084] The second end of the first resistor is connected to the first end of the second resistor;

[0085] The second end of the second resistor is connected to the second end of the third resistor, and serves as the second end of the second voltage divider unit.

[0086] For example, power distribution networks are typically made of materials such as copper, so their impedance is significantly affected by temperature. A thermistor can be incorporated into the second voltage divider unit to achieve the effect that the actual impedance of the second voltage divider unit decreases as temperature increases.

[0087] For example, the second voltage divider unit may include a first resistor, a second resistor, and a third resistor. One end of the first resistor is connected to the first end of the third resistor and serves as the first end of the second voltage divider unit, connected to the first voltage divider unit. The second end of the first resistor is connected to the first end of the second resistor; the second end of the second resistor is connected to the second end of the third resistor and serves as the second end of the second voltage divider unit, connected to the load.

[0088] Figure 5 In the example, the first resistor can be a thermistor. This disclosure does not limit the number of thermistors configured in the voltage compensation module. Figure 5 In the structure shown, the voltage difference between the first and second ends of the second voltage divider unit changes linearly with temperature, making the final calculated output current of the power supply more accurate.

[0089] Those skilled in the art should understand that the second voltage divider unit can also be implemented in other ways, as long as the compensation voltage is less than the average voltage and the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage increases with the increase of the impedance of the power distribution network. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the specific implementation of the second voltage divider unit.

[0090] The impedance of a power distribution network is project-specific; each project has a different impedance, and a corresponding preset value can be individually calibrated for each project. The impedance calibration of a power distribution network can be achieved using existing technology, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0091] This disclosure also proposes a current detection method. Figure 6A schematic diagram illustrating the flow of a current detection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown, in one possible implementation, the method uses a current detection circuit to detect the output current of the power supply. The circuit includes a voltage averaging module, a voltage compensation module, and a current detection module. The method includes:

[0093] Step S61: Use the voltage averaging module to average the output voltages of the M output terminals of the power supply to obtain the average voltage, and output the average voltage to the voltage compensation module.

[0094] Step S62: The remaining voltage when the output voltage is transmitted to the load through the power distribution network is used as the load voltage. The voltage compensation module obtains the compensation voltage based on the average voltage and the load voltage, and outputs the compensation voltage to the current detection module. The compensation voltage is less than the average voltage, and the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage increases as the impedance of the power distribution network increases.

[0095] Step S63: Use the current detection module to determine the output current of the power supply based on the compensation voltage, load voltage, and the preset impedance of the power distribution network.

[0096] This disclosure also provides a chip including the current detection circuit described above.

[0097] This disclosure also provides an electronic device including the chip described above.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a power supply, a power distribution network, and a load. The power supply, power distribution network, and load can be located on the chip containing the current detection circuit, or they can be located off-chip; this disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.

[0099] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of an instruction containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than those shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0100] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A current detection circuit, characterized in that, The circuit includes a voltage averaging module, a voltage compensation module, and a current detection module. The voltage averaging module is connected to M output terminals of the power supply. The voltage compensation module is connected to the voltage averaging module, the input terminal of the load, and the current detection module. The output terminal of the power supply is connected to the input terminal of the load through a power distribution network. The voltage averaging module is used to average the output voltages of the M output terminals of the power supply to obtain an average voltage, and output the average voltage to the voltage compensation module. The remaining voltage when the output voltage is transmitted to the load through the power distribution network is used as the load voltage. The voltage compensation module is used to obtain a compensation voltage based on the average voltage and the load voltage, and output the compensation voltage to the current detection module. The compensation voltage is less than the average voltage, and the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage is equal to the change in the load voltage, which increases with the increase of the impedance of the power distribution network. The current detection module is used to calculate the difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage, and the ratio of this difference to the preset impedance of the power distribution network is used as the output current of the power supply.

2. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage compensation module includes a first voltage divider unit and a second voltage divider unit. The first terminal of the first voltage divider unit serves as the first terminal of the voltage compensation module, receiving the average voltage. The second end of the first voltage divider unit is connected to the first end of the second voltage divider unit, and serves as the second end of the voltage compensation module, outputting the compensation voltage; The second terminal of the second voltage divider unit serves as the third terminal of the voltage compensation module, receiving the load voltage. The actual impedance of the power distribution network increases with increasing temperature, the actual impedance of the second voltage divider unit decreases with increasing temperature, and the impedances of the first voltage divider unit and the voltage averaging module remain unchanged when the temperature changes.

3. The circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second voltage divider unit includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a third resistor, wherein the first resistor is a thermistor. One end of the first resistor is connected to the first end of the third resistor and serves as the first end of the second voltage divider unit; The second end of the first resistor is connected to the first end of the second resistor; The second end of the second resistor is connected to the second end of the third resistor and serves as the second end of the second voltage divider unit.

4. The circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The voltage averaging module includes M resistors, and each of the M resistors corresponds to one of the M output terminals of the power supply. The first end of each resistor is connected to a corresponding output terminal, and the second end is connected to the first terminal of the voltage compensation module.

5. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply includes an energy storage module and M switching circuits. The output terminal of the energy storage module is connected to the first terminal of each switching circuit, and the second terminal of each switching circuit serves as one of the M output terminals of the power supply. Each switching circuit includes a field-effect transistor switch and an inductor. In any switching circuit, the first terminal of the field-effect transistor switch serves as the first terminal of the switching circuit, and the second terminal of the field-effect transistor switch is connected to the first terminal of the inductor. The second terminal of the inductor serves as the second terminal of the switching circuit.

6. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply includes an energy storage module, M field-effect transistor (FET) switches, and M inductors, with each FET switch connected to one inductor. The output terminal of the energy storage module is connected to the first terminal of each field-effect transistor switch; The second terminal of each field-effect transistor switch is connected to the first terminal of the corresponding inductor, and the second terminal of the inductor serves as one of the M output terminals of the power supply.

7. A current detection method, characterized in that, The method uses a current detection circuit to detect the output current of the power supply. The circuit includes a voltage averaging module, a voltage compensation module, and a current detection module. The voltage averaging module is connected to M output terminals of the power supply. The voltage compensation module is connected to the voltage averaging module, the input terminal of the load, and the current detection module. The output terminal of the power supply is connected to the input terminal of the load through a power distribution network. The method includes: The voltage averaging module is used to average the output voltages of the M output terminals of the power supply to obtain an average voltage, and the average voltage is output to the voltage compensation module. The remaining voltage when the output voltage is transmitted to the load through the power distribution network is used as the load voltage. The voltage compensation module obtains a compensation voltage based on the average voltage and the load voltage, and outputs the compensation voltage to the current detection module. The compensation voltage is less than the average voltage, and the difference between the average voltage and the compensation voltage is equal to the change in the load voltage, which increases with the increase of the impedance of the power distribution network. The difference between the compensation voltage and the load voltage is calculated using the current detection module, and the ratio of this difference to the preset impedance of the power distribution network is used as the output current of the power supply.

8. A chip, characterized in that, The current detection circuit includes any one of claims 1-6.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the chip described in claim 8.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electronic device also includes a power supply, a power distribution network, and a load.

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