Voltage conversion circuit and DC-DC converter

Abstract

This disclosure provides a voltage conversion circuit and a DC-DC converter, relating to the field of semiconductor technology. The voltage conversion circuit includes: multiple parallel single-phase voltage conversion modules, at least one of which converts a received input voltage to obtain an output voltage; a detection module for receiving a feedback voltage and a reference voltage of the output voltage, and detecting whether a transient occurs in the output voltage based on the feedback voltage and the reference voltage, outputting a step signal when a transient is detected; and a compensation module for receiving the step signal and generating a compensation control signal based on the step signal, the compensation control signal being used to control a specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules to turn on or off, the specified number being positively correlated with the step signal. The technical solution of this disclosure enhances the stability and reliability of the output voltage, thereby helping to ensure the normal operation of multi-phase voltage conversion modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of semiconductor technology, and more particularly to a voltage conversion circuit and a DC-DC converter. Background Technology

[0002] A multiphase voltage conversion module refers to a structure consisting of at least two voltage conversion modules connected in parallel. Under light load conditions, the current required by the load is relatively small, while under heavy load conditions, the opposite is true, the load requires a large current. When the load jumps from light load to heavy load, the current required by the load increases dramatically. Since the energy stored in the energy storage element is limited under light load conditions, when the load current suddenly increases during a load jump, the energy storage element cannot immediately provide enough energy to meet the load demand, resulting in a drop in output voltage and an undershoot phenomenon. Similarly, an overshoot phenomenon occurs when the load jumps from heavy load to light load. All of these phenomena can affect the normal operation of the multiphase voltage conversion module.

[0003] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a voltage conversion circuit and a DC-DC converter that at least partially overcomes the problem in the related art where transient output voltage affects the normal operation of multiphase voltage conversion modules.

[0005] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part from practice of this disclosure.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a voltage conversion circuit is provided, comprising: a plurality of single-phase voltage conversion modules connected in parallel, at least one of the single-phase voltage conversion modules performing voltage conversion on a received input voltage to obtain an output voltage; a detection module configured to receive a feedback voltage and a reference voltage of the output voltage, and detect whether a transient occurs in the output voltage based on the feedback voltage and the reference voltage, so as to output a step signal when a transient is detected; and a compensation module configured to receive the step signal and generate a compensation control signal based on the step signal, the compensation control signal being used to control a specified number of the single-phase voltage conversion modules to turn on or off, the specified number being positively correlated with the step signal.

[0007] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the detection module includes a first voltage transient comparator, which is used to receive the feedback voltage and a first reference voltage, and when a transient of the feedback voltage is detected to be greater than or equal to the first reference voltage, generates the step signal based on the difference between the transient and the first reference voltage, wherein the first reference voltage is determined based on the output voltage before the transient and a first ratio.

[0008] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first voltage transient comparator includes: a storage unit for storing a first feedback voltage before the transient; a variable detection unit for calculating the transient variable between the first feedback voltage and the second feedback voltage after the transient; a first operational amplifier unit including a first input terminal for receiving the transient variable, a second input terminal for receiving the first reference voltage, and a first output terminal for outputting a difference, wherein the difference is a comparison result between the transient variable and the first reference voltage; and a first step signal generation unit for amplifying the difference to generate the step signal when the transient variable is greater than the first reference voltage.

[0009] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the detection module includes a second voltage transient comparator, which is used to receive the feedback voltage and a second reference voltage, and generate the step signal based on the transient of the feedback voltage when the feedback voltage drops to less than or equal to the second reference voltage, or rises to greater than or equal to the second reference voltage. The second reference voltage is determined based on the output voltage before the transient and a second ratio, and the second ratio is greater than the first ratio.

[0010] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second voltage transient comparator includes: a second operational amplifier unit, including a third input terminal for receiving the feedback voltage, a fourth input terminal for receiving the second reference voltage, and a second output terminal for outputting a comparison result between the feedback voltage and the second reference voltage; a logic gate unit, including a fifth input terminal and a third output terminal, wherein the fifth input terminal is used to receive the comparison result, and the result is generated when the feedback voltage drops to less than or equal to the second reference voltage, or rises to greater than or equal to the second reference voltage, and the third output terminal is used to output a trigger signal; a variable calculation unit, including a sixth input terminal, a seventh input terminal, and a fourth output terminal, wherein if the seventh input terminal receives the trigger signal, the sixth input terminal receives a first feedback voltage, and if the seventh input terminal receives the trigger signal, the sixth input terminal receives a second feedback voltage, and the fourth output terminal outputs a transient variable of the second feedback voltage and the first feedback voltage; and a second step signal generation unit, used to amplify the transient variable to generate the step signal.

[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the compensation module includes: an analog-to-digital conversion unit, configured to receive the analog step signal and convert the step signal into a digital signal; and a digital control unit, configured to receive the digital signal, determine the specified quantity based on the digital signal, and input compensation control signals to the specified quantity of single-phase voltage conversion modules.

[0012] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the digital control unit includes a plurality of pins, which are connected one-to-one with the plurality of single-phase voltage conversion modules. The digital control unit is also used to randomly determine the pins that output the compensation control signal based on the specified number, or to determine the pins that output the compensation control signal based on the specified number and pin number.

[0013] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the compensation module includes: multiple comparison units, each comparison unit including a first comparison terminal, a second comparison terminal, and a fifth output terminal; the first comparison terminal is used to receive the step signal; the second terminals of different comparison units are used to receive a third reference voltage that decreases or increases sequentially; the fifth output terminal is used to output a step comparison result, the step comparison result being a comparison result between the step signal and the third reference voltage; and multiple timer units, the input terminals of the timer units being connected to the fifth output terminal one by one; wherein, if the step comparison result is greater than 0, the timer unit is triggered; the timing period of the timer unit is positively correlated with the step comparison result; and if the timing period is reached, the timer unit outputs the compensation control signal.

[0014] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the transient includes undershoot and / or overshoot. If the detection module is used to detect whether the output voltage has an undershoot, the compensation control signal generated by the compensation module is used to control the specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules that are in the off state to turn on. If the detection module is used to detect whether the output voltage has an overshoot, the compensation control signal generated by the compensation module is used to control the specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules that are in the on state to turn off.

[0015] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the single-phase voltage conversion module includes a logic controller, and the compensation module is connected to the logic controller for outputting the compensation control signal to the logic controller.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a DC-DC converter is provided, comprising: the voltage conversion circuit provided in the above embodiments.

[0017] The voltage conversion scheme provided in the embodiments of this disclosure monitors the transient changes in the output voltage, including overshoot and / or undershoot, by setting a detection module and outputting a corresponding step signal based on the detection results. The compensation module receives the step signal and controls the number of single-phase voltage conversion modules turned on or off according to the amplitude of the step signal, thereby achieving dynamic compensation for the transient changes in the output voltage and reducing the transient changes in the output voltage. When the output voltage overshoots, it can reduce overvoltage; when the output voltage undershoots, it can reduce undervoltage. Based on this compensation mechanism, combined with controlling the number of single-phase voltage conversion modules turned on or off according to the amplitude of the step signal, it can ensure that the consumption and benefit of instantaneous power consumption are as equal as possible, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of the output voltage and helping to ensure the normal operation of multi-phase voltage conversion modules.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a voltage conversion circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of a detection module according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram of another detection module in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of a compensation module according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 5 A graph illustrating current compliance in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 A circuit diagram of a voltage conversion circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 7 A comparison diagram of inductor current based on conformal compensation in the embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 8 A comparison diagram of the output voltage based on the adaptive compensation in the embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0029] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Some block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities may be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0030] When operating in two-phase and multi-phase BUCK mode, it is necessary to maintain the output stability as much as possible to ensure the normal operation of multi-phase BUCK. However, when the load changes from light load to heavy load, the output will inevitably undershoot. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize the voltage undershoot of multi-phase BUCK when it changes from light load to heavy load.

[0031] Correspondingly, when the load jumps under heavy load, the output will inevitably overshoot. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize the voltage overshoot during the multiphase BUCK light load step load.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, a voltage conversion circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a multiphase voltage conversion module 102, a detection module 104, and a compensation module 106.

[0033] The multiphase voltage conversion module 102, i.e., multiple single-phase voltage conversion modules 102 connected in parallel, at least one single-phase voltage conversion module 102 performs voltage conversion on the received input voltage to obtain the output voltage.

[0034] In this disclosure, multiple parallel single-phase voltage conversion modules 102 refer to at least two parallel single-phase voltage conversion modules 102.

[0035] In some embodiments, each single-phase voltage conversion module 102 can be a relatively independent DC-DC conversion circuit, and can be a topology such as Buck, Boost, or Buck-Boost.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least one of the multiple parallel single-phase voltage conversion modules 102 is in operation to convert the received input voltage to obtain an output voltage.

[0037] The detection module 104 is used to receive the feedback voltage and reference voltage of the output voltage, and detect whether the output voltage has a transient based on the feedback voltage and reference voltage, so as to output a step signal when a transient is detected.

[0038] The step signal can be an analog signal.

[0039] In some embodiments, the detection module 104 detects whether the output voltage undergoes a transient change, including detecting whether the output voltage undershoots, or detecting whether the output voltage overshoots, or detecting both undershoots and overshoots.

[0040] In some embodiments, the detection module includes a comparator component. By inputting a sampled feedback voltage and a stable reference voltage into the comparator component, the comparator component continuously compares these two voltages. When the output voltage overshoots, the feedback voltage is higher than the reference voltage; when it undershoots, the feedback voltage is lower than the reference voltage. Once the difference between the feedback voltage and the reference voltage is detected, or the difference between the transient voltage and the reference voltage exceeds the set normal range, the comparator component can output a step signal. The step signal indicates that the output voltage has undergone a transient change. To improve the accuracy and stability of the detection, filtering circuits, amplification circuits, etc., can also be added to process the signal.

[0041] The compensation module 106 is used to receive the step signal and generate a compensation control signal based on the step signal. The compensation control signal is used to control a specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules 102 to turn on or off. The specified number is positively correlated with the step signal.

[0042] The compensation control signal can be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.

[0043] In some embodiments, the compensation control signal may be a digital signal or an analog signal.

[0044] In some embodiments, after receiving a step signal, the compensation module 106 determines the specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules 102 that need to be turned on or off based on the magnitude of the step signal. Positive correlation means that the larger the magnitude of the step signal, the more single-phase voltage conversion modules 102 need to be turned on or off.

[0045] In some embodiments, when an undershoot is detected in the output voltage, a specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules 102 are controlled to turn on, and when an overshoot is detected in the output voltage, a specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules 102 are controlled to turn off.

[0046] In this embodiment, a detection module monitors the transient changes in the output voltage, including overshoot and / or undershoot, and outputs a corresponding step signal based on the detection results. The compensation module receives the step signal and controls the number of single-phase voltage conversion modules that are turned on or off according to the amplitude of the step signal, thereby achieving dynamic compensation for the transient changes in the output voltage and reducing the transients of the output voltage. When the output voltage overshoots, overvoltage can be reduced, and when the output voltage undershoots, undervoltage can be reduced. Based on this compensation mechanism, combined with controlling the number of single-phase voltage conversion modules that are turned on or off according to the amplitude of the step signal, the consumption and benefit of instantaneous power consumption can be kept as equal as possible, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of the output voltage and helping to ensure the normal operation of the multi-phase voltage conversion module.

[0047] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the detection module includes a first voltage transient comparator, which is used to receive a feedback voltage and a first reference voltage, and when the transient of the detected feedback voltage reaches a value greater than or equal to the first reference voltage, generates a step signal based on the difference between the transient and the first reference voltage, wherein the first reference voltage is determined based on the output voltage before the transient and a first ratio.

[0048] In some embodiments, under normal conditions, i.e., when no transients occur, the output voltage is relatively stable. By dividing the output voltage in this stable state, a first reference voltage can be determined. The first reference voltage is used to compare with the amount of change in the output voltage.

[0049] In some embodiments, the feedback voltage is a real-time feedback of the output voltage, which reflects the current state of the output voltage. If the output voltage undergoes a transient (overshoot or undershoot), the feedback voltage will change accordingly. The first voltage transient comparator will determine whether the change reaches or exceeds the first reference voltage. If it reaches or exceeds the first reference voltage, the change is regarded as a transient, that is, a transient is generated, and a step signal is output.

[0050] In some embodiments, step signals can also be generated directly based on transient variables.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first voltage transient comparator monitors the feedback voltage and the first reference voltage in real time. Once the change reaches a set condition, the change is determined to be a transient variable, and a step signal is generated. The step signal is generated based on the difference between the transient variable and the first reference voltage. This allows the step signal to characterize the transient change in the output voltage and quantify the degree of the transient, ensuring that the circuit can respond quickly when the output voltage undergoes a transient change.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first voltage transient comparator includes:

[0053] Storage unit 202 is used to store the first feedback voltage before the transient.

[0054] In some embodiments, the storage unit 202 may be a circuit element with memory function, such as a register or a capacitor. When the output voltage is in a stable state (i.e. before the transient), the unit stores the feedback voltage (first feedback voltage) at this time. For example, if the storage unit 202 is a capacitor, when the two ends of the capacitor are connected to the feedback voltage sampling point, the capacitor will be charged to a voltage value equal to the first feedback voltage in a stable state, thereby realizing the storage of the voltage value.

[0055] The variable detection unit 204 is used to calculate the transient variable between the first feedback voltage and the transient second feedback voltage.

[0056] In some embodiments, the variable detection unit 204 is implemented by a subtraction operation circuit. The two inputs are respectively connected to the sampling points of the first feedback voltage output by the storage unit 202 and the transient second feedback voltage. The subtraction operation circuit can be composed of an operational amplifier. The output of the operational amplifier is the difference between the second feedback voltage and the first feedback voltage, i.e., the transient variable.

[0057] The first operational amplifier unit 206 includes a first input terminal A for receiving transient variables, a second input terminal B for receiving a first reference voltage, and a first output terminal C for outputting a difference, which is the comparison result between the transient variable and the first reference voltage.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first operational amplifier unit 206 includes an operational amplifier. The first input terminal of the operational amplifier receives the transient variable output by the variable detection unit 204, and the second input terminal receives the first reference voltage. The operational amplifier compares and performs operations on the two input signals and outputs the difference between the transient variable and the first reference voltage. When the transient variable is greater than the first reference voltage, it indicates that a first step signal needs to be generated.

[0059] The first step signal generation unit 208 is used to amplify the difference when the instantaneous variable is greater than the first reference voltage to generate a step signal.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first step signal generation unit 208 includes a circuit with threshold triggering function, such as a Schmitt trigger. If the transient variable is greater than the first reference voltage, after receiving this positive difference signal, the Schmitt trigger will amplify the signal according to its internal threshold characteristics and output a step signal to indicate that the output voltage has undergone a transient change exceeding the set reference value.

[0061] In this embodiment, based on the coordinated arrangement of the storage unit, variable detection unit, first operational amplifier unit, and first step signal generation unit, the storage unit can accurately acquire the single reference voltage before the transient, the variable detection unit can calculate the transient variable of the feedback voltage, the first operational amplifier unit compares the transient variable with the first reference voltage to determine whether a significant transient has occurred, and the first step signal generation unit outputs a step signal in a timely manner when the transient variable exceeds a set value to trigger the compensation module to perform compensation. The structure of the above-mentioned first voltage transient comparator is easy to implement and can effectively improve the transient situation of the output voltage, thereby helping to improve the performance and reliability of the entire circuit system.

[0062] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the detection module includes a second voltage transient comparator, which is used to receive a feedback voltage and a second reference voltage, and generate a step signal based on the transient of the feedback voltage when the feedback voltage drops to less than or equal to the second reference voltage, or rises to greater than or equal to the second reference voltage. The second reference voltage is determined based on the output voltage before the transient and a first ratio, wherein the second ratio is greater than the first ratio.

[0063] Unlike the first voltage transient comparator, the second voltage transient comparator is used to directly compare the feedback voltage and the second reference voltage.

[0064] In some embodiments, the second reference voltage is also determined based on the output voltage when in a steady state. Since the comparison object is the feedback voltage, the second reference voltage is typically greater than the first reference voltage.

[0065] In some embodiments, the second voltage transient comparator has two input ports, which receive the feedback voltage and the second reference voltage, respectively. The feedback voltage is obtained by sampling the output voltage in real time. The comparator monitors the changes in the feedback voltage in real time. Whether the feedback voltage drops to less than or equal to the second reference voltage or rises to greater than or equal to the second reference voltage, it indicates that the output voltage may have transient, which is caused by a sudden change in the load.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second voltage transient comparator can generate a step signal based on the transient change of the feedback voltage. The step signal can be a transition from a low level to a high level or a transition from a high level to a low level.

[0067] In this embodiment, by setting a second voltage transient comparator, a second reference voltage is determined based on the output voltage before the transient and the second ratio. The output voltage transient is detected based on the relationship between the second reference voltage and the feedback voltage. This achieves the detection of output voltage transients. When a transient occurs, a step signal is directly generated based on the transient variable without the need for a secondary comparison based on the transient variable. This provides a clear trigger signal for the subsequent compensation module, enabling the compensation module to promptly initiate corresponding compensation measures.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second voltage transient comparator includes:

[0069] The second operational amplifier unit 302 includes a third input terminal D for receiving the feedback voltage, a fourth input terminal E for receiving the second reference voltage, and a second output terminal F for outputting the comparison result between the feedback voltage and the second reference voltage.

[0070] In some embodiments, the second operational amplifier unit 302 is also an operational amplifier, with a third input terminal receiving a feedback voltage and a fourth input terminal receiving a second reference voltage. It compares the two input voltages and outputs the comparison result between the feedback voltage and the second reference voltage to determine whether a transient phenomenon has occurred based on the comparison result.

[0071] The logic gate unit 304 includes a fifth input terminal G and a third output terminal H. The fifth input terminal is used to receive the comparison result. The comparison result is generated when the feedback voltage drops to less than or equal to the second reference voltage, or rises to greater than or equal to the second reference voltage. The third output terminal is used to output a trigger signal.

[0072] In some embodiments, the logic gate unit 304 may be a combination of basic logic gates such as AND gate, OR gate, NOT gate, etc. The fifth input terminal of the logic gate unit 304 receives the comparison result from the second operational amplifier unit 302. The logic gate unit 304 will make a judgment according to the set logic rules. When the comparison result shows that the feedback voltage drops to less than or equal to the second reference voltage, or rises to greater than or equal to the second reference voltage, the logic gate unit 304 will generate a trigger signal.

[0073] The variable calculation unit 306 includes a sixth input terminal I, a seventh input terminal J, and a fourth output terminal K. If the seventh input terminal receives a trigger signal, the sixth input terminal receives a first feedback voltage. If the seventh input terminal receives a trigger signal, the sixth input terminal receives a second feedback voltage. The fourth output terminal outputs the transient variable of the second feedback voltage and the first feedback voltage.

[0074] In some embodiments, if a trigger signal is received, indicating that a transient change has occurred in the output voltage, the actual transient variable is calculated based on the trigger signal. The variable calculation unit 306 can perform a subtraction operation through an operational amplifier to subtract the two feedback voltages to obtain the transient variable, and then output it through the fourth output terminal.

[0075] The second step signal generation unit 308 is used to amplify transient variables to generate step signals.

[0076] In some embodiments, the second step signal generation unit 308 may be composed of an amplifier or a circuit with amplification function.

[0077] In this embodiment, the second operational amplifier unit can monitor the relationship between the feedback voltage and the second reference voltage in real time. The logic gate unit can ensure that a trigger signal is generated only when the voltage undergoes a transient change, preventing unnecessary variable calculations. When calculation is required, the variable calculation unit is triggered by the trigger signal to calculate the transient variable of the voltage transient, providing quantitative information for subsequent compensation and other operations. The second step signal generation unit amplifies the transient variable into a step signal, which can accurately detect the transient situation of the output voltage, providing quantitative information for subsequent compensation operations and helping to improve the transient phenomenon.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the compensation module includes:

[0079] The analog-to-digital conversion unit 402 is used to receive the analog step signal and convert the step signal into a digital signal; the digital control unit 404 is used to receive the digital signal, determine a specified number based on the digital signal, and input compensation control signals to a specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules.

[0080] In some embodiments, the analog-to-digital conversion unit may include a sample-and-hold circuit and a quantization encoding circuit. The sample-and-hold circuit samples the input analog step signal, and the quantization encoding circuit converts the amplitude of the sampled analog signal into digital code according to a certain quantization rule, thereby realizing the conversion from analog to digital state.

[0081] In some embodiments, the digital control unit may include a digital signal processor, a logic control circuit, and a storage unit, etc. The digital signal processor determines a specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules that need to be turned on or off based on the received digital state signals. The logic control circuit generates corresponding compensation control signals according to the results of the digital signal processor and transmits them to the specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules.

[0082] In this embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converts the analog step signal into a digital signal, enabling the subsequent digital control unit (DCU) to process and analyze the signal more accurately. Based on the digital signal, the DCU determines a specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules and inputs a compensation control signal. It can determine the compensation level for the output voltage based on the step signal generated by the transient variable, thereby improving the accuracy of voltage compensation during transients. By setting up the ADC, the operation of quantizing analog quantities also combines simplicity and efficiency.

[0083] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the digital control unit includes multiple pins, which are connected one-to-one with multiple single-phase voltage conversion modules. The digital control unit is also used to randomly determine the pins for output compensation control signals based on a specified number, or to determine the pins for output compensation control signals based on a specified number of pins with pin numbers.

[0084] In some embodiments, multiple pins of the digital control unit are connected one-to-one with multiple single-phase voltage conversion modules to establish a communication path between the digital control unit and each single-phase voltage conversion module. Each pin is responsible for controlling a corresponding single-phase voltage conversion module. By outputting different signals to the pins, the corresponding single-phase voltage conversion module can be operated, such as turning it on or off.

[0085] In some embodiments, once the digital control unit determines a specified number, a random number generator or pseudo-random algorithm can be used to randomly select a specified number of pins from multiple pins as pins for output compensation control signals.

[0086] In some embodiments, the pins for output compensation control signals can be determined based on a specified number and pin number. In this case, the digital control unit will select the corresponding pins in sequence according to a certain order or rule, for example, starting from the first pin, based on a specified number of pins to output compensation control signals.

[0087] In this embodiment, by connecting multiple pins of the digital control unit to the corresponding single-phase voltage conversion module, flexible selection of the single-phase voltage conversion module is achieved to ensure the positive correlation between transient variables and a specified number of parameters. The output pins are randomly determined based on a specified number to ensure the reliability of transient compensation.

[0088] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the compensation module includes multiple comparison units and multiple timer units.

[0089] The comparison unit includes a first comparison terminal, a second comparison terminal, and a fifth output terminal. The first comparison terminal is used to receive a step signal. The second terminals of different comparison units are used to receive a third reference voltage that decreases or increases sequentially. The fifth output terminal is used to output the step comparison result, which is the comparison result between the step signal and the third reference voltage.

[0090] In some embodiments, each comparison unit has a first comparison terminal and a second comparison terminal. The first comparison terminal receives a step signal, which is used to reflect the transient degree of the output voltage. In addition, the second comparison terminals of different comparison units receive a third reference voltage that decreases or increases sequentially. The reference voltage can be generated by a voltage divider circuit or the like and arranged in a certain order to cover different reference ranges. The comparison unit compares the received step signal with the corresponding third reference voltage to obtain a step comparison result and outputs it through a fifth output terminal, so that different comparison units output different step comparison results.

[0091] The input terminal of the timer unit is connected to the fifth output terminal one by one. If the step comparison result is greater than 0, the timer unit is triggered. The timing period of the timer unit is positively correlated with the step comparison result. If the timing period is reached, the timer unit outputs a compensation control signal.

[0092] In some embodiments, the input terminal of the timer unit is connected to the fifth output terminal of the comparison unit one by one to form a cascade relationship. When the third comparison result output by the comparison unit is greater than 0, the timer unit connected to it will be triggered. The timing of the timer unit is positively correlated with the third comparison result, so as to realize that a specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules are turned on or off one by one, thereby realizing the generation of compensation control signal in analog state.

[0093] In some embodiments, the timer unit can be an RC circuit based on capacitors and resistors or an internal timer / counter within a chip.

[0094] In some embodiments, the timer unit can be a 555 timer. In monostable mode, the 555 timer can output a pulse signal as a compensation control signal. In addition, the 555 timer has a defined trigger pin, which facilitates connection to the fifth output terminal of the comparator unit.

[0095] In this embodiment, by setting different third reference voltages, the comparison unit performs graded comparisons of the step signal. Step signals of different amplitudes can trigger different subsequent operations. The timer unit sets different timing intervals according to the step comparison results, so that the single-phase voltage conversion module used for voltage compensation is turned on or off at intervals. This helps to improve the stability of the voltage conversion circuit, reduce output voltage fluctuations caused by voltage transients, and ensure the normal operation of the load equipment.

[0096] In one embodiment of this disclosure, transients include undershoot and / or overshoot.

[0097] In some embodiments, if the detection module is used to detect whether the output voltage undershoots, the compensation control signal generated by the compensation module is used to control a specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules that are in the off state to turn on.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, when an undershoot is detected in the output voltage due to a load step, the load current I... LOAD From I LOAD2 Down to I LOAD1 .

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, each single-phase voltage conversion module includes a first switch 602A, a second switch 602B, and a logic controller 602C.

[0100] The logic controller 602C generates a first drive signal VGATEP and a second drive signal VGATEN based on the compensation control signal. The first electrode of the first switch 602A is connected to the logic controller 602C to receive the first drive signal VGATEP. The first electrode of the second switch 602B is connected to the logic controller 602C to receive the second drive signal VGATEN. The second electrode of the first switch 602A and the third electrode of the second switch 602B are connected to the switching node SW. The third electrode of the first switch 602A receives the input voltage V. IN The second electrode of the second switching transistor 602B is grounded, one end of the power inductor L is connected to the switching node SW, and the other end of the power inductor L outputs voltage V to the load. OUT .

[0101] To reduce the undershoot during load step changes, such as Figure 6 As shown, based on the multi-phase BUCK architecture, the output undershoot during load step and the fixed first reference voltage when the output is stable are detected by the first voltage transient comparator 604. The first voltage transient comparator 604 amplifies the difference between the output undershoot during load step and the fixed reference voltage when the output is stable. The analog-to-digital conversion unit 606 is used to convert the difference between the analog undershoot and the first reference voltage into a digital difference. During load trip, the magnitude of the digital value controls the number of BUCKs that are turned on, accelerating the response of the output returning to normal. The difference is input to the digital control unit 608 to accurately determine the number of single-phase BUCKs that are turned on. The difference between the analog and digital values ​​is positively correlated, i.e., proportional.

[0102] like Figure 7As shown, the solid line represents the multiphase BUCK operating state without transient compensation, and the dashed line represents the multiphase BUCK operating state with the transient compensation scheme of this disclosure. Based on the transient compensation scheme of this disclosure, the output voltage V out The more downward thrusts, the more single-phase BUCKs are opened.

[0103] like Figure 8 As shown, the solid line represents the multiphase BUCK operating state without transient compensation, and the dashed line represents the multiphase BUCK operating state with the transient compensation scheme of this disclosure. A comparison of the solid and dashed lines shows that, based on the adopted transient compensation scheme, the inductor current I... L It has a larger rise rate, smaller output undershoot, and shorter recovery time.

[0104] In some embodiments, if the detection module is used to detect whether the output voltage has overshooted, the compensation control signal generated by the compensation module is used to control a specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules that are in the on state to turn off.

[0105] A DC-DC converter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: the voltage conversion circuit described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0106] In this embodiment, the multi-phase BUCK design enables the DC-DC converter to flexibly adjust the output power according to load requirements. The detection module can receive the feedback voltage of the output voltage in real time and compare it with the reference voltage. By accurately comparing the feedback voltage and the reference voltage, the detection module can accurately determine whether the output voltage has a transient. Once a transient is detected, a step signal is immediately output, providing a clear indication for subsequent compensation operations. The compensation module generates a compensation control signal based on the received step signal, and the specified number is positively correlated with the step signal. That is, when the transient amplitude of the output voltage is large, more multi-phase BUCK modules will be turned on or off to provide a stronger compensation force.

[0107] In some embodiments, the DC-DC converter may also include an input circuit, an output circuit, and control and protection circuits.

[0108] In this disclosure, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "link" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0109] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0110] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0111] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Other embodiments of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A voltage conversion circuit, characterized in that, include: Multiple single-phase voltage conversion modules connected in parallel, at least one of the single-phase voltage conversion modules performs voltage conversion on the received input voltage to obtain an output voltage; The detection module is used to receive the feedback voltage and reference voltage of the output voltage, and detect whether the output voltage has a transient based on the feedback voltage and reference voltage, so as to output a step signal when a transient is detected. A compensation module is used to receive the step signal and generate a compensation control signal based on the step signal. The compensation control signal is used to control a specified number of the single-phase voltage conversion modules to turn on or off, and the specified number is positively correlated with the step signal.

2. The voltage conversion circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection module includes a first voltage transient comparator. The first voltage transient comparator is used to receive the feedback voltage and the first reference voltage, and when it detects that the transient of the feedback voltage reaches a value greater than or equal to the first reference voltage, it generates the step signal based on the difference between the transient and the first reference voltage, wherein the first reference voltage is determined based on the output voltage before the transient and a first ratio.

3. The voltage conversion circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first voltage transient comparator includes: Storage unit, used to store the first feedback voltage before the transient; A variable detection unit is used to calculate the transient variable between the first feedback voltage and the transient second feedback voltage; The first operational amplifier unit includes a first input terminal for receiving the transient variable, a second input terminal for receiving the first reference voltage, and a first output terminal for outputting the difference, wherein the difference is the difference between the transient variable and the first reference voltage. The first step signal generation unit is used to amplify the difference and generate the step signal.

4. The voltage conversion circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection module includes a second voltage transient comparator. The second voltage transient comparator is used to receive the feedback voltage and the second reference voltage, and when it detects that the feedback voltage drops to less than or equal to the second reference voltage, or rises to greater than or equal to the second reference voltage, it generates the step signal based on the transient of the feedback voltage, wherein the second reference voltage is determined based on the output voltage and the second ratio before the transient is generated.

5. The voltage conversion circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second voltage transient comparator includes: The second operational amplifier unit includes a third input terminal for receiving the feedback voltage, a fourth input terminal for receiving the second reference voltage, and a second output terminal for outputting a comparison result between the feedback voltage and the second reference voltage. The logic gate unit includes a fifth input terminal and a third output terminal. The fifth input terminal is used to receive the comparison result, which is generated when the feedback voltage drops to less than or equal to the second reference voltage, or rises to greater than or equal to the second reference voltage. The third output terminal is used to output a trigger signal. The variable calculation unit includes a sixth input terminal, a seventh input terminal, and a fourth output terminal. If the seventh input terminal receives the trigger signal, the sixth input terminal receives a first feedback voltage. If the seventh input terminal receives the trigger signal, the sixth input terminal receives a second feedback voltage. The fourth output terminal outputs the transient variable of the second feedback voltage and the first feedback voltage. The second step signal generation unit is used to amplify the transient variable to generate the step signal.

6. The voltage conversion circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compensation module includes: An analog-to-digital conversion unit is used to receive the analog step signal and convert the step signal into a digital signal; A digital control unit is configured to receive the digital state signal, determine the specified quantity based on the digital state signal, and input the compensation control signal to the specified quantity of single-phase voltage conversion modules.

7. The voltage conversion circuit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The digital control unit includes multiple pins, each of which is connected to one of the multiple single-phase voltage conversion modules. The digital control unit is also used to randomly determine the pins that output the compensation control signal based on the specified number, or to determine the pins that output the compensation control signal based on the pin number based on the specified number.

8. The voltage conversion circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compensation module includes: Multiple comparison units are provided, each comparison unit including a first comparison terminal, a second comparison terminal and a fifth output terminal. The first comparison terminal is used to receive the step signal. The second terminals of different comparison units are used to receive a third reference voltage that decreases or increases sequentially. The fifth output terminal is used to output a step comparison result, which is the comparison result between the step signal and the third reference voltage. Multiple timer units are provided, with their input terminals connected to the fifth output terminal one by one. If the step comparison result is greater than 0, the timer unit is triggered. The timing period of the timer unit is positively correlated with the step comparison result. If the timing period is reached, the timer unit outputs the compensation control signal.

9. The voltage conversion circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The transient includes a downstroke and / or an upstroke. If the detection module is used to detect whether the output voltage undershoots, the compensation control signal generated by the compensation module is used to control the specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules that are in the off state to turn on. If the detection module is used to detect whether the output voltage has overshooted, the compensation control signal generated by the compensation module is used to control the specified number of single-phase voltage conversion modules that are in the on state to turn off.

10. The voltage conversion circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The single-phase voltage conversion module includes a logic controller, and the compensation module is connected to the logic controller for outputting the compensation control signal to the logic controller.

11. A DC-DC converter, characterized in that, include: The voltage conversion circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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