Multiphase power supply system and control of a dynamic load

Abstract

A device includes a controller. The controller is capable of determining the magnitude of a first output current supplied by a first power converter to a dynamic load, and of determining the magnitude of a second output current supplied by a second power converter to supply power to the dynamic load. The controller adjusts the magnitude of the first output current relative to the magnitude of the second output current based on the magnitude of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load.

Description

[0001] One type of conventional power converter is a buck converter. To maintain an output voltage within a desired range, a controller associated with the buck converter generally compares the magnitude of a generated output voltage with a target reference voltage. Based on a respective error voltage, the controller modifies a respective switching frequency and / or pulse width modulation associated with activating high-side switching circuitry and low-side switching circuitry in the buck converter to maintain a magnitude of the output voltage.

[0002] In certain cases, the controller controls the operation of the buck converter and the generation of the output voltage based on an amount of output current supplied to a load by a generated output voltage. For example, conventional techniques involve receiving a so-called VID (Voltage Identification) from a load, such as a processor, that is powered by the output voltage. The VID indicates a target voltage at which the output voltage should be generated to power the load. The magnitude of the VID setting (e.g., the target reference voltage) may vary depending on a magnitude of the output current. In a manner previously discussed, the power supply controller may be configured to regulate a magnitude of the output voltage supplied to the load based on a target voltage derived from the received VID value.

[0003] Implementing clean energy (or green technology) is very important for reducing human impacts on the environment. In general, clean energy encompasses developing processes and materials aimed at reducing the overall environmental toxicity caused by energy consumption.

[0004] This disclosure embraces the observation that raw energy, obtained from, for example, green energy sources or non-green energy sources, typically needs to be converted into a suitable form (e.g., desired AC voltage, DC voltage, etc.) before it can be used to power end devices, e.g., servers, computers, mobile communication devices, etc. Regardless of whether energy is obtained from green energy sources or non-green energy sources, it is desirable to utilize raw energy provided by such systems most efficiently to reduce our impact on the environment. This disclosure contributes to reducing our carbon footprint (and green energy) via more efficient energy conversion.

[0005] This disclosure further includes the observation that an important aspect of power system design is to consider optimal power delivery via control of multiple power converter phases.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method with improved properties.

[0007] This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 21.

[0008] More specifically, a controller discussed herein is operable to: determine a magnitude of a first output current supplied by a first power converter to a dynamic load; determine a magnitude of a second output current supplied by a second power converter to power the dynamic load; and control a magnitude of the first output current with respect to a magnitude of the second output current in dependence on a magnitude of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load.

[0009] Via the first power converter, the controller regulates the magnitude of an output voltage of the first power converter relative to a target reference voltage. The output voltage supplies the first output current to the dynamic load.

[0010] According to further examples, the total output current is equal to the magnitude of the first output current plus the magnitude of the second output current.

[0011] Still further, the controller discussed herein may be configured to vary over time a ratio of the magnitude of the second output current with respect to the magnitude of any measured signal, e.g., the first output current, or vice versa, according to a control function depending on the total magnitude of the output current consumed by the dynamic load.

[0012] In still further examples, the controller may be configured to receive a first signal indicative of a magnitude of the first output current and a second signal indicative of the magnitude of the second output current. The controller or other suitable entity sums the first signal and the second signal to generate a third signal indicative of the magnitude of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load. The controller or other suitable entity then multiplies the third signal by a gain value K to generate an output current control signal provided to the second power converter to control the magnitude of the second output current. The controller may be configured to select the magnitude of the gain value K depending on which of a plurality of output current ranges the magnitude of the total output current lies within.The size of the profit value K may depend on the size of the third signal.

[0013] In yet further examples, the controller is further operable to control the output of a control signal to the second power converter; the control signal indicates an output current control setting at which the second output current is to be generated. The controller may be configured to determine the magnitude of the second output current provided by the second power converter via emulation; the emulation may be based on the output current control setting. The emulation for determining the magnitude of the second output current may further comprise applying a scaling factor to the output current control setting.

[0014] Still further, the controller discussed herein may be configured to limit a magnitude of the first output current supplied by the first power converter to the load via a clamping function in a control loop associated with the first power converter.

[0015] According to yet further examples, the controller may be configured to increase a ratio of the magnitude of the second output current relative to the magnitude of the first output current for larger magnitudes of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load. Conversely, the controller may be configured to decrease the ratio of the magnitude of the second output current relative to the magnitude of the first output current for smaller magnitudes of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load.

[0016] The controller(s) discussed herein may be configured to further include any number of control functions, e.g., a first control function, a second control function, and a third control function. Note that the total number of control functions may exceed 3. The first control function may be configured to: i) regulate a magnitude of an output voltage delivered to the dynamic load; and ii) generate a first control signal indicative of a first magnitude of additional output current to be delivered to the dynamic load.The second control function may be configured to: i) receive the first control signal, ii) generate, via the second power converter, the magnitude of the second output current to be a first portion of the additional output current, as indicated by the first control signal, and iii) generate a second control signal indicating a second portion of the additional output current to be delivered to the dynamic load. The third control function may be configured to: i) receive the second control signal, ii) generate, via a third power converter, a magnitude of a third output current to be equal to the second portion of the additional output current, as indicated by the second control signal.

[0017] Still further, the first control function may be configured to: i) regulate a magnitude of an output voltage supplied to the dynamic load, ii) generate a first control signal indicative of a first magnitude of additional output current to be supplied to the dynamic load, iii) generate a second control signal indicative of a second magnitude of additional output current to be supplied to the dynamic load. The second control function may be configured to: i) receive the first control signal, ii) generate, via the second power converter, the magnitude of the second output current to be equal to the first magnitude of the additional output current, as indicated by the first control signal.The third control function may be configured to: i) receive the second control signal; ii) generate a magnitude of a third output current from a third power converter equal to the second magnitude of the additional output current, as indicated by the second control signal. Note that the total number of control functions may exceed three.

[0018] Further examples herein include the first power converter supplying the first output current to an integrated voltage regulator associated with or in a circuit including the dynamic load. The integrated voltage regulator may be configured to convert the first output current into a third output current supplied to a core portion of the dynamic load. The second power converter may be configured to supply the second output current to the core of the dynamic load.

[0019] According to still further examples, a method discussed herein includes: determining a magnitude of a first output current supplied by a first power converter to a dynamic load; determining a magnitude of a second output current supplied by a second power converter to power the dynamic load; and controlling a magnitude of the first output current with respect to a magnitude of the second output current depending on a magnitude of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load.

[0020] The method may further comprise regulating a magnitude of an output voltage of the first power converter with respect to a target reference voltage, wherein the output voltage provides the first output current to the dynamic load. The total output current may be equal to the magnitude of the first output current plus the magnitude of the second output current.

[0021] Still further, the method discussed herein may comprise: varying a ratio of the magnitude of the second output current with respect to the magnitude of the first output current as a function of the total magnitude of the output current over time.

[0022] Techniques herein are useful over conventional techniques. For example, the second power converter discussed herein can be configured to supply different amounts of current to the dynamic load, reducing the need for the first power converter to supply the current.

[0023] These and other more specific examples are disclosed in more detail below.

[0024] It should be noted that although examples discussed herein are applicable to power converters, the concepts disclosed herein may be advantageously applied to any other suitable topologies as well as general power supply control applications.

[0025] It should be noted that any of the resources discussed herein may include one or more computer-based devices, a controller, mobile communication devices, servers, base stations, wireless communication equipment, communication management systems, workstations, user equipment, handheld or laptop computers, or the like to perform and / or support any or all of the method acts disclosed herein. In other words, one or more computer-based devices or processors may be programmed and / or configured to operate as explained herein to carry out the various examples described herein.

[0026] Still other examples herein include software programs for performing the steps and acts summarized above and disclosed in detail below. One such example includes a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (i.e., any computer-readable hardware storage medium) on which software instructions are encoded for subsequent execution. When executed, the instructions program and / or cause the processor (hardware) to perform the acts disclosed herein. Such arrangements are typically provided as software, code, instructions, and / or other data (e.g., data structures) arranged or encoded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, e.g., an optical medium (e.g.,CD-ROM), a floppy disk, a hard disk, a memory stick, a storage device, etc., or other medium, e.g., firmware in one or more ROMs, RAMs, PROMs, etc., or as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The software or firmware or other such configurations may be installed on a computer-based device to cause the computer-based device to perform the techniques explained herein.

[0027] Accordingly, examples herein are directed to methods, systems, computer program products, etc., that support operations as discussed herein.

[0028] An example herein includes a computer-readable storage medium and / or system having instructions stored thereon. When executed by computer processor hardware, the instructions cause the computer processor hardware (e.g., one or more co-located or distributed processor devices) to: determine a magnitude of a first output current provided by a first power converter to a dynamic load; determine a magnitude of a second output current provided by a second power converter to power the dynamic load; and control a magnitude of the first output current with respect to a magnitude of the second output current depending on a magnitude of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load.

[0029] The order of the above steps has been added for clarity. It should be noted that any of the processing operations discussed herein may be performed in any suitable order.

[0030] Other examples of the present disclosure include software programs and / or corresponding hardware for performing any of the exemplary steps and acts of the method summarized above and disclosed in detail below.

[0031] It will be appreciated that the system, method, apparatus, instructions on computer-readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein may also be implemented strictly as a software program, firmware, a mixture of software, hardware, and / or firmware, or as hardware alone, e.g., within a processor (hardware or software), or within an operating system, or within a software application.

[0032] As discussed herein, techniques herein are well suited for use in the field of implementing one or more power converters for delivering power to a load. However, it should be noted that examples herein are not limited to use in such applications, and that the techniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications as well.

[0033] Additionally, it should be noted that while each of the various features, techniques, configurations, etc., may be discussed at various points in this disclosure, it may be intended that each of the concepts may optionally be practiced independently or in combination with one another. Accordingly, the one or more present inventions described herein may be implemented and viewed in many different ways.

[0034] It should also be noted that this preliminary discussion of examples herein (brief description of examples) intentionally does not provide every example and / or every incrementally novel aspect of the present disclosure or the claimed invention(s). Instead, this brief description presents only general examples and corresponding novelties over prior art. For additional details and / or possible perspectives (permutations) of the invention(s), the reader is directed to the detailed description section (which is a summary of examples) and corresponding figures of the present disclosure, as further discussed below.

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an exemplary general diagram of a power supply including a primary power converter (e.g., including first power converter phases) and a secondary power converter (e.g., including second power converter phases), as discussed herein; Fig. 2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an implementation of multiple power converter phases to provide power to a dynamic load as discussed herein; Fig. 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating details of power converter phases discussed herein; Fig. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an implementation of a first control loop using voltage mode control discussed herein; Fig. 5 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an implementation of a second control loop using current mode control discussed herein; Fig. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an implementation of a second control loop using current mode control discussed herein; Fig. 7A-7C are exemplary diagrams illustrating an implementation of various techniques to generate a distribution value K for various magnitudes of the total output current as discussed herein; Fig. 8 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an implementation of power distribution via an implementation of function K discussed herein; Fig. 9 is an exemplary timing diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among a plurality of power converters discussed herein; Fig. 10 is an exemplary timing diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among multiple power converters based on the multiplier function K, as discussed herein; Fig. 11 is an exemplary timing diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among a plurality of power converters discussed herein; Fig. 12 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an implementation of a control loop using current mode control discussed herein; Fig. 13A-13C are exemplary diagrams illustrating an implementation of various techniques discussed herein to generate a distribution value K for various magnitudes of the total output current; Fig. 14 is an exemplary diagram illustrating control of output current magnitudes from various power converters as discussed herein; Fig. 15 is an exemplary timing diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein; Fig. 16 is an exemplary timing diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein; Fig. 17 is an exemplary timing diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein; Fig. 18 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein; Fig. 19 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein; Fig. 20 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein; Fig. 21 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein and an implementation of an internal voltage regulator in a respective load; Fig. 22 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein and an implementation of an internal voltage regulator in a respective load; Fig. 23 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein and an implementation of an internal voltage regulator in a respective load; Fig. 24 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an implementation of output power distribution in a dual load line system discussed herein; Fig. 25 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a closed-loop current control system based on an emulated current for a sensorless adaptive voltage positioning control system as discussed herein; Fig. 26 is an exemplary diagram illustrating computer processor hardware and associated software instructions operable to perform methods discussed herein; and Fig. 27 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method discussed herein.

[0036] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more particular description of preferred examples herein, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the several views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating examples, principles, concepts, etc.

[0037] Generally, examples herein include a controller operable to receive a first input indicative of a magnitude of a first output current supplied by a first power converter to a dynamic load. The controller receives a second input indicative of a magnitude of a second output current supplied by a second power converter to power the dynamic load. The controller controls a magnitude of the first output current with respect to a magnitude of the second output current depending on a magnitude of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load.

[0038] In particular, Fig. 1 is an exemplary general diagram of a power supply including a primary power converter (e.g., one or more power converter phases) and a secondary power converter (e.g., one or more power converter phases), illustrating an output current distribution discussed herein.

[0039] As shown, the power system 100 includes a controller 141, a controller 142, a power converter 121, and a power converter 122.

[0040] It should be noted that the resources in power supply 100 may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, the resources in power supply 100 may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. In one example, controller 141 may be implemented as control hardware, control software, or a combination of control hardware and control software; controller 142 may be implemented as control hardware, control software, or a combination of control hardware and control software, and so on.

[0041] As further shown, power converter 121 receives an input voltage Vin2, and power converter 122 receives an input voltage Vin1. The power converters may be configured to receive the input voltages from the same source or from different sources.

[0042] The magnitude of the input voltages Vin1 and Vin2 can be any suitable value. For example, a common voltage source (e.g., a battery, utility power, etc.) can be configured to provide input voltages Vin1 and Vin2, where a magnitude of the input voltage Vin1 is equal to a magnitude of the input voltage Vin2. Alternatively, the input voltages Vin1 and Vin2 are supplied from different sources. In one example, the magnitude of the input voltage Vin1 differs from a magnitude of the input voltage Vin2.

[0043] In one non-limiting example, the input voltage Vin1 is 12 VDC; in another example, the input voltage Vin1 is 6 - 12 VDC, derived from an open-loop reduction of 48 V; Vin1 could be 12 V or 6 - 12 V, derived from an open-loop reduction of 48 V; Vin2 could be a lower voltage of 1.5 V - 6 V, derived from Vin1; and so on.

[0044] In further examples, the output voltage is a DC voltage.

[0045] In still further examples, the input voltage Vin1 is 48 V (nominal) and the power converter 122 provides direct conversion to an appropriate voltage required by the dynamic load 118.

[0046] Additional examples herein include generating one or more of the input voltages via half-bridge converters. Other configurations include any transformer-based topology, including resonant converters, which can be used with any rectifier structure.

[0047] In one example, the input voltage Vin2 is 6-12 V, derived from an open-loop or closed-loop reduction of 48 V. Such an architecture eliminates a conversion stage for main power processing to reduce conduction loss and stress on the 48 V / 8 V converter.

[0048] Generally, during operation, the controller 141 provides voltage regulation with respect to generating the output voltage 123 to power the dynamic load 118. For example, the controller 141 receives the target reference voltage signal VREF. Note that the magnitude of the target reference voltage signal VREF may vary depending on operating conditions. Thus, the controller 141 and the first power converter 121 may be configured to regulate a magnitude of an output voltage 123 of the first power converter 121 with respect to a target reference voltage VREF. The output voltage 123 and the corresponding power converter 121 supply the first output current 131-1 to the dynamic load 118.

[0049] To provide regulation, the power converter 121 further receives an output voltage feedback signal 123-F (e.g., the output voltage 123 itself or a resistor-divided voltage value) and compares it to the reference setpoint voltage VREF. The controller 141 generates the control signals 105, which are supplied to the power converter 121 such that the output voltage 123 generated by the power converter 121 is substantially equal to the setpoint reference voltage VREF. Via the output voltage 123, the power converter 121 supplies the output current 131-1 to the load 118.

[0050] As further shown, the controller 141 monitors a magnitude of the output current 131-1 supplied to the dynamic load 118 via feedback 112 received from the monitor 108. In other words, the feedback 112 indicates a magnitude of the output current 131-1.

[0051] The magnitude of the output current 131-1 can be determined in any suitable manner. For example, the magnitude of the output current 131-1 can be physically measured via the monitor 108.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, as discussed further herein, it should be noted that the magnitude of the output current 131-1 may be determined in whole or in part via emulation implemented by the controller or other suitable resource.

[0053] As further shown, the controller 142 may be configured to monitor a magnitude of the output current 131-2 supplied to the dynamic load 118 via feedback 111 received from the monitor 109. In other words, the feedback 111 from the monitor 109 indicates a magnitude of the output current 131-2.

[0054] The magnitude of the output current 131-2 can be determined in any suitable manner. For example, the magnitude of the output current 131-2 can be physically measured via the monitor 109.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, it should be noted that the magnitude of the output current 131-2 may be determined in whole or in part via emulation implemented by the controller or other suitable resource.

[0056] As previously discussed, in one example, the power converter 121 regulates the output voltage 123 with respect to a desired target reference voltage VREF.

[0057] As further discussed herein, controller 141 may be configured to control a distribution of a total output current delivered by power converter 121 and power converter 122 to load 118. For example, controller 141 generates control signals 105 to control a respective magnitude of output current 131-1 delivered by power converter 120 to dynamic load 118. To maintain output voltage 123 within regulation based on reference voltage VREF, controller 141 additionally generates a respective output current command ICSB-CMD (e.g., control signal 271) indicating a respective magnitude of output current 131-2 to be delivered by power converter 122 to load 118. The controller 142 controls the power converter 122 to provide the magnitude of current as specified by the ICSB-CMD command.

[0058] As previously discussed, controller 142 monitors a magnitude of output current 131-2 via feedback 111 received from monitor 109. Controller 142 generates respective control signals 106 that control the operation of power converter 122 to maintain the magnitude of output current 131-2 as specified by the received output current command ICSB-CMD. For example, if the magnitude of output current 131-2 via a current control loop is greater than the target output current magnitude as specified by the ICSB-CMD command, controller 142 generates respective control signals 106 to decrease the magnitude of output current 131-2. In contrast, if the magnitude of the output current 131-2 is less than the target magnitude of the output current as specified by the ICSB-CMD command, the controller 142 generates the respective control signals 106 to increase the magnitude of the output current 131-2.

[0059] As further shown, the controller 142 provides feedback I-FDBK indicative of a respective magnitude of the output current 131-2 supplied by the power converter 122 to the load 118.

[0060] As further discussed herein, controller 141 may be configured to vary a magnitude ratio of the output current provided by each of the corresponding power converter 121 and power converter 122 depending on the total output current 131-T provided to load 118 by output voltage 123. Total output current 131-T, in this example, is equal to the sum of output current 131-1 and output current 131-2.

[0061] In this example, controller 141 determines the magnitude of output current 131-1 supplied by the first power converter to the dynamic load via feedback 112 provided by monitor 108. Controller 141 determines a magnitude of output current 131-2 supplied by second power converter 122 to power the dynamic load via feedback I-FDBK. Controller 141 controls a magnitude of second output current 131-2 with respect to a magnitude of first output current 131-1 depending on a magnitude of total output current 131-T consumed by dynamic load 118.

[0062] For example, if the dynamic load 118 consumes 100 amps, the controller 141 may be configured to control the power converter 121 to provide 95 amps and generate a control signal ICSB-CMD to the controller 142 to control the power converter 122 to provide 5 amps. In such a case, the power converter 121 provides 95% of the total output current 131-T, and the power converter 122 provides 5% of the total output current 131-T.

[0063] For example, if the dynamic load 118 consumes 300 amps, the controller 141 may be configured to control the power converter 121 to provide 150 amps and generate a control signal ICSB-CMD to the controller 142 to control the power converter 122 to provide 150 amps. In such a case, the power converter 121 provides 50% of the total output current 131-T (150 amps), and the power converter 122 provides 50% of the total output current 131-T.

[0064] For example, if the dynamic load 118 consumes 600 amps, the controller 141 may be configured to control the power converter 121 to provide 150 amps and generate a control signal ICSB-CMD to the controller 142 to control the power converter 122 to provide 450 amps. In such a case, the power converter 121 provides 25% of the total output current 131-T, and the power converter 122 provides 75% of the total output current 131-T.

[0065] As discussed further herein, any desirable distribution is possible.

[0066] Fig. 2 is an example diagram illustrating an implementation of multiple power converters and a corresponding one or more corresponding phases for providing power to a dynamic load according to examples herein.

[0067] In one non-limiting example, controller 141 and controller 142 (e.g., a single controller with multiple control functions or multiple controllers) are implemented on the same silicon component (e.g., a single semiconductor die), e.g., including or not including phase mapping 220.

[0068] In this example, the controller 141 includes a control function 231 and a modulation function 241. The controller 142 includes a control function 232 and a modulation function 242.

[0069] It should be noted that further examples herein include varying, via controller 141, a number of phases enabled in power converter 121 and varying, via controller 142, a number of phases enabled in second power converter 122 depending on a magnitude of power consumption by load 118 and how much output current is provided by each of power converter 121 and power converter 122.

[0070] In one example, power converter 121 is a multi-phase power converter including a power converter phase 121-P1, a power converter phase 121-P2, a power converter phase 121-P3, and so on. In a non-limiting example, the power converter phases are implemented via buck converter phases, although power converter 121 may be implemented using any suitable technology.

[0071] As further shown, in one example, power converter 122 is a multi-phase power converter including a power converter phase 122-P1, a power converter phase 122-P2, a power converter phase 122-P3, a power converter phase 122-P4, a power converter phase 122-P5, and so on. In one non-limiting example, the power converter phases are implemented via buck converter phases, although power converter 122 may be implemented using any suitable technology.

[0072] Controller 141 may be configured to control any number of the power converter phases in power converter 121 to generate output current 131-1. Controller 142 may be configured to control any number of the power converter phases in power converter 122 to generate output current 131-2.

[0073] It should also be noted that the power system 100 includes a capacitance Co coupled to the power converter 121 and the power converter 122 to store the output voltage 123. The capacitance Co includes one or more capacitors.

[0074] As further shown, the power system 100 (i.e., the power supply) includes current monitors 210 (e.g., including analog-to-digital converters), a voltage monitor 211 (e.g., including an analog-to-digital converter), modulators 241, modulators 242, a phase allocator 220, a control function 231, and a control function 232.

[0075] As their names suggest, each of the monitors 210 (e.g., associated with monitor 108 and / or monitor 109) monitors a respective output current supplied by a respective phase to the dynamic load 118. The phase map 220 outputs detected output current information 221 (e.g., captured by signal 111) of each of the phases 121-P1, 121-P2, 121-P3, etc., to the control function 231 associated with the controller 141.

[0076] The phase allocation 220 outputs detected output current information 222 associated with each of the phases 122-P1, 122-P2, 122-P3, 122-P4, etc., to the control function 232 associated with the controller 142. In one example, the signal 221 includes the signal 111 and the signal 112 (from Fig. 1), since they are located on the same chip. The control function 231 uses both pieces of information for distribution. In one example, the signal 222 is in Fig. 2 strictly the signal 111 in Fig. 1.

[0077] As further shown, the monitor 211 of the controller 141 monitors the magnitude of the output voltage 123 (across the dynamic load 118) and generates an output voltage feedback signal 123-F that is provided to the summer 213. An output voltage feedback signal 123-F indicates a magnitude of the output voltage 123. The summer 213 generates an error voltage signal 214 based on a difference between the reference voltage VREF and the output voltage feedback signal 123-F.

[0078] Based on the error voltage signal 214 and the monitored current supplied by each of the power converter phases in the power converter 121, as indicated by the output current information 221, the control function 231 generates control signals 233, which are provided to the modulation function 241. The modulation function 241 uses the control signals 233 to generate control signals 105 that control the operation of the power converter phases in the power converter 121 in a manner previously discussed.

[0079] The control function 231 (controller 141) also outputs output current control information, such as an output current control signal 492, to the summer 235.

[0080] In one example, summer 235 (e.g., associated with controller 142) generates a fault current signal 272 based on a difference between the current reference IREF (e.g., zero or another suitable value) and the magnitude of output current 131-2, as indicated by output current control information 271. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 (e.g., various possible implementations of the control function 232), the control function 232 uses the fault current signal 272 (or signal 271 if IREF = 0) and the output current information 222 to generate control signals 251 and control the operation of the power converter phases of the power converter 122.

[0081] Fig. 3 is an example diagram illustrating a payload power converter phase and a booster power converter phase according to examples herein.

[0082] In this example, each of the power converter phases in power converter 121-PY (where Y is an integer value indicating a phase) includes an inductor L1-Y, a switch Q111-Y, a switch Q112-Y, a driver D111-Y, and a driver D112-Y. It should be noted that any of the switches discussed herein may be implemented in any suitable manner, e.g., via MOSFETs, semiconductor material including GaN and SiC; and any power semiconductor including BJT, IGBT, JFET, etc.

[0083] Switch Q111-Y and switch Q112-Y are connected in series between the input voltage Vin2 (or another power source) and a ground reference. For example, the drain (D) of switch Q111-Y is connected to receive the input voltage Vin2, the source (S) of switch Q111-Y is connected to the drain (D) of switch Q112-Y, and the source (S) of switch Q112-Y is connected to the ground reference. Inductor L1-Y is connected to the source node of switch Q111-Y and the drain node of switch Q112-Y.

[0084] Via the control signal 105-Y generated by the controller 141, the controller 141 controls the operation of the switches Q111-Y and Q112-Y in the respective power converter phase 121-PY. For example, enabling the high-side switch Q111-Y while the low-side switch Q112-Y is disabled causes a magnitude of the current 131-Y1 to increase during a respective control cycle; disabling the high-side switch Q111-Y while the low-side switch Q112-Y is enabled causes a magnitude of the current 131-Y1 to decrease during a respective control cycle. As discussed herein, the controller 141 varies the duty cycle of generating the control signal 105-Y to control a magnitude of the output current 131-Y1 supplied by the inductor L1-Y to the dynamic load 118.

[0085] In this example, each of the power converter phases 122-PX in the power converter 122 (where X is an integer value indicating a phase) includes an inductor L2-X, a switch Q211-X, a switch Q212-X, a driver D211-X, and a driver D212-X. It should be noted that any of the switches discussed herein may be implemented in any suitable manner, e.g., via MOSFETs, semiconductor material including GaN and SiC, and any power semiconductor including BJTs, IGBTs, JFETs, etc.

[0086] Switch Q211-X and switch Q212-X are connected in series between the input voltage Vin1 and a ground reference. For example, the drain (D) of switch Q211-X is connected to receive the input voltage Vin1, the source (S) of switch Q211-X is connected to the drain (D) of switch Q212-X, and the source (S) of switch Q212-X is connected to the ground reference. Inductor L2-X is connected to the source node of switch Q211-X and the drain node of switch Q212-X.

[0087] Via the control signal 106-X generated by the controller 142 for a given power converter phase X, the controller 142 controls the operation of the switches in the respective power converter phase 122-PX. For example, enabling the high-side switch Q211-X while the low-side switch Q212-X is disabled causes a magnitude of the current 131-2X to increase during a respective control cycle; disabling the high-side switch Q211-X while the low-side switch Q212-X is enabled causes a magnitude of the current 131-2X to decrease during a respective control cycle. As discussed herein, the controller 142 varies the duty cycle of generating the control signal 106-X to control a magnitude of the output current 131-2X delivered to the dynamic load 118.

[0088] Fig. Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a booster control loop using voltage mode control discussed herein.

[0089] In this example, as previously discussed, summer 213 generates error voltage signal 214 as a difference between reference voltage VREF (e.g., a desired reference voltage) and output voltage feedback signal 123-F (e.g., error voltage signal 214 is generally equal to VREF minus a magnitude of output voltage 123, or vice versa). A HAVP 429 (for adaptive voltage positioning, if implemented) provides an adjustment to error voltage signal 214 based on Itotal. Summer 213 outputs error voltage signal 214 to compensator 420 (e.g., a PID filter). The compensator 420 generates a filtered error signal 416. As the name suggests, the clamp 432, as further shown, potentially clamps the received signal 416 to generate a signal 418 that is provided to respective summers 431 (431-1, 431-2, etc.).

[0090] It should further be noted that the control function 231 may be configured to include a current balancing function 410. As the name suggests, the current balancing function 410 balances a current supplied by each of the active phases in the power converter 121. The current balancing function 410 receives respective output current information 221 associated with the power converter phases 121-P and generates respective duty cycle control information 411 associated with each of the power converter phases 121-P. For example, the current balancing function 410 generates a signal 411-1 associated with the power converter phase 121-P1 based on the signal 221-1, the current balancing function 410 generates a signal 411-2 associated with the power converter phase 121-P2 based on the signal 221-2, and so on.

[0091] In addition, as further shown, summer 431-1 sums signal 411-1 and duty cycle signal 418 to generate a duty cycle control signal 233-1 that is provided to modulator function 241. Modulator function 241 uses duty cycle control signal 233-1 to generate a control signal 105-1 that is used to control the high-side and low-side switches in power converter phase 121-P1.

[0092] Summer 431-2 sums signal 411-2 and duty cycle signal 418 to generate a duty cycle control signal 233-2 that is provided to modulator function 241. Modulator function 241 uses duty cycle control signal 233-2 to generate a control signal 105-2 that is used to control the high-side and low-side switches in power converter phase 121-P2.

[0093] Summer 431-N sums signal 411-N and duty cycle signal 418 to generate a duty cycle control signal 233-N that is provided to modulator function 241. Modulator function 241 uses duty cycle control signal 233-N to generate a control signal 105-N that is used to control power converter phase 121-PN.

[0094] In a manner previously discussed, the generation of the control signals 105 maintains a magnitude of the output voltage 123 with respect to the desired reference voltage VREF.

[0095] As previously discussed, each of the signals 221-1, 221-2, ..., 221-N indicates a respective magnitude of current supplied by the phase to the load 118. As further shown, the summer 471 sums the signals 221-1, 221-2, ..., 221-N to generate the signal 491, which represents or indicates a magnitude of the output current 131-1.

[0096] Summer 472 sums signal 491 (indicating the magnitude of output current 131-1) and signal I-FDBK (indicating the magnitude of output current 131-2) to produce signal 493 (ITOTAL) indicating a total magnitude of output current 131-T (ITOTAL).

[0097] Function 490 (e.g., a gain stage) derives control signal ICSB-CMD (current command reference value indicating the magnitude of current to be provided by power converter 122) based on a magnitude of total output current 131-T (ITOTAL) in a manner previously discussed (and as further discussed herein) such that power converter 121 and power converter 122 provide a different ratio of output current to load 118 depending on a magnitude of total output current 131-T. In one example, function 490 is a gain multiplier of gain K, the magnitude of which depends on ITOTAL. In one embodiment, signal 492 is equal to K times signal 491 (magnitude of current 131-1).

[0098] Thus, the controller 141 and the corresponding control function 231 may be configured to receive a first signal 491 indicative of the magnitude of the first output current 131-1, receive a second signal I-FDBK indicative of the magnitude of the second output current 131-2, sum the first signal 491 and the second signal I-FDBK to generate a third signal ITOTAL (493) indicative of the magnitude of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load, and multiply the signal 491 by a gain value K to generate an output current control signal 492 provided to the second power converter 122 to control the magnitude of the second output current 131-2.

[0099] As discussed further herein, controller 141 may be configured to select the magnitude of the gain value K depending on which of a plurality of output current ranges the magnitude of the total output current ITOTAL lies in. Thus, the magnitude of the gain multiplier value K is dependent on a magnitude of signal 493 (ITOTAL).

[0100] It should be noted that the control function 231 may or may not include the compensator 437, e.g., a PID filter. In a first system implementation, if the compensator 437 is not present, the ICSB-CMD signal (271) is equal to the signal 492. A first system implementation may include the Fig. 4 shown control 141 (e.g. without the compensator 437, the signal 271 is equal to the signal 492) and the Fig. 5 include control 142 shown.

[0101] If the compensator 437 is present, the compensator 437 generates the signal ICSB-CMD (271) by PID filtering the received signal 492. In a second system implementation, if the compensator 437 is present, the signal ICSB-CMD (271) is equal to a PID filtering of the signal 492. The second system implementation may Fig. 4 shown control 141 (with the compensator 437) and the Fig. 6 include control 142 shown.

[0102] Fig. 5 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a control loop according to examples herein.

[0103] In general, PID 437 and PID 520 provide a similar function. The difference is the position of the PID. When PID 437 is present in VR controller 141, ICSB-CMD 271 is transferred to CSB controller 142, as shown in Fig. 6. If PID 437 is not present in the circuit, the VR controller 141 transmits the signal 492 (which is K*IVR) to the CSB controller of Fig. 5. This means that the signal 516 in Fig. 5 is equivalent to signal 271.

[0104] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shows the CSB control loops when the PID is in CSB control or VR control. In this example of Fig. 5, as previously discussed, summer 235 generates fault current signal 272 as a difference between the reference current IREF (desired reference current value, e.g., zero or another suitable value) and signal 492 received from controller 141. As previously discussed, signal 492 notifies controller 142 of the magnitude of output current 131-2 to be supplied by power converter 122 to dynamic load 118.

[0105] The compensator 520 (e.g., a PID compensator or a PID filter including a summation of proportional-integral-derivative terms) receives the fault current signal 272 and generates a filtered fault current signal 516. The summer 235 may be configured to generate the fault current signal 272 as a difference between the reference current IREF and the commanded current magnitude, as specified by the command 492. The summer 235 outputs the fault current signal 272 to the compensator (e.g., the PID filter 520). The compensator 520 (e.g., a PID filter) generates a filtered fault current signal 516 based on the received fault current signal 272. As the name suggests, the clamp circuit 532 potentially clamps the signal 516 to generate a signal 518.

[0106] Further, in this example, based on the filtered and potentially clamped error signal 518, the divider 534 generates a per-phase current reference signal 621 that is provided to each of the summers 431 (631-1, 631-2, etc.) such that the power converter phases associated with the power converter 122 provide a total output current having a magnitude as indicated by the ICSB-CMD signal.

[0107] As further shown, summer 631-1 sums signal 222-1 and current reference signal 621 to produce a respective output signal that is provided to a respective PI filter to produce a duty cycle control signal 251-1, modulator function 242 receives duty cycle control signal 251-1 and uses it to produce a control signal 106-1 that is used to control power converter phase 122-P1.

[0108] Summer 631-2 sums signal 222-2 and current reference signal 621 to produce a respective output signal that is provided to a respective PI filter to produce a duty cycle control signal 251-2. Modulator function 242 receives duty cycle control signal 251-2 and uses it to produce a control signal 106-2 that is used to control power converter phase 122-P2.

[0109] Summer 631-N sums signal 222-N and current reference signal 621 to produce a respective output signal that is provided to a respective PI filter to generate a duty cycle control signal 251-N. Modulator function 242 receives duty cycle control signal 251-N and uses it to generate a control signal 106-N that is used to control power converter phase 122-PN.

[0110] The generation and adjustment of the control signals 251 via the control function 232-1 and the subsequent implementation of the modulation function 242 to generate the control signals 106 maintains the magnitude of the output currents of the power converter phases in the power converter 122 such that a combination of the power converter phases associated with the power converter 122 produces the output current 131-2 to be generally equal to a magnitude of the output current as specified by the filtering of the signal 492.

[0111] As further shown, the control function 232-1 of the controller 142 may be configured to include a summer 572. The summer 572 receives the feedback, e.g., magnitudes of the current 222-1, 222-2, ..., 222-N (the power converter phase 122-P1 provides an output current with a first magnitude 222-1, the power converter phase 122-P2 provides an output current with a first magnitude 222-2, etc.) provided by each of the power converter phases of the power converter 122 to generate a respective signal I-FDBK indicative of a magnitude of the output current 131-2 provided by the power converter 122 to the dynamic load 118. In particular, summer 572 sums signals 222-1, 222-2, ..., 222-N to produce signal I-FDBK.

[0112] Fig. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a second control loop using current mode control discussed herein.

[0113] This case of the control function 232 (e.g., the control function 232-2) operates in a similar manner as previously described in Fig. 5. However, in this example, terminal 532 receives signal 271 (e.g., ICSB-CMD) to generate signal 518. Divider 534 receives signal 518 and generates a corresponding signal 621. Generally, in one example, divider 534 divides the received call for output current, as specified by signal 621, into an amount per phase depending on how many phases are activated in power converter 122 to generate output current 131-2.

[0114] Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B and Fig. 7C are exemplary diagrams illustrating an implementation of various techniques discussed herein to generate a distribution value K for various magnitudes of the total output current.

[0115] In Fig. 7A, the decoder, e.g., function 490, generates the value K based on ITOTAL and various discrete threshold levels to determine a range within which the total quantity ITOTAL falls.

[0116] In Fig. 7B, the decoder, e.g., function 490, generates the value K based on a temperature dependence, e.g., a voltage regulator temperature TVR, which is used as a feedback signal. This example shown uses temperature-adaptive current thresholds. As the voltage regulator temperature TVR increases, the current thresholds I1, I2, etc., are adjusted to change the scalar value K; thus, commanding more current from the CSB and offloading the power processing load from the voltage regulator (power converter 121).

[0117] Fig. Figure 7C is a multi-dimensional optimization where, in addition to the total current ITOTAL and the voltage regulator temperature TVR, other parameters can be used to determine the scalar value K associated with function 490. For example, a VID (voltage setpoint VREF) can be used to modify thresholds to improve efficiency. The temperature of the CSB phases (e.g., TCSB) can be used to push current back to the voltage regulator. The input voltages of the power converters 121 and 122 can also be used to adjust the distribution. The lookup table LUT allows for finer threshold granularity. Variables can also be linearized to implement a continuously modified K, if desired.

[0118] Fig. Figure 8 is an example diagram illustrating an implementation of current distribution via an implementation of the function K discussed herein.

[0119] As previously discussed, this example includes a control loop that modifies / scales the voltage regulator current (the output current 131-1 or the IVR signal used as the feedback signal) into a CSB command control ICSB-CMD, where the magnitude of the output current 131-1 and the output current 131-2 is distributed depending on a total magnitude of the output current 131-T (ITOTAL). This is the general block diagram for generating ICSB-CMD from IVR. K*IVR, passed through a compensation network (Hc = PID), results in ICSB-CMD. Fig. 5 and a corresponding configuration, the PID 520 is the CSB control loop. In Fig. 6 and a corresponding configuration, the PID is in the VR control loop.

[0120] Fig. 9 is an exemplary timing diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among multiple power converters discussed herein.

[0121] In this example, power converter 122 generates output current 131-2. Dynamic load 118 consumes the entire output current 131-T (ITOTAL). The distribution of output currents 131-1 and 131-2 varies over time depending on the magnitude of ITOTAL.

[0122] Fig. 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among multiple power converters based on the function K discussed herein.

[0123] In this example, function 490 varies a size of the multiplier value K depending on a range within which ITOTAL falls.

[0124] For example, if the output current ITOTAL falls within a range of 0 to 25% of the maximum output current value, then function 490 generates the magnitude of the multiplier value K as 0. In such a case, power converter 121 generates 100% of the total output current 131-T (ITOTAL), and power converter 122 supplies 0% of the total output current 131-T (ITOTAL). ICSB-CMD indicates that it is supplying zero amperes of current.

[0125] If the output current ITOTAL falls within a range of 25% to 50% of the maximum output current value, then function 490 generates the multiplier value K as 0.25. In such a case, power converter 121 generates 75% of the total output current 131-T (ITOTAL), and power converter 122 supplies 25% of the total output current 131-T (ITOTAL). ICSB-CMD specifies to supply 25% of the total amperes of current ITOTAL.

[0126] If the output current ITOTAL falls within a range of 50% to 75% of the maximum output current value, then function 490 generates the multiplier value K as 0.50. In such a case, power converter 121 generates 50% of the total output current 131-T (ITOTAL), and power converter 122 supplies 50% of the total output current 131-T (ITOTAL). ICSB-CMD specifies to supply 50% of the total amperes of current ITOTAL.

[0127] If the output current ITOTAL falls within a range of 75% to 100% of the maximum output current value, then function 490 generates the multiplier value K as 0.75. In such a case, power converter 121 generates 25% of the total output current 131-T (ITOTAL), and power converter 122 supplies 75% of the total output current 131-T (ITOTAL). ICSB-CMD specifies to supply 75% of the total amperes of current ITOTAL.

[0128] Thus, the controller 141 may be configured to vary over time a ratio of the magnitude of the second output current 131-2 with respect to the magnitude of the first output current 131-1 according to a control function depending on the total magnitude of the output current ITOTAL.

[0129] This example illustrates that the controller 141 is operable to increase a ratio of the magnitude of the second output current 131-2 with respect to the magnitude of the first output current 131-1 for larger magnitudes of the total output current ITOTAL (Range 4) consumed by the dynamic load 118, the controller 141 is operable to decrease the ratio of the magnitude of the second output current 131-2 with respect to the magnitude of the first output current 131-1 for smaller magnitudes of the total output current ITOTAL (Range 1) consumed by the dynamic load.

[0130] Fig. 11 is an exemplary timing diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among multiple power converters discussed herein.

[0131] In this example, power converter 122 generates output current 131-2. Dynamic load 118 consumes the entire output current 131-T (ITOTAL). The different portions of the output current of power converter 121 and power converter 122 depend on a value of ITOTAL.

[0132] Fig. 12 is an example diagram illustrating an implementation of a control loop using voltage mode control discussed herein.

[0133] In this example, in a manner similar to that discussed previously, summer 213 generates error voltage signal 214 as a difference between reference voltage VREF (e.g., a desired reference voltage) and output voltage feedback signal 123-F (e.g., error voltage signal 214 is generally equal to VREF minus a magnitude of output voltage 123, or vice versa). HAVP 429 (for adaptive voltage positioning, if implemented) provides an adjustment to error voltage signal 214 based on Itotal.

[0134] Summer 213 outputs error voltage signal 214 to the compensator (e.g., PID filter 420). Compensator 420 (e.g., a PID filter) generates a filtered error signal 416. As the name suggests, terminal 432 optionally clamps the received signal 416 to generate a signal 418, which is provided to respective summers 431 (431-1, 431-2, etc.).

[0135] It should further be noted that the control function 231 may be configured to include the current balancing function 410. As the name suggests, the current balancing function 410 balances a current supplied by each of the active phases in the power converter 121. The current balancing function 410 receives respective output current information 221 associated with the power converter phases 121-P and generates respective duty cycle control information 411 associated with each of the power converter phases 121-P. For example, the current balancing function 410 generates a signal 411-1 associated with the power converter phase 121-P1 based on the signal 221-1, the current balancing function 410 generates a signal 411-2 associated with the power converter phase 121-P2 based on the signal 221-2, and so on.

[0136] In addition, as further shown, summer 431-1 sums signal 411-1 and duty cycle signal 418 to generate a duty cycle control signal 233-1 that is provided to modulator function 241. Modulator function 241 uses duty cycle control signal 233-1 to generate a control signal 105-1 that is used to control the high-side and low-side switches in power converter phase 121-P1.

[0137] Summer 431-2 sums signal 411-2 and duty cycle signal 418 to generate a duty cycle control signal 233-2 that is provided to modulator function 241. Modulator function 241 uses duty cycle control signal 233-2 to generate a control signal 105-2 that is used to control the high-side and low-side switches in power converter phase 121-P2.

[0138] Summer 431-N sums signal 411-N and duty cycle signal 418 to generate a duty cycle control signal 233-N that is provided to modulator function 241. Modulator function 241 uses duty cycle control signal 233-N to generate a control signal 105-N that is used to control power converter phase 121-PN.

[0139] In a manner previously discussed, the generation of the control signals 105 maintains a magnitude of the output voltage 123 with respect to the desired reference voltage VREF.

[0140] As previously discussed, each of the signals 221-1, 221-2, ..., 221-N indicates a respective magnitude of current supplied by the phase to the load 118. As further shown, the summer 471 sums the signals 221-1, 221-2, ..., 221-N to produce the signal 491, which represents or indicates a total magnitude of the output current 131-1.

[0141] Summer 472 sums signal 491 (indicating the magnitude of output current 131-1) and signal I-FDBK (indicating the magnitude of output current 131-2) to produce signal 493 (ITOTAL) indicating a total magnitude of output current 131-T (ITOTAL).

[0142] The lookup table function 1220 derives the control signal ICSB-CMD 271 (e.g., the current command reference value indicating the magnitude of current to be provided by the power converter 122) based on a magnitude of the total output current 131-T (ITOTAL or signal 493) in a manner previously discussed (and as further discussed herein) such that the power converter 121 and the power converter 122 provide a different ratio of output current to the load 118 depending on a magnitude of the total output current 131-T.

[0143] It should be noted that the control function 231-2 in conjunction with the control function 232 in Fig. 6 is implemented to provide power distribution to supply power to the load 118.

[0144] Fig. 13A, Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C are example diagrams illustrating an implementation of various techniques to generate an ICSB-CMD distribution discussed herein for various magnitudes of total output current.

[0145] In Fig. 13A, a magnitude of ICSB-CMD varies depending on discrete thresholds and a range within which Itotal falls.

[0146] In Fig. 13B, the magnitude of ICSB-CMD depends on temperature. The voltage regulator temperature can be used as a feedback signal. The example shown uses temperature-adaptive current thresholds. For example, if the VR (voltage regulator) temperature increases, the current thresholds I1, I2, etc., are adjusted to change the magnitude of ICSB-CMD, thus commanding more current from the CSB and offloading the power processing load from the voltage regulator.

[0147] In Fig. Figure 13C illustrates a multidimensional optimization. In addition to the total current Itotal and the VR temperature, other parameters can be used to control a variable of ICSB-CMD. For example, the VID (voltage setpoint) can be used to modify thresholds to improve efficiency. The temperature of the CSB phases (power converter 122) can be used to push back output current to be provided by the VR (power converter 121). The input voltages of the power converters 121 and 122 can also be used to adjust the distribution. The implementation of the lookup table (LUT) allows for finer threshold granularity. Note that variables can also be linearized to implement a continuously modified ICSB-CMD.

[0148] Fig. 14 is an exemplary diagram illustrating control of output current magnitudes of various power converters discussed herein.

[0149] In this example, controller 141 controls power converter 121 to supply output current 131-1 to dynamic load 118. Based on received control signal 271, controller 142 controls power converter 122 to supply output current 131-2 to dynamic load 118.

[0150] Fig. 15 is an exemplary timing diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein.

[0151] Timing diagram 1200 illustrates how the various power converters deliver different amounts of output current to dynamic load 118 over time.

[0152] Fig. 16 is an exemplary timing diagram illustrating a static distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein.

[0153] Later in this description, the terms static and dynamic are used when describing multiple CSBs. Fig. 11 and Fig. 16 show a "static" COD behavior. In one example, it should be noted that "static" means static for a given operating point.

[0154] Timing diagram 1300 illustrates how the various power converters deliver different amounts of output current to dynamic load 118 over time.

[0155] Between time T0 and time T1, the voltage regulator (power converter 121 and controller 141) responds to transients to provide regulation and also provides a non-zero average power. Controller 141 sends ICSB-CMD to the CSB controller (controller 142). Controller 142 controls the CSB phases in power converter 122 to provide a stable current of LOW magnitude.

[0156] Between time T1 and time T2, the output current transients have increased. Controller 141 responds to the transients and has increased the commanded current from the CSB (to MED). Controller 141 is still providing average power, but now its minimum instantaneous current drops below zero.

[0157] Between time T2 and time T3, the transients of dynamic load 118 have increased further. Controller 141 commands a HIGH output current from the CSB (power converter 122). Controller 141 is still providing a non-zero average power.

[0158] In this example, increasing ICSB-CMD to increase the current supplied by the CSB results in: i) more CSB phases being enabled in the power converter 122 to provide the output current, ii) a decrease in the average power supplied by the power converter 121 (the average VR power must always be greater than or equal to zero to avoid circulating current), and iii) a decrease in the minimum VR current (power converter 122). Increasing the commanded current can serve to reduce VR heat, maintain a peak VR current, maintain a value of the average power supplied by the VR, etc.

[0159] Fig. 17 is an example timing diagram illustrating a dynamic distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein.

[0160] Timing diagram 1400 illustrates how the various power converters deliver different amounts of output current to dynamic load 118 over time.

[0161] Fig. 18 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein.

[0162] In this example, the controller 141 generates the control signal ICSB-CMD1 according to a previously discussed dynamic or static behavior.

[0163] The power converter 122, e.g., CSB 1 (e.g., 16 power converter phases), activates phases to meet current requirements of ICSB-CMD1. The control signal ICSB-CMD2 is generated by the controller 142 to control CSB controller 2. CSB controller 2 is operative to activate one or more phases associated with the power converter 1823 (e.g., 8 phases) to meet current requirements of ICSB-CMD2.

[0164] In particular, a control function associated with the controller 141 as discussed herein may be configured to: i) regulate a magnitude of the output voltage 123 delivered to the dynamic load 118, and ii) generate a first control signal ICSB-CMD1 indicating a first magnitude of additional output current to be delivered to the dynamic load 118 in addition to the output current 131-1 delivered to the load by the power converter 121. A control function associated with the controller 142 i) receives the first control signal ICSB-CMD1, ii) the controller 142 generates, via the second power converter 122, the magnitude of the second output current 131-2 to be a first portion of the additional output current as indicated by the first control signal ICSB-CMD1, and ii) generates a second control signal (ICSB-CMD2) indicating a second portion of the additional output current to be delivered to the dynamic load 118.The control function (CSB Control 2): ​​i) receives the second control signal ICSB-CMD2, ii) and generates via a third power converter (8 phases) a magnitude of a third output current ICSB2 to be equal to the second part of the additional output current as indicated by the second control signal ICSB-CMD2.

[0165] It should be noted that ICSB-CMD2 can be dynamic or static and does not have to be the same as ICSB-CMD1. For example, ICSB-CMD1 can be dynamic, while ICSB-CMD2 can be static.

[0166] However, once an instruction is static, all remaining downstream instructions are also static.

[0167] In another example regarding Fig. 18, each CSB controller (e.g., controller 142, CSB controller 2, etc.) receives a commanded current signal and supplies the required amount of current to the dynamic load 118.

[0168] If the commanded current exceeds the capability of that particular CSB (the power converter), the excess is passed on to (commanded by) the subsequent stages.

[0169] For example, assume that the ICSB-CMD1 signal corresponds to 630 amps. Controller 142 (e.g., CSB Controller 1) attempts to meet the demand and activate all 16 phases of power converter 122 to provide 480 amps. The additional current command is passed to CSB Controller 2 via ICSB-CMD2. In this example, CSB Controller 2 activates, for example, 5 phases to provide the remaining 150 amps (the remainder of the requested current).

[0170] It should be noted that many CSBs can be added to the daisy chain. For example, the 24 CSB phases (power converter 122, e.g., 16 power converter phases, and power converter 1823, e.g., 8 power converter phases) shown as 16 + 8 can be implemented as 12 + 12, or 8 + 8 + 8, or 6 + 6 + 6 + 6, etc.

[0171] A division of phases can be implemented based on cost, layout / routing, heat, etc.

[0172] Fig. 19 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein.

[0173] In this example, the controller 141 generates ICSB-CMD1 and ICSB-CMD2 according to a previously discussed dynamic behavior or static behavior.

[0174] Note that the commanded CSB current signals can be any combination of static or dynamic. For example, ICSB-CMD1 can be dynamic and ICSB-CMD2 can be static; both control signals can be static, or both can be dynamic.

[0175] The choice of static / dynamic is based on a desired system behavior.

[0176] Each CSB controller can be configured to activate phases needed to deliver a commanded current. Controller 141 must know the capabilities of each CSB to appropriately scale the commanded current.

[0177] In this example, a first control function associated with the controller 141 regulates i) a magnitude of an output voltage 123 supplied to the dynamic load 118, ii) generates a first control signal ICSB-CMD1 indicating a first magnitude of additional output current to be supplied to the dynamic load 118, iii) generates a second control signal ICSB-CMD2 indicating a second magnitude of additional output current to be supplied to the dynamic load.

[0178] A second control function associated with the controller 142 i) receives the first control signal ICSB-CMD1, ii) generates, via the second power converter 122, the magnitude of the second output current 131-2 to be equal to the first magnitude of the additional output current as indicated by the first control signal ICSB-CMD1.

[0179] A third control function associated with the CSB controller 2 i) receives the second control signal ICSB-CMD2, ii) generates a magnitude of a third output current ICSB2 from a third power converter 1823 (8 phases) to be equal to the second magnitude of the additional output current ICSB2 as indicated by the second control signal ICSB-CMD2.

[0180] In another example from Fig. 19, the controller 141 (e.g., VR) may be configured to provide simultaneous commands.

[0181] For example, the controller 142 may be configured to control the power converter 122 to provide 2 / 3 of the total requested output current ITOTAL while the power converter 122 is requested to provide 1 / 3 of the requested output current.

[0182] It should further be noted that controller 141 may be configured to stagger CSB operation associated with power converters 122 and 1823. For example, ICSB-CMD1 commands power from CSB1 controller 142 until it reaches its limit (e.g., 2 / 3 of max) and then sends an ICSB-CMD2 command to control CSB controller 142 to provide additional power via power converter 1823.

[0183] The CSB controller 2 and the corresponding power converter 1823, e.g. 8 phases, can only be active when the final 1 / 3 of power is needed.

[0184] Fig. 20 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein.

[0185] In this example, controller 141 generates ICSB-CMD according to a previously discussed dynamic or static behavior. Each CSB controller (e.g., controller 142 and CSB controller 2) receives the same signal (ICSB-CMD) and scales it according to a preprogrammed factor to provide controller output current to dynamic load 118.

[0186] Note that the preprogrammed scaling factor is most likely based on a CSB phase count, but could include other factors such as heat (in an area of ​​poor cooling) or loss (farther from the dynamic load 118, e.g., xPU; and therefore more line loss). Each CSB controller activates its respective phases, which are needed to deliver a commanded current.

[0187] In another example, the scaling factor is based on a phase count. For example, controller 142 (CSB Controller 1) is programmed by the system designer to scale ICSB-CMD by 2 / 3. CSB Controller 2 is programmed to scale by 1 / 3. Both CSB controllers will be active for all operating points where VR Controller 141 requests power. It is possible for both CSB controllers to be active in PFM (e.g., VR requests 3 amps - CSB Controller 1 provides 2 amps, CSB Controller 2 provides 1 amp).

[0188] Fig. 21 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein and an implementation of an internal voltage regulator in a respective load.

[0189] In this example, controller 141 and power converter 121 (VR) and controller 142 and power converter 122 (CSB) provide input power (via output current 131-1 and output current 131-2) to voltage regulator 2100 located in dynamic load 118. Voltage regulator 2100 converts the received current ITOTAL (aa ITOT) into a respective output voltage 123-21 to power core load 2118. This is a direct extension of other examples discussed herein.

[0190] Fig. 22 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein and an implementation of an internal voltage regulator in a respective load.

[0191] In this example, the VR provides an integrated VR input power, and the CSB boosts an integrated VR output power. The VR instructs the boost current to reduce the power it must deliver to the dynamic load 118. Note that the boost current may be connected to the same node as the VR output or a downstream node (e.g., an integrated VR output). As further shown, the integrated voltage regulator 2101 associated with the dynamic load 118 may be configured to generate respective VID settings that are communicated to the controller 141 to control a magnitude of the output voltage 123 delivered to the integrated voltage regulator 2101.

[0192] Fig. 23 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a distribution of output current among power converters discussed herein and an implementation of an internal voltage regulator in a respective load.

[0193] In this example, the integrated voltage regulator system shows a single CSB controller (controller 142) and power stages. However, any of the example configurations discussed can be applied to an integrated VR system.

[0194] Fig. Figure 24 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an implementation of output power distribution in a dual load line system discussed herein.

[0195] In this example, the VR and CSB loops can have different load lines and AVP filters, as shown. The VR filter 2401 can be matched to a system impedance for optimal performance and capacitor reduction. The CSB filter 2402 can be low-frequency, determining a steady-state setpoint.

[0196] Fig. Figure 25 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a closed-loop current control based on an emulated current for a sensorless adaptive voltage positioning control discussed herein.

[0197] In one embodiment, to save pins and circuit connectivity required to communicate the IFDBK signal from controller 142 to controller 141, the ICSB-CMD may be fed back to estimate (emulate) the output current 131-2 at controller 141. In other words, controller 141 may be configured to determine the magnitude of the second output current 131-2 supplied by the second power converter 122 to the load 118 via emulation and the ICSB-CMD signal. Thus, the emulation may be based on the output current control setting ICSB-CMD. The PID output in average current mode control is the commanded current. In VR / CSB, the total current is commanded. This does not affect the current of VR or CSB loops, but does affect the setpoint (low frequency).

[0198] Fig. 26 is an example block diagram of a computing device for implementing any of the operations discussed herein, according to examples herein.

[0199] As shown, the computer system 2600 (e.g., implemented by any of one or more resources, e.g., controller 141, controller 142, etc.) of the present example includes an interconnect 2611 coupling computer-readable storage media 2612, such as a non-transitory type of media (or hardware storage media) in which digital information can be stored and retrieved, a processor 2613 (e.g., computer processor hardware, such as one or more processor devices), an I / O interface 2614 (e.g., for outputting control signals to the power converter phases, monitoring current, etc.), and a communications interface 2617.

[0200] The I / O interface 2614 provides connectivity to any suitable circuitry, e.g., power converter phases.

[0201] Computer-readable storage medium 2612 may be any hardware storage resource or device, such as memory, optical storage, a hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. In one example, computer-readable storage medium 2612 stores instructions and / or data used by control application 140-A (e.g., implemented by any of controllers 141, 142, etc.) to perform any of the operations described herein.

[0202] Furthermore, in this example, the communication interface 2617 enables the computer system 2600 and the processor 2613 to communicate over a resource, such as the network 190, to retrieve information from remote sources and to communicate with other computers.

[0203] As shown, the computer-readable storage media 2612 is encoded with the control application 140-A (e.g., software, firmware, etc.) executed by the processor 2613. The control application 140-A may be configured to include instructions to implement any of the operations discussed herein.

[0204] During operation of one example, processor 2613 accesses computer-readable storage media 2612 through use of connection 2611 to launch, execute, interpret, or otherwise perform the instructions in control application 140-A stored on computer-readable storage media 2612.

[0205] Execution of control application 140-A generates processing functionality, e.g., control process 140-B, in processor 2613. In other words, control process 140-B associated with processor 2613 represents one or more aspects of execution of control application 140-A in or on processor 2613 in computer system 2600.

[0206] According to various examples, it should be noted that computer system 2600 may be a microcontroller, logic, hardware processor, analog / digital hybrid circuitry, etc., configured to control a power supply and perform any of the operations described herein.

[0207] The functionality supported by the various resources is now described in a flowchart in Fig. 27. Note that the steps in the flowcharts below can be performed in any convenient order.

[0208] Fig. 27 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for controlling a power converter according to examples herein.

[0209] In processing operation 2710, the controller 141 and / or the corresponding control function 231 determine a magnitude of the first output current 131 supplied by a first power converter 121 to a dynamic load 118.

[0210] In processing operation 2720, the controller 141 and / or the corresponding control function 231 determines a magnitude of the second output current 131-2 provided by a second power converter 122 to power the dynamic load 118.

[0211] In processing operation 2730, the controller 141 and the corresponding control function 230 control (for example, via a ratio specified by K) a magnitude of the second output current 131-1 with respect to a magnitude of the first output current 131-2 depending on a magnitude of the total output current (ITOTAL) consumed by the dynamic load 118.

[0212] Again, it should be noted that techniques herein are well suited for use in circuit applications, such as those implementing power conversion. However, it should be noted that examples herein are not limited to use in such applications, and the techniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications as well.

[0213] Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatus, systems, etc., that would be known to one skilled in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the claimed subject matter. Some portions of the detailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digital signals stored in a computing system memory, such as a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examples of techniques used by those skilled in the data processing art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.An algorithm, as described herein and generally, is considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing that leads to a desired result. In this context, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, though not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. Sometimes, primarily for reasons of common usage, it has been convenient to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, digits, or the like. It will be understood, however, that all these and similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels.Unless specifically stated otherwise, as will be apparent from the following discussion, it is understood that in this specification, discussions using terms such as "processing," "computing," or the like refer to actions or processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate or transform data represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities in memories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the computing platform.

[0214] Although this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred examples thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. Such variations are intended to be covered by the scope of this present application. Thus, the foregoing description of examples of the present application is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations on the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

[1] Device having the following features: a control system that is capable of: determining a magnitude of a first output current (131-1) supplied by a first power converter (121) to a dynamic load (118); determining a magnitude of a second output current (131-2) provided by a second power converter (122) to power the dynamic load (118); and to control a magnitude of the second output current (131-2) with respect to a magnitude of the first output current (131-1) depending on a magnitude of the total output current (131-T) consumed by the dynamic load (118). [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller (141) is further operable to: to regulate, via the first power converter, a magnitude of an output voltage of the first power converter with respect to a target reference voltage (VREF), wherein the output voltage supplies the first output current to the dynamic load. [3] The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the total output current (131-T) is equal to the magnitude of the first output current plus the magnitude of the second output current. [4] The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller (141) is further operable to vary over time a ratio of the magnitude of the second output current with respect to the magnitude of the first output current. [5] Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller (141) is further operable to: receiving a first signal indicative of the magnitude of the first output current; receive a second signal indicative of the magnitude of the second output current; summing the first signal and the second signal to produce a third signal indicative of the magnitude of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load; and multiplying the first signal by a gain value K to generate an output current control signal provided to the second power converter (122) to control the magnitude of the second output current. [6] The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the controller (141) is operable to select the magnitude of the gain value K depending on which of a plurality of output current ranges the magnitude of the total output current lies in. [7] The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller (141) is further operable to vary over time a ratio of the magnitude of the second output current with respect to the magnitude of the first output current according to a control function dependent upon the overall magnitude of a measured signal. [8] The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller (141) is further operable to control the output of a control signal to the second power converter (122), the control signal indicating an output current control setting at which the second output current is to be generated. [9] The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller (141) is further operable to determine the magnitude of the second output current (131-2) provided by the second power converter via emulation, the emulation being based on the output current control setting. [10] The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the emulation for determining the magnitude of the second output current comprises applying a scaling factor to the output current control setting. [11] Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the controller is further operable to: to limit a magnitude of the second output current supplied by the second power converter to the load via a clamping function in a control loop of the second power converter (122). [12] The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the controller (141) is operable to increase a ratio of the magnitude of the second output current (131-2) with respect to the magnitude of the first output current (131-1) for larger magnitudes of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load. [13] The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the controller (141) is operable to decrease the ratio of the magnitude of the second output current (131-2) with respect to the magnitude of the first output current (131-1) for smaller magnitudes of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load. [14] Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control comprises the following features: a first control function operable to: i) regulate a magnitude of an output voltage (123) supplied to the dynamic load (118), and ii) generate a first control signal (ICSB-CMD1) indicative of a first magnitude of additional output current to be supplied to the dynamic load; a second control function operable to: i) receive the first control signal (ICSB-CMD1), ii) generate, via the second power converter (122), the magnitude of the second output current (131-2) to be a first portion of the additional output current as indicated by the first control signal, and iii) generate a second control signal (ICSB-CMD2) indicating a second portion of the additional output current to be delivered to the dynamic load; and a third control function operable to: i) receive the second control signal (ICSB-CMD2), ii) generate, via a third power converter (1823), a magnitude of a third output current to be equal to the second portion of the additional output current as indicated by the second control signal. [15] Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the total number of control functions exceeds 3. [16] Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the control comprises the following features: a first control function operable to: i) regulate a magnitude of an output voltage (123) delivered to the dynamic load (118), ii) generate a first control signal (ICSB-CMD1) indicative of a first magnitude of additional output current to be delivered to the dynamic load, iii) generate a second control signal (ICSB-CMD2) indicative of a second magnitude of additional output current to be delivered to the dynamic load; a second control function operable to: i) receive the first control signal (ICSB-CMD1), ii) generate, via the second power converter (122), the magnitude of the second output current to be equal to the first magnitude of the additional output current as indicated by the first control signal; and a third control function operable to: i) receive the second control signal (ICSB-CMD2), ii) generate a magnitude of a third output current from a third power converter to be equal to the second magnitude of the additional output current as indicated by the second control signal. [17] Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the total number of control functions exceeds 3. [18] Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the control comprises the following features: a first control function operable to: i) regulate a magnitude of an output voltage supplied to the dynamic load (118), and ii) generate a first control signal (ICSB-CMD1) indicative of a first magnitude of additional output current to be supplied to the dynamic load; a second control function operable to: i) receive the first control signal (ICSB-CMD1), ii) generate, via the second power converter, the magnitude of the second output current to be a first portion of the additional output current as indicated by the first control signal, and a third control function operable to: i) receive the first control signal (ICSB-CMD1), ii) generate, via a third power converter, a magnitude of a third output current to be a second portion of the additional output current as indicated by the first control signal. [19] Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the total number of control functions exceeds 3. [20] The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first power converter (121) is operable to supply the first output current to an integrated voltage regulator associated with the dynamic load, the integrated voltage regulator being operable to convert the first output current into a third output current supplied to a core portion of the dynamic load; and wherein the second power converter (122) is operable to supply the second output current to the core of the dynamic load. [21] Method (2700) comprising the following steps: determining (2710) a magnitude of a first output current supplied by a first power converter to a dynamic load; determining (2720) a magnitude of a second output current provided by a second power converter to power the dynamic load; and Controlling (2730) a magnitude of the second output current with respect to a magnitude of the first output current in dependence on a magnitude of the total output current consumed by the dynamic load.

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