REASSIGNMENT OF CONTROL PHASES WITHIN A PHASE-REDUNDANT VOLTAGE REGULATOR DEVICE

Abstract

Phase-redundant voltage regulator device (300) comprising: a plurality of controller phases (126A, 126B, 227A, 227B, 227C, 227D), each containing an electrically connected controller (116) to receive an input voltage at a controller input (240) and to provide a corresponding output voltage at a controller output (242); a control logic (366); and a set of phase groups of the plural controller phases, which contains a first and a second phase group (374, 376), wherein each phase group contains: a common controller input (V IN ), which is electrically connected to the control inputs of the phase group; a common controller output (V1; V2) which is electrically connected to controller outputs of the phase group; at least one redundant control phase; at least one defined controller phase (126A, 126B) from the plurality of controller phases; at least one replacement controller phase (227C; 227D) of a set of replacement controller phases; and a multi-phase controller (MPC) (122) electrically connected to each specified controller phase of the phase group, the MPC being configured to provide phase fault signals (308A, 310A; 308B, 310B) and a shared current phase control signal (I SHARE )(304A, 306A; 304B, 306B), which were received from each specified controller phase of a corresponding phase group, is transmitted to the control logic (366); wherein the set of substitute controller phases from the plural controller phases contains a first and a second substitute controller phase (227A, 227B), wherein each substitute controller phase contains (227A, 227B, 227C, 227D): a secondary output OR switching unit (118A) which is electrically connected and configured to limit the current flow into a secondary output (206) of the substitute controller phase; a first output switching unit (217) configured to electrically connect the controller output (242) of the substitute controller phase to a first common controller output (V1) in response to a first phase enable signal (316A; 316B); and a second output switching unit (219) configured to electrically connect the controller output (242) of the substitute controller phase to a second common controller output (V2) in response to a second phase enable signal (318A; 318B); where the control logic (366) is electrically connected to: MPCs (122) of each phase group (374; 376) of the set of phase groups, wherein the control logic is configured to the I SHARE -receives phase control signals (304A, 306A; 304B, 306B) from the MPCs and exchanges phase error signals (302A, 308A, 310A; 302B, 308B, 310B) with them; and Substitute controller phases (227A, 227B) of the set of substitute controller phases, wherein the control logic is configured to activate phase enable signals (316A, 318A; 316B, 318B) to the substitute controller phases (227A, 227B) as well as I SHARE -Transmits phase control signals (314A; 314B) to these and receives phase error signals (312A; 312B) from them; wherein the control logic is configured to electrically connect a substitute controller phase (227A, 227B) to a phase group (374; 376) containing a failed controller phase (126A, 126B) in response to receiving a phase fault signal (308A, 310A; 308B, 310B) from an MPC (122).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to voltage regulator circuits. In particular, this disclosure relates to the reallocation of shared redundant regulator phases within a phase-redundant voltage regulator circuit.

[0002] A voltage regulator is an electronic unit or system for receiving an input voltage and automatically maintaining a constant voltage level at one or more output terminals. Depending on the design, a voltage regulator can be used to regulate one or more alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) voltages. Voltage regulators may be included in electronic units such as computer power supplies, where they can be used to stabilize DC voltages that power electronic components such as processors, memory units, and other types of integrated circuits (ICs). A voltage regulator circuit can receive a feedback voltage from a sensing point near one or more electronic components powered by the voltage regulator.This feedback voltage can be used to modulate the output voltage of the voltage regulator. Regardless of the current draw of the components or the voltage drop along the lines between the voltage regulator and the components, this modulated output voltage can ensure that the voltage supplying current to the electronic component(s) remains constant.

[0003] A field-effect transistor (FET) is a transistor that uses an electric field to control the shape, and thus the conductivity, of a channel of a single charge carrier type in a semiconductor material. FETs can be unipolar transistors, as they can operate with charge carriers of only one type. FETs can be majority-carrier devices, in which current flow is predominantly driven by majority charge carriers, or minority-carrier devices, in which current flow is driven by minority charge carriers. A FET device can consist of an active channel through which charge carriers, electrons or holes, flow from a source to a drain electrode. Conductors from the source and drain terminals can be connected to the semiconductor via ohmic contacts. The conductivity of the channel can be a function of the electrical potential between the gate and source terminals.

[0004] Publication US 2004 / 0227495A1 concerns multiple controller phases connected in parallel between a controller input and a controller output, each phase containing a controller that receives an input voltage and provides an output voltage. A multiphase controller is coupled to each of the multiple controller phases, with one or more phases provided to allow redundancy. The multiphase controller receives a feedback output voltage and a corresponding sensing current signal from each of the multiple controller phases. The multiphase controller generates control signals to sequentially activate each of the multiple controller phases for predetermined periods to produce a controlled current distribution among the phases.To achieve phase-level redundancy, each of the multiple controller phases includes an output OR circuit to limit reverse current flow into each phase and an input protection device to provide input overcurrent and output overvoltage protection for each phase. A current-sharing method maintains current distribution among the active phases after the failure of one or more phases, with one or more phases designated to enable redundancy.

[0005] Document US 2007 / 0035899A1 describes a protection circuit for a parallel power supply system with at least two voltage regulators connected in parallel. The protection circuit includes at least two isolation control circuits, each control circuit being connected to a corresponding voltage regulator. Each isolation control circuit contains a current sensing circuit for detecting the current polarity at an output of the respective voltage regulator and a control circuit for automatically isolating the respective voltage regulator when an overvoltage condition exists at an output of the parallel power supply system and a positive current polarity is detected at the output of the respective voltage regulator. The at least two isolation control circuits isolate only one voltage regulator that exhibits a positive current flow during the overvoltage condition. SUMMARY

[0006] The invention relates to phase-redundant voltage regulator devices and a method for reassigning a set of substitute regulator phases between phase groups of regulator phases in such phase-redundant voltage regulator devices. The features of the devices and the method are specified in the corresponding independent claims. Embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The phase-redundant voltage regulator device can contain a plurality of regulator phases, each containing an electrically connected regulator to receive an input voltage at a regulator input and provide a corresponding output voltage at a regulator output. The phase-redundant voltage regulator device can contain a set of phase groups from the plurality of regulator phases, comprising a first and a second phase group. Each phase group can contain a common regulator input electrically connected to the regulator inputs of the regulators in the phase group, a common regulator output electrically connected to the regulator outputs of the regulators in the phase group, and at least one redundant regulator phase. Each phase group can also contain at least one fixed regulator phase from the plurality of regulator phases and at least one substitute regulator phase from a set of substitute regulator phases.Each phase group may also include a multiphase controller (MPC) that is electrically connected to each specified controller phase of the phase group, the MPC serving to transmit phase error signals and a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal or a phase control signal of the shared current (I. SHARE) to transmit to the control logic, which was received by each defined controller phase of a corresponding phase group. The phase-redundant voltage regulator device can also include a set of substitute controller phases from the plurality of controller phases, comprising a first and a second substitute controller phase. Each substitute controller phase can include at its secondary output an OR circuit, which is electrically connected and serves to limit the current flow into a secondary output of the substitute controller phase, and a first output switching unit, which serves to connect the controller output of the substitute controller phase to a first shared controller output in response to a first phase enable signal. Each substitute controller phase can include a second output switching unit to electrically connect the controller output of the substitute controller phase to a second shared controller output and the control logic in response to a second phase enable signal.The control logic is electrically connected to the MPCs of each phase group in the set of phase groups. Its function is to receive phase control signals from the MPCs and exchange phase fault signals with them. The control logic is also electrically connected to substitute controller phases in the set of substitute controller phases. Its function is to acknowledge phase enable signals for the substitute controller phases, transmit phase control signals to them, and receive phase fault signals from them. Furthermore, upon receiving a phase fault signal from an MPC, the control logic electrically connects a substitute controller phase to a phase group containing a failed controller phase.

[0008] A method for reassigning a set of substitute voltage regulator phases between phase groups of voltage regulator phases involves the use of control logic that can respond to monitored phase fault signals received from the phase groups. The method includes using the control logic to store a link between a first part of the set of substitute voltage regulator phases and a "assigned" state in non-volatile memory within the control logic. The method also includes using the control logic to store a link between a second part of the set of substitute voltage regulator phases and a "not assigned" state in the same non-volatile memory. Finally, the method includes using the control logic to detect a phase fault signal from a first disturbed phase group.The procedure involves using the control logic to transfer at least one substitute voltage regulator phase of the second part of the set of substitute voltage regulator phases in response to detection of the phase error signal to the first disturbed phase group.

[0009] The above summary does not claim to describe every embodiment or implementation of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings included in this application are incorporated into the description and form part thereof. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the basic concepts of the disclosure. The drawings serve only to illustrate certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a phase-redundant voltage regulator device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 contains two views showing a voltage regulator phase and a substitute voltage regulator phase according to embodiments in accordance with the figures. Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a phase-redundant voltage regulator device with shared assignable redundant substitute voltage regulator phases according to embodiments in accordance with the figures. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method for transferring an assignable substitute regulator phase between phase groups of voltage regulators according to embodiments in accordance with the figures. Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for reassigning controller phases between phase groups of controllers according to embodiments in accordance with the figures. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for reassigning controller phases between phase groups of controllers according to embodiments in accordance with the figures.

[0011] Although the invention is suitable for various modifications and alternative forms, details of these have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail. However, it should be clear that the invention is not limited to the individual embodiments described. Rather, the invention is intended to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the essential content and scope of protection of the invention.

[0012] In the drawings and the detailed description, identical numbers generally refer to identical components, parts, steps, and processes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are understandable in connection with the reallocation of shared redundant regulator phases within a phase-redundant voltage regulator circuit. Reallocating such shared regulator phases can be advantageous in providing phase redundancy and stable power supply at reduced cost and with less circuit complexity. By reallocating shared regulator phases within a voltage regulator circuit, electronic systems can be powered with higher reliability.

[0014] Embodiments can provide for the reallocation of shared controller phases for electronic devices such as servers that can be used to provide data to clients connected to a server via a network. Such servers can include, but are not limited to, web servers, application servers, mail servers, and virtual servers. While the embodiments discussed in this context are not necessarily limited to these, they can contribute to the understanding of various aspects of the disclosure. Certain embodiments can also be directed toward other devices and related applications, for example, the reallocation of shared redundant controller phases for electronic devices such as data processing systems that can be used in a wide variety of computing and data processing applications.Such computing systems can include, but are not limited to: supercomputers, high-performance computing (HPC) systems, and other types of specialized computers. Implementations can also be designed for reassigning shared redundant control phases for facilities used, for example, in telecommunications, aviation, or road transport applications.

[0015] The acronym "FET" is used here in reference to a field-effect transistor, which can be used within a voltage regulator circuit to connect two circuit nodes by providing a low-impedance electrical connection between them. It is clear that the designer of a voltage regulator may choose different types of FETs to meet the electrical performance criteria of specific voltage regulator circuits. Such FET types may include, but are not limited to: enhancement-mode, depletion-mode, N-channel field-effect transistors (NFETs), and P-channel field-effect transistors (PFETs). Such FETs may also be referred to as "power FETs" and "power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors" (MOSFETs), respectively. It should also be clear that, depending on the specific embodiment, other types of electronic devices may be used instead of FETs.Such electronic units can be, but are not limited to, bipolar units such as NPN and PNP transistors, as well as transistors manufactured using other semiconductor technologies.

[0016] For the sake of simplicity, the terms "OR circuit unit" or "OR circuit FET" can be used interchangeably without loss of meaning to denote a semiconductor unit used to prevent current flow into the phase output of a voltage regulator. While a FET symbol, e.g., 244, has been used in the figures to represent such a unit, Fig. 2, used, however this is not to be understood as a restriction; rather, other unit types described above can be used for the same purpose.

[0017] The term "OR circuit," used herein, for example, in reference to "OR circuit units," "OR circuit FETs," and "OR circuit regulators," can be understood in relation to the OR logic function and as a protective function for the output of a unit, such as a FET or a voltage regulator. Such units and voltage regulators are protected from reverse current into the unit's output by a FET that functions similarly to an output protection diode.

[0018] The terms "phase" and "regulator phase" are used interchangeably here with regard to a redundant voltage regulator and within a voltage regulator device. The voltage regulator phase is always activated by a multiphase controller (MPC) at a time that differs from the activation times of other voltage regulators. This is usually referred to as "phase-shifted activation" with respect to other voltage regulators.

[0019] Many electronic systems use voltage regulators to provide a stable voltage supply to electronic components within the systems. Such electronic systems can include, but are not limited to: computers, data processing equipment, telecommunications applications, and servers and equipment used in aviation and motor transportation. Components within these systems can include, but are not limited to: central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), other types of integrated circuits (ICs), hard disk drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), memory, and other types of electronic components and units.

[0020] A voltage regulator can be electrically connected between a power source and components that require a voltage lower than that supplied by the power source. For example, a power source can supply a voltage regulator with a variety of voltages, such as 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V DC. The output voltages of the voltage regulator can be, for example, 3.3 V, 2.5 V, 1.8 V, 0.7 V, or one or more other voltages suitable for the electronic components and systems being powered.

[0021] Voltage regulators with parallel-connected phase-redundant regulators can offer numerous advantages to the various electronic systems they power. For example, such voltage regulators can provide higher system reliability and robustness, due to the regulator's ability to dynamically and automatically replace a failed or faulty regulator phase with a redundant backup or "safety" phase. A regulator phase can fail due to the failure, e.g., a short circuit, of one or more components within the regulator phase, such as capacitors, FETs, amplifiers, or driver circuits.

[0022] The reliability of an electronic system can also be increased by reducing the number of decoupling capacitors within a phase-redundant voltage regulator circuit. This reduced number of capacitors can lead to a lower effective failure rate of the voltage regulator. Adding one or more redundant or spare phases to a voltage regulator circuit can also increase the circuit's reliability, as it reduces the overall current draw for each of the multiple redundant phases.

[0023] By using phase-redundant voltage regulators with phases that are activated at different times, reduced output voltage ripple and improved response to fluctuations in the current load on the phases can be achieved. Multiple redundant regulator phases can be particularly advantageous in managing the overall complexity of the voltage regulator. According to embodiments, the complexity of a voltage regulator using several smaller redundant regulator phases can be significantly lower than that of a regulator using fewer but larger regulator phases, each with a higher output current.

[0024] Certain types of electronic systems can utilize phase-redundant voltage regulators to supply power to specific subsystems and electronic components. To ensure reliable system operation in the event of one or more voltage regulator failures, additional redundant voltage regulator phases can be added to each individual voltage range or output value to restore the regulator's power supply capability after one or more phases have failed. Beyond the failure of voltage regulator phases, the power supply requirements of individual voltage ranges can change over time due to altered system configurations and / or circuits with throttled loads, such as CPU, GPU, or memory circuits.

[0025] However, an approach that involves adding redundant voltage regulators for each voltage range may not be particularly effective or cost-efficient. This approach can lead to excessive and unnecessary costs in terms of power consumption, system footprint, and circuit complexity. Therefore, a more efficient approach to voltage regulator design is desirable; one that reduces the number of components used, the cost, power consumption, system footprint, and circuit complexity.

[0026] In some embodiments, redundant backup voltage regulators can be added to a voltage regulator circuit, for example, within or outside of phase groups and "as needed," assigned to different voltage ranges, or shared by them. Control logic can monitor the power supply circuits for voltage regulator failures and, in response to regulator failures, changes in system load, and system configuration, control the reassignment of backup voltage regulator phases as needed to ensure a robust, uninterrupted power supply for all voltage values / ranges.

[0027] The figures presented here show certain exemplary circuits, functions, electrical connections, and the interaction of components used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. These are provided only as examples and are not to be understood as limiting. Embodiments may also include circuits, functions, electrical connections, and the interaction of components that are within the scope and protection of the present disclosure and are not described or illustrated herein.

[0028] For the sake of clarity and ease of illustration and discussion, a limited number of controller phases, controller phase groups, and substitute controller phases are presented and discussed herein. For example, two controller phase groups, each containing two controller phases and one substitute controller phase, together with two substitute controller phases independent of phase groups, can be used to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this is not to be understood as a limitation; within the scope of the embodiments, any number of controller phases, controller phase groups, and substitute controller phases may be used. According to embodiments and common circuit design, the number “N” of controller phases used to satisfy the current requirements of a voltage range within an electronic system may be a relatively small number, such as 1 or 2, or a significantly larger number, such as 20 or more.Within an electronic system, any number of regulator phase groups can be used to meet the requirements of specific individual voltage ranges. The number of replacement regulator phases can be selected by a power supply system designer based on the average failure rate of a regulator phase, as well as other design criteria.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be advantageous in reducing space requirements and costs compared to voltage regulators without the use of shared, assignable redundant regulator phases for providing regulated voltage values. An electronic system configured according to embodiments of the present disclosure may exhibit increased reliability as well as reduced costs, complexity, number of parts, and space requirements for the voltage regulators it incorporates.

[0030] A phase-redundant voltage regulator device with shared, assignable redundant regulator phases, constructed according to certain embodiments, can be compatible with existing and proven electronic systems and represents a practical and cost-effective way to add shared, assignable redundant regulator phases to voltage sources that power an electronic system. A phase-redundant voltage regulator device constructed according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be incorporated into an existing electronic system.

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be useful in the realization of phase-redundant voltage regulators with shared, assignable redundant regulator phases for use in electronic systems using existing and proven manufacturing technologies and material compositions for ICs and printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic design methods, design tools and manufacturing processes.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a phase-redundant voltage regulator device 100, which contains several redundant voltage regulator phases 126A, 126B, and 126C. The multiple redundant regulator phases 126A, 126B, and 126C are electrically connected in parallel between the common regulator input V. EIN and the common controller output V AUS switched, with each of the controller phases having an input voltage V IN input 136 and outputs a voltage V OUTavailable at exit 148.

[0033] A number of “N+1” or “N+2” voltage regulator phases can be electrically connected in parallel, where “N” represents the minimum number of phases required to provide a specific current, and the additional one or two phases can be used to replace one or two failed voltage regulator phases. In the event of a failure or “fault” of one or more redundant phases, one or more faulty redundant phases can be disabled to distribute a current load among the remaining active phases, thus ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. A redundant phase can also be used to create “hidden redundancy,” meaning that when a phase fails, this failure is not reported to a system control function 108. The redundant phase can then be used to create a highly reliable regulator instead of being used as a redundant phase.This exchange of controller phases can be controlled by the MPC 122.

[0034] Each of the regulator phases 126A, 126B, and 126C contains a buck converter 116, an input protection unit 114, an OR gate 118, and a phase-redundant controller 106. The phase-redundant controller 106, in conjunction with the input protection unit 114, can be used to disconnect the input of a failed buck converter 116 from the other phases in the device 100. The phase-redundant controller 106 can monitor the input and output current and the output voltage of a regulator phase, e.g., 126A, and, for example, control the input protection unit 114 in response to anomalous currents or voltages within the phase. Such anomalous currents or voltages can result from the failure, e.g., a short circuit, of components such as capacitors or FETs within the buck converter 116.

[0035] The input protection unit 114 can be used to provide protection against input overcurrents and output overvoltages for a given controller phase, e.g., controller phase 1 126A. In response to a signal generated by the phase-redundant controller 106, the input protection unit 114 can protect controller phase 1 126A by electrically isolating, i.e., disconnecting, the common controller input V. IN to protect from the step-down regulator 116. Each of the regulator phases 126A, 126B and 126C also contains an OR circuit unit 118, which is used to limit or prevent reverse current into the output V. OUT 148 of the controller phase can be used. Such reverse currents may occur as a result of a short circuit or failure of a FET or a capacitor within a controller phase.

[0036] An MPC 122 is electrically connected to each of the controller phases 126A, 126B, and 126C via detected current outputs 102 and control signals 124. The main controller 112 of the MPC 122 generates control signals 124 to periodically and sequentially activate each of the controller phases 126A, 126B, and 126C for a predetermined period. In some applications, this activation can be used, for example, to generate a controlled current that is shared between phases. The MPC 122 can be used to maintain current sharing between active controller phases after a failure or fault of one or more controller phases, with one or more phases remaining available to provide redundancy. Current sharing can also be implemented between multiple active controller phases if none of the phases had previously failed.

[0037] An alarm circuit 104 of the MPC 122 for redundant faults can collect and report phase faults / failures based on the multiple detected current signals output at detected current outputs 102A, 102B, and 102C from the corresponding controller phases. The detected signals can be used and evaluated to indicate the failure of one or more individual controller phases. In some applications, the MPC 122 can provide reduced ripple and shortened transition response time from the redundant controller phases by adjusting the corresponding outputs V OUT The 148 signals are staggered so that they are out of phase with each other. The MPC 122 is also configured so that the control signals 124 are adjusted in response to a feedback output voltage, which is supplied at feedback input 101 from the common controller output V. OUT was received

[0038] The serial control bus 120 can be used to connect the serial controller interface 110 of the MPC 122 to a system control function 108. The serial controller interface 110 can send and receive control and monitoring signals to and from the system control function 108, which, within an electronic system, can control one or more phase-redundant controller devices 100. In applications, the system control function 108 can be a hardware and / or software unit used in an electronic system, such as a computer or server, to monitor and control various aspects of the system's hardware functions. Within an electronic system, a system control function 108 can be used to monitor and control functions such as power supply and voltage regulation, system clock frequency, cooling, and the like.

[0039] In some applications, the serial control bus 120 can be, for example, an SPI bus (bus for serial peripheral interfaces), a power management bus (PMBus) or an I 2 The C interface (Inter-Integrated Circuit Interface) is used. The serial control bus 120 can be used, for example, to send monitoring data indicating which controller phases have failed or are faulty to the system control function 108, as well as to receive commands and control instructions from the system control function 108.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 contains two block diagram views, one showing a voltage regulator phase 126 and the other a substitute voltage regulator phase 227 according to embodiments in accordance with the figures. The various in Fig. The circuits, functions, and function blocks shown in the 2 generally correspond to those in Fig. 1 shown and with reference to Fig. 1 described. Fig. 2 can be used when providing a more extensive, detailed description of these functions, as well as when representing the additional switching units 217 and 219 and OR circuits 118, 118A for a controller phase, e.g. 126A in Fig. 1, be useful to form a substitute voltage regulator phase 227. It should be clear that view 126 corresponds to a single regulator phase, e.g., regulator phase 1 126A in Fig. 1. The addition of several switching units 217 and 219 as well as OR circuits 118, 118A can be particularly advantageous so that the regulator output 242 of the buck regulator 116 can be electrically selectively connected to more than one output, e.g. to the primary output 204 and the secondary output 206 of the substitute voltage regulator stage 227.

[0041] The voltage regulator stage 126 contains a buck converter 116, which can receive an input voltage at the regulator input 240 and apply an output voltage to the regulator output 242. The driver M1 is used to activate and deactivate FETs within the buck converter 116 in response to a control signal received at a control input 250, e.g., 124 in Fig. 1. According to embodiments, the control signal 124 can be a digital signal with the logic values ​​“0” and “1” of 0 V and 3.3 V, respectively. According to some embodiments, other voltage values ​​can be used.

[0042] The voltage regulator phase 126 also includes an input protection unit 114, an OR switching unit 118, and a phase-redundant control unit 106. The phase-redundant control unit 106 includes a current detection circuit 234, an output overvoltage protection circuit 232, and an input overcurrent protection circuit 230. The input overcurrent protection circuit 230 is electrically connected to the input V IN The 136 is connected and serves to monitor the current arriving at it, while the output overvoltage protection circuit 232 can monitor the output voltage at the regulator output 242. The memory 228 is part of the input overcurrent protection circuit 230, which is electrically connected to the output overvoltage protection circuit 232. The current detection circuit 234 can be used to monitor the output current at the regulator output 242.

[0043] The phase-redundant control unit 106 can be used to monitor the input and output current and output voltage of the voltage regulator phase 126 and, in response, control the input protection unit 114, which can be used to provide protection against input overcurrent and output overvoltage for the voltage regulator phase 126.

[0044] The phase-redundant control unit 106 can control the input protection unit 114 by activating the output Q of the memory 228 of the input overcurrent protection circuit 230. The output Q of the memory 228 is used to control a gate input G of the input protection FET 238. The input protection FET 238 has a drain input D, which is connected to the input V IN136 is connected, and a source input S is connected to the controller input 240. A control signal applied to a gate input G of the input protection FET 238 can activate or deactivate the input protection FET 238, thereby controlling the input V. IN The input 136 and the regulator output 240 of the buck converter 116 can be electrically connected or disconnected. The control of the input protection unit 114 by the phase-redundant control unit 106 can be useful for providing protection against input overcurrent and output overvoltage for the voltage regulator phase 126 by electrically disconnecting the regulator input 240 from the other phases within the voltage regulator device if the buck converter 116 fails or is faulty.

[0045] In some embodiments, the current detection circuit 234 can provide a signal with an analog voltage value between 0 V and 3.3 V at the detected current output 202, which is proportional to a value of the output V OUT 148 represents the incoming current of the voltage regulator phase 126a. In some embodiments, other analog voltage values / ranges can be used. According to embodiments, the detected current signal can serve to indicate the failure of a specific regulator phase.

[0046] The OR circuit 118 can be used to limit or prevent the reverse current flow into the output V. OUTThe comparator 246 serves the voltage regulator phase 126 and thus also to control the reverse current flow into the regulator input 242. Such a reverse current flow can originate from a short circuit or failure of a FET or a capacitor within the buck regulator 116. A comparator 246 has inputs that are electrically connected to a source terminal S and a drain terminal D of the output OR circuit FET 244. The output of the comparator 246 is electrically connected to the gate terminal G of the output OR circuit FET 244. The comparator 246 is designed and connected such that it responds to a voltage at the output V. OUT 148, which is greater than a voltage at the regulator output 242, in conjunction with the output OR switching FET 244, limits the current flow into the regulator output 242. When the voltage at the output V OUTIf the voltage at regulator output 242 is greater than the voltage at regulator output 248, indicating a reverse current flow, comparator 246 outputs a low voltage to the gate G of output OR circuit FET 244, thereby disabling output OR circuit FET 244 and preventing further reverse current flow.

[0047] The phase-redundant control unit 106, the input protection unit 114, and the step-down regulator 116 of the voltage regulator phase 227 are generally identical to the voltage regulator phase 126 in terms of electrical circuitry and function. The equivalent voltage regulator phase 227 also includes output switching units 217 and 219, which, for the sake of simplicity, are referred to and represented herein as "FET 217" and "FET 219," respectively, while having the same meaning. According to embodiments, the switching units 217 and 219 may each also be an NFET, a PFET, an NPN transistor, a PNP transistor, or another suitable type of transistor or semiconductor device.

[0048] FET 217 and FET 219 each have a gate input G, which is electrically connected to enable input 216 and input 218, respectively. Through these connections, FET 217 and FET 219 can be activated in response to phase-enable signals received at the corresponding enable inputs 216 and 218 of the phase-redundant control unit 106, i.e., an electrically conductive path between the drain terminal D and the source terminal S is opened. This activation can be used, via the OR circuit unit 118 or the secondary OR circuit unit 118A, to electrically connect the regulator output 242 of the buck converter 116 to the primary output 204 or the secondary output 206. According to embodiments, the primary output 204 and the secondary output 206 can be electrically connected to common regulator outputs of a phase group (see Fig. 3).

[0049] The electrical configuration and function of the OR circuit unit 118 and the secondary OR circuit unit 118A of the substitute voltage regulator phase 227 are identical to the configuration and function of the OR circuit unit 118 of the voltage regulator phase 126. Similar to the OR circuit unit 118 of the voltage regulator phase 126, the OR circuit unit 118 and the secondary OR circuit unit 118A of the substitute voltage regulator phase 227 can be used to limit or prevent the reverse current flow into the primary output 204 and the secondary output 206 of the substitute voltage regulator phase 227, respectively, and thus control the reverse current flow into the regulator output 242.

[0050] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a phase-redundant voltage regulator device with shared redundant substitute voltage regulator phases 300 according to embodiments which are generally consistent with the figures. Fig. Figure 3 is particularly suitable for demonstrating a phase-redundant voltage regulator device that is in accordance with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 stands and contains shared replacement voltage regulator phases 227A, 227B, 227C and 227D, which can be electrically assigned to phase groups 374 and 376.

[0051] Numerous aspects of the in Fig. The embodiments shown in 3 are in particular consistent with those in Fig. 1 and Fig. The embodiments shown in the two examples and described in the accompanying text are not described in detail herein. These aspects include circuits, logic and control functions, interaction between functions, electrical connections, signal use, and voltage ranges.

[0052] The elements of the phase-redundant voltage regulator device 300, which include the control logic 366, the MPCs 122, the voltage regulator phases such as 126A, and the backup voltage regulator phases such as 227A, are electrically interconnected and exchange data with each other via various signal types. These signal types include phase fault signals, phase enable signals, and control signals for shared current (I). SHARE ) and PWM phase control signals. These signal types can be used to enable monitoring of both the controller phase function and faults, as well as to control and reassign controller phases by the control logic 366.

[0053] Phase fault signals are used in embodiments to indicate a fault or failure of a single regulator phase within the voltage regulator device 300. Phase fault signals can be generated by a redundant fault signaling circuit 104 in response to detected current outputs 102 received by individual phase-redundant control units (PRCs) 106 of voltage regulator phases, such as 126A. For example, a current output value 102 detected by the signaling circuit 104 that is significantly higher or lower than other detected current output values ​​102 can cause the redundant fault signaling circuit 104 to generate a corresponding phase fault signal for the phase in question. Phase fault signals can also be generated directly by PRCs 106 of substitute regulator phases, e.g., 227A, 227B, 227C, and 227D.

[0054] Phase fault signals include the V1 fault in signal 302A, the V2 fault in signal 302B, the V1-N-1 fault signal 308A, the V1-N-2 fault signal 310A, the V2-N-1 fault signal 308B, the V2-N-2 fault signal 310B, the S1 fault signal 312A, the S2 fault signal 312B, the S3 fault signal 312C and the S4 fault signal 312D.

[0055] According to the above enumeration, the naming convention for phase fault signals includes an associated common regulator output voltage, e.g., "V1" or "V2", a substitute regulator indicator, e.g., "S1", "S2", "S3", or "S4", corresponding to substitute regulator phases 227A, 227B, 227C, or 227D, respectively, and a fault degree indicator, e.g., "N-1" or "N-2". A fault degree indicator "N-1" indicates that the fault signal is of a "single fault" type, i.e., in the phase group from which the fault signal originates, there is only one reported fault from all voltage regulators in the phase group. Similarly, a fault degree indicator "N-2" indicates that the fault signal is of a "double fault" type, i.e., in the phase group from which the fault signal originates, there are two reported faults from all voltage regulators in the phase group. A “substitute fault” signal, e.g. the fault signal S1 312A, can be used to indicate the failure of a substitute controller phase, e.g. 227A.The various phase fault signals can be used to indicate faults, which can be used by the control logic 366 to provide uninterrupted, robust voltage regulator power in the event of the failure of one or more phases.

[0056] Phase enable signals are used in embodiments to enable the outputs of substitute controller phases, e.g., 227A, in order to selectively connect them to common controller outputs, e.g., V1. According to embodiments, phase enable signals are generated by the control logic 366. The following phase enable signals are possible: S1-V1 enable signal 316A, S1-V2 enable signal 318A, S2-V1 enable signal 316B, S2-V2 enable signal 318B, S3-V1 enable signal 316C, S3-V2 enable signal 318C, S4-V1 enable signal 316D, and S4-V2 enable signal 318D. The naming convention for the phase error signals listed above includes an associated common controller output voltage, e.g., "V1" or "V2", and an associated equivalent controller indicator, e.g., "S1", "S2", "S3", or "S4".

[0057] PWM phase control signals are digital signals that represent a load cycle or the activation time of at least one controller phase through repeating sequences of pulses with varying widths. A PWM phase control signal can be generated, for example, by an MPC 122 of a phase group, e.g., 374, as an indicator of the relative activation time of the voltage regulators within the phase group. The relative load cycle or the relative activation time can vary over time to modulate the output of the voltage regulator in such a way as to handle particularly dynamic current loads.

[0058] A PWM phase control signal can also be received and used to modulate a substitute voltage regulator phase so that it behaves similarly to active voltage regulator phases within a phase group. Thus, a PWM phase control signal, in conjunction with phase enable signals, can be particularly helpful in replacing a failed voltage regulator phase with an active substitute phase. The following PWM phase control signals are suitable: V1-PWM signal S1 304A, V1-PWM signal S2 306A, V2-PWM signal S1 304B, V2-PWM signal S2 306B, S1-PWM signal 314A and S2-PWM signal 314B, S3-PWM signal 314C and S4-PWM signal 314D.

[0059] According to embodiments, I SHARE -Phase control signals are signals that represent, via an analog voltage, a current to be supplied to each controller phase within a phase group. According to embodiments, a current “I” is SHARE = I TOTAL / N, where = I TOTALequal to the total output current of a phase group and "N" equal to the number of phases in the phase group. According to some embodiments, the I SHARE -signals can be analog signals in a range between 0 V and 3.3 V. For example, an I SHARE -A signal voltage of 0 V represents an output current of the controller phase, while an I SHARE -The signal voltage of 3.3 V represents the highest possible or full-load current of the controller phase. SHARE Voltages between 0 V and 3.3 V can therefore result in output currents of the controller phases between 0 A and the full-load output current of the controller phase up to the corresponding I SHARE -Represent voltage linearly proportionally. According to some embodiments, other scaling / control models and / or voltage ranges can be used.

[0060] An I SHAREThe phase control signal can be generated, for example, by an MPC 122 of a phase group, e.g., 374, as an indicator of the output current required by each voltage regulator within the phase group. The I SHARE The phase control signal can be time-varying to modulate the output of the voltage regulator to handle individual dynamic current loads. SHARE The phase control signal can also be received and used to modulate a substitute voltage regulator phase so that it behaves similarly to active voltage regulator phases within a phase group. Thus, an I SHARE -Phase control signals in conjunction with phase enable signals can be particularly useful for replacing a failed voltage regulator phase with an active substitute voltage regulator phase. As I SHARE Phase control signals are possible: V1-I SHARE -Signal S1 304A, V1-I SHARE -Signal S2 306A, V2-I SHARE -Signal S1 304B, V2-ISHARE -Signal S2 306B, I SHARE -Signal S1 314A and I SHARE -Signal S2 314B, I SHARE -Signal S3 314C and I SHARE -Signal S4 314D.

[0061] According to embodiments, all phase error signals, phase enable signals, I SHARE - and PWM phase control signals are digital signals with the logic values ​​"0" and "1" at voltages of 0 V and 3.3 V, respectively. According to some embodiments, other voltage values ​​can be used. Fig. Figure 3 shows the signals described above as lines with arrowheads; this can mean that the end of the signal line with the arrowhead indicates the destination of the respective signal, while the opposite end indicates the source of the signal.

[0062] The phase-redundant voltage regulator device 300 contains phase groups 374 and 376, each containing several voltage regulator phases, and an MPC 122 connected to them. Phase group 374 contains voltage regulator phases 126A and 126B, as well as the substitute regulator phase 227C. Phase group 376 contains voltage regulator phases 126A and 126B, as well as the substitute voltage regulator phase 227D. The voltage regulator device 300 also contains the substitute voltage regulator phases 227A and 227B. Each substitute voltage regulator phase 227A, 227B, 227C, and 227D contains the output switching units 217 and 219, as well as the OR switching units 118 and 118A. The control logic 366, which includes a non-volatile memory 368 and a serial controller interface 110, is electrically connected to each of the voltage regulator phases, substitute voltage regulator phases and MPCs.

[0063] In accordance with Fig. Each phase group 374 and 376 contains several redundant voltage regulator phases 126A, 126B and spare regulator phases 227C and 227D, respectively, which may be suitable for providing phase redundancy in the power supply of the common regulator outputs V1 and V2. The output V OUT 148 Each voltage regulator phase within a phase group is connected to a common regulator output, e.g., V1. It should be obvious that the outputs V OUT 148 of the regulator phases 126A, 126B of each phase group are each connected to only one common regulator output; either to V1 or V2. The regulator phases 126A, 126B are thus referred to here as "fixed" voltage regulator phases, since the output V OUT148 cannot be reconfigured to connect to another common controller output. Rather, substitute controller phases, e.g., 227A, 227B, 227C, and 227D, can be dynamically reconfigured or reassigned by the control logic 366 to connect the controller output 242 of the buck controller 116 of one of the substitute controller phases to one of the common controller outputs V1 or V2.

[0064] For easier illustration and discussion, the phase-redundant voltage regulator device 300 includes two output voltage values, i.e., the common regulator outputs V1 and V2, as well as four substitute regulator phases 227A, 227B, 227C, and 227D. According to one embodiment, however, any number of voltage values ​​and number of substitute regulator phases can be specified for a particular electronic system.

[0065] The MPC 122 of each phase group is electrically connected to each defined controller phase, e.g., 126A, 126B, of that phase group. The MPC 122 is used to transmit phase error signals and an I SHARE - or PWM (phase width modulation) phase control signal, received from each specified controller phase of the phase group in question, to the control logic 366. The MPC 122 also serves to generate PWM control signals that can be used to sequentially activate each specified controller phase of the phase group for a specified period of time, which can be advantageous when managing controlled shared current usage between phases within a phase group.

[0066] Each substitute controller phase 227A, 227B, 227C, and 227D contains output switching units 217 and 219 and OR switching units 118 and 118A, which can be particularly advantageous when connecting the substitute controller phases 227A, 227B, 227C, and 227D to the common controller outputs V1 and / or V2. According to embodiments, the output switching units 217 and 219 can be activated, thus connecting the controller output 242 of the buck controller 116 to the primary output 204 or to the secondary output 206 of the substitute controller phase, e.g., 227A. This activation can occur in response to receiving an S1-V1 enable signal 316A or an S1-V2 enable signal 318A, for example, for the substitute controller phase 227A. The substitute controller phases 227B, 227C, and 227D can be activated in the same way using corresponding enable signals.These phase release signals are received by the phase-redundant control unit 106 and sent to the output switching units 217 and 219 respectively (see for further details . Fig. 2).

[0067] The control logic 366 is electrically connected to the MPCs 122 of each of the phase groups 374 and 376. The control logic 366 is used to receive the I SHARE - or PWM phase control signals from the MPCs 122 and for exchanging phase error signals with the same. The control logic 366 is also electrically connected to the substitute controller phases 227A, 227B, 227C and 227D and serves to acknowledge phase enable signals for the substitute controller phases, PWM or I SHARE- to transmit phase control signals to the substitute controller phases and to receive phase error signals from them. For example, the S1-V2 enable signal 318A can be acknowledged by the control logic 366 to enable the secondary output 206 (output V2) of the substitute controller phase 227A. The control logic 366 can also transmit PWM phase or I SHARE -Control signals, e.g. the S1-V1-PWM signal or the S1-V1-I SHARE -Signal 304A or the S2-V1-PWM signal or the S-V1-I SHARE -Signal 306A, via connection 380 or connection 382 to the S1-PWM signal or the S1-I SHARE -Signal 314A is transmitted. The control logic 366 can also receive phase error signals, e.g. the V1-N-2 error signal 310A, from a substitute controller phase.

[0068] The 366 control logic can be particularly advantageous when monitoring voltage regulator phases for faults, enabling and disabling various phases in response to the detection of a faulty regulator phase, and activating phases with PWM or I SHARE -supply control signals. According to embodiments, control signals received from a phase group can be transferred by the control logic 366 to a substitute controller phase, which can be advantageous insofar as the substitute controller phase is set to a value that is consistent with active controller phases of the phase group. Further examples of the functions performed by the control logic 366 are described in Fig. 4 and the accompanying text explained in detail.

[0069] In some embodiments, the control logic 366 can include a non-volatile memory 368 that can be used to store links between activated substitute controller phases and phase groups with one or more faulty controller phases. In other embodiments, the control logic 366 can be a microcontroller, a custom integrated circuit (IC), a programmable logic device (PLD), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like. The non-volatile memory 368 can be flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or another type of memory unit whose data is not lost when the supply voltage is switched off.

[0070] These embodiments can be advantageous in reducing the size and cost of the voltage regulator compared to a voltage regulator device that uses dedicated regulator phases for a specific voltage output, while still providing a reliable and robust power supply. These advantages are achieved by using shared, spare voltage regulator phases instead of redundant voltage regulator phases reserved for a specific voltage value.

[0071] According to some embodiments, a Fig. 3 common controller input V shown IN with the entrances V IN 136 of all phase groups 374 and 376 as well as with inputs V IN 136 of all replacement controller phases 227A, 227B, 227C and 227D are connected. According to some embodiments, various common controller inputs can be connected to the inputs V IN136 connected and used to supply each phase group and substitute controller phase with a uniform voltage. According to embodiments, the output V OUT 148 Each controller phase 126A, 126B within a phase group, e.g. 374, is connected to the same common controller output, e.g. V1. According to embodiments, the primary output 204 and the secondary output 206 of each of the substitute controller phases 227A, 227B, 227C and 227D can be selectively connected either to the common controller output V1 or to the common controller output V2 in response to enable signals, e.g. the S1-V1 enable signal 316A or the S1-V2 enable signal 318A, which have been acknowledged by the control logic 366 on the substitute controller phases 227A, 227B, 227C and 227D.

[0072] According to embodiments, a number of “N+1” or “N+2” voltage regulator phases can be electrically connected in parallel, where “N” is the minimum number of phases required to provide a specific current, and the additional one or two phases can be used to replace one or two failed regulator phases. In the event of a failure or fault of one or more redundant phases, one or more faulty redundant phases can be switched off to share a current load and ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

[0073] Fig. Figure 3 shows a phase-redundant voltage regulator in which there is no switching logic for shared current use between voltage regulator phases 126A and 126B. However, embodiments are conceivable in which shared current use between voltage regulator phases 126A and 126B is supported. According to some such embodiments, independent current attenuation points can be provided within each regulator phase 126A and 126B to allow one voltage regulator phase to operate at its current limit, while one or more other voltage regulator phases supply the additional current required to achieve a total current load. This embodiment simplifies shared current use, allowing certain voltage regulator phases to operate at full current load, while other voltage regulator phases operate at lower currents.According to some embodiments, passive or "reduced" current sharing can be implemented, in which shared current sharing occurs when an output voltage of the phase-redundant controller falls below a predetermined reference voltage, and the various controller phases electrically connected to this output then increase their respective output currents. This allows the load to be distributed between the controllers. According to some embodiments, active or "forced" current sharing can be implemented by using additional current monitoring, control, and feedback loops.

[0074] Those skilled in the field of voltage regulator and electronic system development should understand that the reference to the [document / reference] in the Fig. The work steps described in sections 4 to 6 can be carried out in slightly modified sequences according to some embodiments, which differ from the figures and are discussed in the accompanying text. For example, the sequence of confirming the phase enable signals and sending the PWM or I signals can be different. SHARE -Phase control signals according to some embodiments within the essential content and scope of protection of the present disclosure, deviating from Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 will be reversed. It should also be clear that the reference to the Fig. The work steps described in sections 4 to 6 can be performed either simultaneously or in very rapid succession to ensure a stable power supply and to minimize voltage transitions such as voltage spikes and ripple. For example, when implementing the present disclosure, the time between the completion of one work step and the completion of the next can be 5 ms or less.

[0075] Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process 400 for transferring a substitute controller phase between phase groups of controllers within a phase-redundant voltage regulator device according to embodiments as shown in the figures. The phase-redundant voltage regulator device contains a plurality of substitute controller phases, e.g., 227A in Fig. 3, and a plurality of fixed controller phases, e.g. 126A in Fig. 3. The phase-redundant voltage regulator device is in accordance with the specifications in the Fig. The phase-redundant voltage regulators and the corresponding device shown in sections 1 to 3 and described with reference to them are described. Process 400 is generally implemented using the control logic 366 in Fig. 3, which is electrically switched and configured to be controlled by the phase groups, e.g. phase groups 374 and 376 in Fig. 3. To monitor received phase error signals.

[0076] Certain work steps of process 400, executed by the control logic 366, Fig. 3, can be done through a system control function 108, Fig. 1. can be triggered outside of a voltage regulator device. For example, the triggering of a phase transfer can occur in step 404, Fig. 4, or other “higher” work steps such as monitoring power loads, throttling a system function, and the like, as described in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown, all by the system control function 108, Fig. 1 either triggered and / or executed.

[0077] Fig. Figure 4 can be particularly advantageous when representing a process 400 for transferring a substitute controller phase between phase groups. This process 400 will be described below in both sections. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 as the associated descriptions as a single operation, which makes the presentation and discussion of the in the two Fig. 5 and Fig. The procedure shown in section 6 is simplified. It should be clear that block 402 represents an entry or transition point from the components in the Fig. 5 and Fig. The 6 methods shown can be represented.

[0078] By implementing Process 400 using shared, redundant regulator phases that are controlled and allocated by the control logic, improved power supply reliability for electronic systems can be provided. In conjunction with a phase-redundant voltage regulator device of an electronic system, Process 400 can also achieve significant savings in cost, space requirements, design complexity, and voltage regulator failure rate through the use of shared, allocable redundant regulator phases. The implementation of Process 400 can also result in a fast, seamless transfer / reassignment of a spare regulator phase from one phase group to another. This seamless transfer can lead to a stable power supply for an electronic system without interruptions or transition phases. (Referring to...) Fig. The process shown and described in section 4 is generally consistent with the one referred to in the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show and describe the phase-redundant voltage regulator and device with shared, redundant substitute phases. It should be clear that Process 400 comprises a series of steps which, when executed, result in the electrical transfer of a voltage regulator phase from a first or "current" phase group to a second or "new" phase group. The final results of executing this process can be found in the following: Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is referred to as "phase transfer".

[0079] It should be clear that Block 402 is an entry or transition point from the into the Fig. 5 and Fig. The 6 procedures shown can be represented. Process 400 proceeds from start 402 to step 404.

[0080] Step 404 generally involves triggering a phase transfer. According to embodiments, a phase transfer can be triggered in response to a variety of signals and / or conditions. For example, in response to an error signal generated by a failed / faulty phase, the control logic 366 can, Fig. 3, react to the phase transfer using PWM or I SHARE -Triggers phase control, phase enable, and phase fault signals. A phase transfer can also be triggered by a change in the system configuration, i.e., a change in the number of phases required in a given voltage range, or as a result of a change in the current load resulting from the throttling of at least one throttled electronic unit within a voltage range. A change in the system configuration or a change in the current load can be triggered by the system control function 108 or by the control logic 366. Fig. 3, which can trigger the phase transfer. Once the phase transfer has been triggered, process 400 continues to step 406.

[0081] Step 406 generally involves activating a phase enable signal that electrically connects an output of an available substitute controller phase to a common controller output of a "new" phase group. According to embodiments, if the available substitute controller is currently connected to the output of another "current" phase group, it is first disconnected or detached from the current phase group by removing the phase enable signal that connects it to the current phase group before connecting it to the new phase group. After this possible disconnection, the available substitute controller is then connected to the new phase group by activating a corresponding enable signal. This disconnect / connect process results in the available substitute controller being electrically connected to the active outputs of active controllers in the new phase group at a common controller output.For example, if the current phase group is 374, the new phase group is 376, and the available substitute controller is substitute controller phase 227C, the corresponding enable signals are S3-V1 enable signal 316C and S3-V2 enable signal 318C. The corresponding common controller outputs are then V1 and V2. After the phase enable signal is activated, process 400 continues to step 408.

[0082] Step 408 generally concerns the transmission of a PWM or I SHARE -Phase control signal from the new phase group to the available substitute controller phase. If a PWM or I SHARE -The phase control signal is currently being transferred from the current phase group to the available substitute controller phase, must be transferred before the PWM or I signal is transmitted. SHARE-Phase control signal from the new phase group to the available replacement controller phase: this connection is first deactivated by control logic 366. After deactivating this connection, the PWM or I can then be used. SHARE The control signal establishes a connection between the new phase group and the available substitute controller phase via control logic 366. This disconnect / connect process results in the available substitute controller phase, which is a PWM or I SHARE -Receives a control signal from the new phase group to which it is connected, similar to how other active phases within the new phase group can be operated.

[0083] According to the example above, the current phase group is phase group 374, the new phase group is phase group 376, and the available replacement controller is replacement controller phase 227C, the PWM or I SHARE-Control signal from the current phase group is V1-PWM-S1- or V1-I SHARE -S1-signal 304A, the PWM or I SHARE -The control signal from the new phase group is V2-PWM-S1 or V2-I SHARE -S1-signal 304B, and the control logic 366 establishes a connection between 304B and the S3-PWM- or I after disconnecting any existing connection between signal 304A and signal 314C. SHARE -Signal 314C. As soon as the PWM or I SHARE Once the phase control signal has been transferred from the new phase group to the available replacement control phase, process 400 continues to step 410.

[0084] Step 410 generally involves electrically connecting a phase fault signal from the available substitute regulator to the MPC of the new phase group. In this example, the S3 fault signal 312C is electrically connected by the control logic 366 to the V2 fault signal 302B of the MPC 122 of phase group 376. This MPC 122 can monitor the assigned substitute voltage regulator phase 227C for faults and report a fault to the control logic 366. After the phase fault signal has been connected, process 400 proceeds to step 412.

[0085] Step 412 generally concerns storing a link between the first used substitute controller phase and the common controller output of the first phase group in a non-volatile memory, e.g. 368, Fig. 3, within the control logic. In this example, the logical link contains the following information: the phase group, i.e., "phase group 374" or the common controller output V1, and the substitute controller phase, i.e., the substitute controller phase 227A. This information is stored in non-volatile memory 368, which can be useful in the event of a power failure insofar as it maintains the connection between the substitute controller phase 227A and the common controller output V1. When the voltage regulator restarts after a power failure, the control logic 366 can restore the electrical connection of the substitute controller phase 227A to the common controller output V1. After the logical link has been saved, process 400 terminates in block 414. It should be clear that block 414 represents an exit or transition point to return to the processes described in the Fig. 5 and Fig. The 6 methods shown can be represented.

[0086] Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart 500 that shows a process for reassigning controller phases between phase groups of controllers according to embodiments in accordance with the figures. The phase-redundant voltage regulator device contains a plurality of voltage regulator phases, e.g. 227A, Fig. 3, and a plurality of fixed controller phases, e.g. 126A, Fig. 3, and a plurality of phase groups, e.g. 374 and 376, Fig. 3. The phase-redundant voltage regulator device is in accordance with the specifications in the Fig. The phase-redundant voltage regulators and the corresponding device shown in Figures 1 to 3 and described with reference to them. Process 500 is generally implemented using control logic 366. Fig. 3, executed, which is electrically connected and configured to monitor phase error signals. The control logic 366 responds to a system control function 108, Fig. 1, and detected phase error signals received from the phase groups, e.g. from phase groups 374 and 376, Fig. 3.

[0087] Fig. Figure 5 shows a process 500 for reassigning controller phases between phase groups of controllers. However, it should be clear that the in Fig. The process shown in section 5 can be extended in accordance with the essence and scope of protection of the present disclosure so that several controller phases can be reassigned between several phase groups of controllers.

[0088] The operating state of the system at start 502 contains no controller phase errors, and the two phase groups 374 and 376, Fig. 3, are normally operated with “N” phases, via which loads are supplied with power that are connected to common controller outputs V1 or V2, Fig. 3 are connected.

[0089] Process 500 proceeds from start 502 to decision block 504. In step 504, the system control function 108 decides whether fewer than a predefined number "N" of voltage regulator phases are currently required to supply power within a specific "selected" phase group. This decision can be made, for example, by the system control function 108 based on the current power load in the selected phase group by comparing the number N with a calculated number of phases currently required to serve the power load of the selected phase group. If fewer than N voltage regulator phases are currently required to serve the power demand of the selected phase group, the process proceeds to step 510. If N or more voltage regulator phases are currently required to serve the power demand of the selected phase group, the process proceeds to step 506.

[0090] In step 506, the system control function 108 makes a decision as to whether a unit or subsystem within the electronic system should be throttled in order to release one or more spare phases, which can then be transferred to or reassigned to one or more other phase groups outside the selected phase group.

[0091] The term "throttling" an electronic system and / or system component can be understood as a process to reduce the power output of the system or component in order to correspondingly decrease its power consumption. Throttling can be carried out by a system control function, e.g., 108. Fig. 1, triggered or controlled, which can actively monitor and manage / control the power consumption of various components and subsystems of an electronic system.

[0092] For example, a system control function 108 can monitor the power consumption of one or more CPUs in a computer system or server and then take control measures to reduce the clock frequency of these CPUs, thereby limiting their power consumption. Such a reduction in clock frequency can be performed, for example, when processors or other system components are performing a relatively simple and / or non-critical workload. Selective and intentional shutdown of currently unused system components can also be considered a throttling operation or process. Such components can include network and wireless components, I / O ports, and data storage units.

[0093] In connection with the present disclosure, a component or subsystem, such as a processor, processor card, or processor cluster, can be throttled to reduce the current draw of that component or subsystem in the selected voltage regulator phase that supplies it with power. This can be useful for freeing up a spare voltage regulator phase, which can then be immediately used in another phase group or, if needed, designated as "unallocated" for future allocation and use in another phase group. According to embodiments, the decision to throttle the electronic system can be encoded in program instructions executed by the system control function 108 and / or derived by interaction between the system control function 108 and a user or administrator of the system.If a decision has been made to throttle part or all of the system, the process proceeds to step 508. If a decision has been made not to throttle part or all of the system, the process returns to step 504.

[0094] Step 508 generally concerns throttling part or all of the electronic system. Throttling part or all of the electronic system can be triggered and managed by system control function 108, as described above. Once the link has been stored in non-volatile memory, process 500 returns to step 504.

[0095] In step 510, the system control function 108 decides whether to allocate available spare phases to a phase group outside the selected phase group. According to embodiments, the decision to allocate available spare phases can be coded in program instructions executed by the system control function 108 and / or derived through interaction between the system control function 108 and a user or administrator of the system.

[0096] According to embodiments, at least one substitute voltage regulator phase can be reassigned in response to commands received from a system control function 108. The set of substitute voltage regulator phases can include voltage regulator phases designated as substitute voltage regulator phases in response to system throttling. According to embodiments, the set of substitute voltage regulator phases can also include voltage regulator phases beyond the number designated as necessary for a voltage regulator phase. If it is decided not to allocate the available substitute phases, the process proceeds to step 512. If it is decided to allocate the available substitute phases, the process proceeds to step 514.

[0097] Step 512 generally concerns "marking" substitute phases as "assigned" for use in the specified phase group. It should be clear that storing a link between the first part of the set of substitute voltage regulator phases and an "assigned" status is a possible method for marking such substitute phases. This marking of substitute phases can be advantageous when reserving these regulator phases for use in the specified phase group. Once the link has been stored in non-volatile memory, process 500 proceeds to step 504.

[0098] Step 514 generally concerns "marking" substitute phases as "not assigned" for use in the specified phase group. It should be clear that storing a link between a second part of the substitute voltage regulator phases and a "not assigned" status in non-volatile memory 368 within the control logic 366 can be used for such marking of substitute phases. This marking of substitute phases can be particularly advantageous in the event of a failure of one or more voltage regulator phases within this phase group, in order to allow these regulator phases to be used in other phase groups. Once the link has been stored in the non-volatile memory, process 500 proceeds to step 516.

[0099] In step 516, it is detected and a decision is made as to whether a failure / error exists in a phase group other than the defined one. The control logic 366 can be used as above with reference to... Fig. Section 3 describes monitoring and detecting phase faults of various fixed and substitute phases within a voltage regulator device. According to embodiments, a phase fault signal from a first disturbed phase group (i.e., a phase group with a failed or faulty voltage regulator phase) can be a single-phase fault signal, a double-phase fault signal, or a substitute phase fault signal. If a phase fault signal is detected, the process proceeds to step 400. If no phase fault signal is detected, the process returns to step 516.

[0100] Process 400 generally involves transferring at least one substitute voltage regulator phase from the second part of the substitute voltage regulator phase set to the first disturbed phase group in response to the detection of the phase fault signal. The details of Process 400 are described in Fig. 4 is described in detail and discussed in the accompanying text. According to some embodiments, the transfer can also involve transferring at least one substitute voltage regulator phase to a second disturbed phase group. According to embodiments, the transfer can include several independent phase transfers to different phase groups within an electronic system. After the at least one substitute voltage regulator phase has been transferred, process 500 returns to step 502.

[0101] It should be clear that the above process can be particularly advantageous for maintaining redundancy within a voltage regulator device with multiple phase groups, without having to access a fixed set of spare voltage regulator phases for each phase group. Embodiments of the present disclosure can effectively utilize spare regulator phases and allocate them to multiple phase groups within a voltage regulator device. Within the scope and protection of the present disclosure, other similar methods for a voltage regulator device with varying numbers of available spare voltage regulators may be used.

[0102] Fig. 6 is a flowchart 600, which describes a process in accordance with the one in Fig. The process for reallocating controller phases between phase groups of controllers according to embodiments shown in Figure 5 and discussed in the accompanying text is consistent with the figures. The phase-redundant voltage regulator device is consistent with the process described in the Fig. The phase-redundant voltage regulators and associated device shown in Figures 1 to 3 and described therein are described. Process 600 is generally implemented using control logic 366. Fig. 3, executed, which is electrically connected and set up to monitor phase fault signals.

[0103] Fig. Figure 6 shows a process 600 for reassigning controller phases between phase groups of controllers. However, it should be clear that the in Fig. The process shown in Figure 6 can be extended in accordance with the essence and scope of protection of the present disclosure in such a way that several controller phases are reassigned between several phase groups of controllers.

[0104] In the operating state of the system at start 602, there are no phase errors of the voltage regulator, and both phase groups 374 and 376, Fig. 3, are normally operated with “N” phases, which serve to power loads connected to the common controller outputs V1 and V2 respectively, Fig. 3 are connected.

[0105] Process 600 proceeds from start 602 to decision step 604. In step 604, the system control function 108 decides whether fewer than a predefined number "N" of voltage regulator phases are currently required to supply power within a specific "selected" phase group. This decision can be made, for example, by system control function 108 by comparing the number N with a calculated number of phases currently required to meet the current load of the selected phase group, based on the current current load in that phase group. If fewer than N voltage regulator phases are currently required to meet the current demand of the selected phase group, the process proceeds to step 610. If N or more voltage regulator phases are currently required to meet the current demand of the selected phase group, the process proceeds to step 606.

[0106] In step 606, the system control function 108 makes a decision as to whether a unit or subsystem within the electronic system should be throttled in order to release one or more substitute phases, which can then be transferred or reassigned to one or more phase groups outside the selected phase group.

[0107] In connection with the present disclosure, a component or subsystem, e.g., a processor, a processor card, or a processor cluster, can be throttled to reduce the current draw of that component or subsystem in the selected voltage regulator phase group that supplies it with power. This can be advantageous when releasing a spare voltage regulator phase, which can then be immediately used in another phase group or marked as "unallocated" for later allocation and, if necessary, use in another phase group. According to embodiments, the decision as to whether the electronic system should be throttled can be encoded in program instructions executed by the system control function 108 and / or derived through the interaction of the system control function 108 with a user or administrator of the system.If it is decided that part of the system or the entire system should be throttled, the process proceeds to step 608. If it is decided that neither part of the system nor the entire electronic system should be throttled, the process returns to step 604.

[0108] Step 608 generally concerns throttling a part of the electronic system or the entire system. Throttling of a part of the electronic system or the entire system can be triggered and managed by the system control function 108, as described above. Once the link has been stored in non-volatile memory, process 600 returns to step 604.

[0109] In step 610, the system control function 108 decides whether available spare phases should be allocated to a phase group outside the selected phase group. According to embodiments, the decision regarding whether to allocate available spare phases can be coded in program instructions executed by the system control function 108 and / or derived through interaction between the system control function 108 and a user or administrator of the system.

[0110] According to embodiments, at least one substitute voltage regulator phase can be reassigned in response to commands received by a system control function 108. The set of substitute voltage regulator phases can include voltage regulator phases that were designated as substitute voltage regulator phases in response to system throttling. According to embodiments, the set of substitute voltage regulator phases can also contain a larger number of voltage regulator phases than strictly necessary. If it is decided not to allocate the available substitute phases, the process proceeds to step 612. If it is decided to allocate the available substitute phases, the process proceeds to step 614.

[0111] Step 612 generally concerns "marking" substitute phases as "assigned" for use in the selected phase group. It should be clear that such marking of substitute phases can involve storing a link between the first part of the substitute voltage regulator phases set and a "assigned" status in non-volatile memory 368 within the control logic 366. This marking of substitute phases can be particularly useful when reserving these regulator phases for use in the selected phase group. After the link has been stored in non-volatile memory, process 600 returns to step 604.

[0112] Step 614 generally concerns "marking" substitute phases as "unassigned" for use in the selected phase group. It should be clear that storing a link between a second part of the substitute voltage regulator phases set and a "unassigned" status in non-volatile memory 368 within the control logic 366 is a possible method for such marking. This marking of substitute phases can be particularly useful when releasing this regulator phase for use in other phase groups, for example, if one or more voltage regulator phases have failed within that phase group. Once the link has been stored in non-volatile memory, process 600 proceeds to step 616.

[0113] In step 616, the system control function 108 performs an analysis comparing the voltage regulator load with the total power supply capacity of the voltage regulators within the different phase groups of the voltage regulator device. Based on the results of this comparison, one or more phase groups can be identified where the difference between load and capacity is relatively small compared to other phase groups. According to embodiments, these phase groups can be designated as suitable for the allocation of one or more available substitute regulator phases. Once these phase groups have been identified, process 600 proceeds to step 400.

[0114] Step 400 generally involves transferring at least one substitute voltage regulator phase from the second part of the set of substitute voltage regulator phases to the various phase groups provided for in Step 616. The details of Step 400 are described in Fig. 4 is shown in more detail and discussed in the accompanying text. According to some embodiments, the transfer can also involve transferring at least one substitute voltage regulator phase to a second disturbed phase group. According to embodiments, the transfer can include several independent phase transfers to different phase groups within the electronic system. After the at least one substitute voltage regulator phase has been transferred, process 600 returns to step 602.

[0115] It should be clear that the above process can be particularly useful in maintaining redundancy within a voltage regulator device with multiple phase groups, without having to access a fixed set of spare voltage regulator phases for each phase group. Embodiments of the present disclosure can contribute to the effective use and reallocation of spare regulator phases to multiple phase groups within a voltage regulator device. Within the scope and protection of the present disclosure, other similar methods may be used for a voltage regulator device with different numbers of available spare voltage regulators.

[0116] According to some embodiments, a power supply capacity for each controller phase within a phase group can be defined such that this results in the provision of a defined total output current of the phase group after a failure of one controller phase within a phase group. According to some embodiments, due to the phase-specific power supply capacity of each controller phase within a phase group, a defined total output current of the phase group can be provided after a failure of at least two controller phases within a phase group.

Claims

[1] Phase-redundant voltage regulator device (300) comprising: a plurality of controller phases (126A, 126B, 227A, 227B, 227C, 227D), each containing an electrically connected controller (116) to receive an input voltage at a controller input (240) and to provide a corresponding output voltage at a controller output (242); a control logic (366); and a set of phase groups of the plural controller phases, which contains a first and a second phase group (374, 376), wherein each phase group contains: a common controller input (V IN ), which is electrically connected to the control inputs of the phase group; a common controller output (V1; V2) which is electrically connected to controller outputs of the phase group; at least one redundant control phase; at least one defined controller phase (126A, 126B) from the plurality of controller phases; at least one replacement controller phase (227C; 227D) of a set of replacement controller phases; and a multi-phase controller (MPC) (122) electrically connected to each specified controller phase of the phase group, the MPC being configured to provide phase fault signals (308A, 310A; 308B, 310B) and a shared current phase control signal (I SHARE )(304A, 306A; 304B, 306B), which were received from each specified controller phase of a corresponding phase group, is transmitted to the control logic (366); wherein the set of substitute controller phases from the plural controller phases contains a first and a second substitute controller phase (227A, 227B), wherein each substitute controller phase contains (227A, 227B, 227C, 227D): a secondary output OR switching unit (118A) which is electrically connected and configured to limit the current flow into a secondary output (206) of the substitute controller phase; a first output switching unit (217) configured to electrically connect the controller output (242) of the substitute controller phase to a first common controller output (V1) in response to a first phase enable signal (316A; 316B); and a second output switching unit (219) configured to electrically connect the controller output (242) of the substitute controller phase to a second common controller output (V2) in response to a second phase enable signal (318A; 318B); where the control logic (366) is electrically connected to: MPCs (122) of each phase group (374; 376) of the set of phase groups, wherein the control logic is configured to the I SHARE -receives phase control signals (304A, 306A; 304B, 306B) from the MPCs and exchanges phase error signals (302A, 308A, 310A; 302B, 308B, 310B) with them; and Substitute controller phases (227A, 227B) of the set of substitute controller phases, wherein the control logic is configured to activate phase enable signals (316A, 318A; 316B, 318B) to the substitute controller phases (227A, 227B) as well as I SHARE -Transmits phase control signals (314A; 314B) to these and receives phase error signals (312A; 312B) from them; wherein the control logic is configured to electrically connect a substitute controller phase (227A, 227B) to a phase group (374; 376) containing a failed controller phase (126A, 126B) in response to receiving a phase fault signal (308A, 310A; 308B, 310B) from an MPC (122). [2] Voltage regulator device (300) comprising: a plurality of controller phases (126A, 126B, 227A, 227B, 227C, 227D), each containing an electrically connected controller (116) to receive an input voltage at a controller input (240) and to provide a corresponding output voltage at a controller output (242); a control logic (366); and a set of phase groups of the plural controller phases, which contains a first and a second phase group (374, 376), wherein each phase group contains: a common controller input (V IN ), which is electrically connected to the control inputs of the phase group; a common controller output (V1; V2) which is electrically connected to controller outputs of the phase group; at least one redundant control phase; at least one defined controller phase (126A, 126B) from the plurality of controller phases; at least one replacement controller phase (227C; 227D) of a set of replacement controller phases; and a multi-phase controller (MPC) (122) electrically connected to each defined controller phase of the phase group, the MPC being configured to transmit phase fault signals (308A, 310A; 308B, 310B) and a pulse-width modulation (PWM) phase control signal (304A, 306A; 304B, 306B) received from each defined controller phase of a corresponding phase group to a control logic (366); and wherein the set of substitute controller phases from the plural controller phases contains a first and a second substitute controller phase (227A, 227B), wherein each substitute controller phase contains (227A, 227B, 227C, 227D): a secondary output circuit unit (118A) connected to a secondary output (206) of the substitute controller phase; a first output switching unit (217) configured to electrically connect the controller output (242) of the substitute controller phase to a first common controller output (V1) in response to a first phase enable signal (316A; 316B); and a second output switching unit (219) configured to electrically connect the controller output (242) of the substitute controller phase to a second common terminal in response to a second phase enable signal (318A; 318B). Controller output (V2) connects; and where the control logic (366) is electrically connected to: MPCs (122) of each phase group (374; 376) of the set of phase groups, wherein the control logic is configured to use the PWM phase control signals (304A, 306A; 304B, 306B) receives from the MPCs and exchanges phase error signals (302A, 308A, 310A; 302B, 308B, 310B) with them; and Substitute controller phases (227A, 227B) of the set of substitute controller phases, wherein the control logic is configured to provide phase enable signals (316A, 318A; 316B, 318B) activates the replacement controller phases (227A, 227B) and transmits PWM phase control signals (314A; 314B) to them and receives phase error signals (312A; 312B) from them; wherein the control logic is configured to electrically connect a substitute controller phase (227A, 227B) to a phase group (374; 376) containing a failed controller phase (126A, 126B) in response to receiving a phase fault signal (308A, 310A; 308B, 310B) from an MPC (122). [3] Phase-redundant voltage regulator device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each defined regulator phase (126A, 126B) further comprises from the plurality of regulator phases: a phase-redundant controller (PRC) (106) configured to monitor current at the controller input (240) and further configured to monitor current and voltage at the controller output (242); an output OR switching unit (118) configured to limit current flow into a primary output (148) of a corresponding fixed controller phase; and an input protection unit (114) configured to provide input overcurrent protection and output overvoltage protection for the corresponding specified controller phase in response to a control signal from the PRC (106). [4] Phase-redundant voltage regulator device according to claim 1, wherein the MPC (122) of each phase group is configured such that it: receives a feedback output voltage from each defined controller phase (126A, 126B) of the phase group and receives a corresponding detected current signal (102); I SHARE -Control signals (304A, 306A; 304B, 306B) are generated to successively activate each defined controller phase for predetermined time periods, whereby the I SHARE -Control signals between phases manage shared power usage; and Maintain common current usage of all active controller phases of the phase group after a failure of one or more controller phases. [5] Phase-redundant voltage regulator device according to claim 2, wherein the MPC (122) of each phase group is configured such that it: receives a feedback output voltage from each defined controller phase (126A, 126B) of the phase group and receives a corresponding detected current signal (102); PWM control signals (304A, 306A; 304B, 306B) are generated to sequentially activate each defined controller phase for predetermined time periods, with the PWM control signals managing shared current usage between phases; and Maintain common current usage of all active controller phases of the phase group after a failure of one or more controller phases. [6] Phase-redundant voltage regulator device according to claim 1, wherein each I is SHARE -The control signal is an analog signal that represents a required current output strength of at least one controller phase by means of a voltage. [7] Phase-redundant voltage regulator device according to claim 2, wherein each PWM control signal is a digital signal which represents a load cycle / activation duration of at least one regulator phase by a sequence of pulse widths. [8] Phase-redundant voltage regulator device according to claim 1, wherein an output OR switching unit (118) of each substitute control phase and its secondary output OR switching unit (118A) are each selected from the group consisting of: an N-channel field-effect transistor (NFET), a P-channel field-effect transistor (PFET), an NPN transistor and a PNP transistor. [9] Phase-redundant voltage regulator device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a serial regulator interface of an MPC (122) is connected to a system control function (108) by a serial control bus (120) selected from the group consisting of: an SPI (Serial Peripheral) interface, a PMBus (Power Management Bus) interface and an I-squared-C (I2C) interface. [10] Phase-redundant voltage regulator device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first phase group of the set of phase groups is configured to maintain common current usage. [11] Method (500) for reassigning a set of substitute regulator phases (227A, 227B, 227C, 227D) between phase groups (374, 376) of regulator phases (126A, 126B, 227C; 126A, 126B, 227D) in a phase-redundant voltage regulator device (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises using control logic (366) to: to store a link between a first part of the set replacement controller phases and a status “assigned” in non-volatile memory (368) (512); to store a link between a second part of the set replacement controller phases and a status “not assigned” in non-volatile memory (514); to detect a phase fault signal (308A, 310A; 308B, 310B) from a first disturbed phase group of the phase groups (516); and In response to the detection of the phase error signal, at least one substitute controller phase of the second part of the set of substitute controller phases is transferred to the first disturbed phase group (400). [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein: the control logic responds to a system control function and monitored phase error signals received from the phase groups; and / or the non-volatile memory within the control logic; and / or the phase error signal is detected by the control logic from the first disturbed phase group of the phase groups; and / or the link between a second part of the sentence replacement regulator phases and The status "not assigned" is stored in non-volatile memory using the control logic. [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the phase fault signal is selected from the group consisting of: a single phase fault signal, a double phase fault signal and a substitute phase fault signal. [14] Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one replacement controller phase is reassigned in response to commands received from a system control function (108). [15] Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein for the transfer of the at least one replacement controller phase, a transfer of at least one replacement controller phase to a second disturbed phase group is possible. [16] Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the set of substitute controller phases includes controller phases that were provided as substitute controller phases in response to a system throttling (508). [17] Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the set of substitute controller phases contains more controller phases than a number of controller phases that has been specified as required for a controller phase.

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