Power supply module, processor and voltage regulation method

Abstract

Provided are a power supply module, a processor and a voltage regulation method, relating to the technical field of power supplies. The power supply module comprises a first receiving interface, a voltage regulation circuit, and a power output interface. The first receiving interface is used for receiving a control signal; the voltage regulation circuit is used for regulating the output voltage of the power output interface on the basis of a level change of the control signal; the power output interface is used for providing a regulated output voltage to a load. The control signal is transmitted by means of hardwired communication, so that the power supply module can rapidly regulate the voltage, further reducing the power consumption of an electronic device.

Description

Power module, processor and voltage regulation method

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on December 27, 2024, with application number 202411989715.4 and entitled "Power Module, Processor and Voltage Regulation Method", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of power supply technology, and in particular to a power module, processor, and voltage regulation method. Background Technology

[0003] With the rapid development of mobile internet and electronic technology, electronic devices are becoming increasingly functional and power-consuming.

[0004] Electronic devices typically employ techniques such as dynamic voltage frequency scaling (DVFS) or adaptive voltage scaling (AVS) to adjust voltage, meaning they adjust the power module's output voltage according to load demands. For example, when the electronic device is not processing any tasks, it can adjust its output voltage to enter a low-power state, thereby saving power.

[0005] However, current voltage regulation methods still suffer from high power consumption, and how to further reduce the power consumption of electronic devices has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a power module, a processor, and a voltage adjustment method, which further reduces the power consumption of electronic devices by rapidly adjusting the output voltage.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions.

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a power module, which includes a first receiving interface, a voltage regulating circuit, and a power output interface. The power output interface is used for coupling with a load. The first receiving interface is used to receive control signals, the voltage regulating circuit is used to adjust the output voltage of the power output interface based on changes in the level of the control signals, and the power output interface is used to provide the adjusted output voltage to the load.

[0009] Therefore, compared to the method of encoding and then decoding to transmit output voltage information, the power module provided in this application embodiment can adjust the output voltage of the power module by changing the level of the control signal (i.e., changes in level or edge), that is, by using hard-wired communication. Hard-wired communication reduces the communication latency between the power module and the device sending the control signal, enabling rapid transmission of output voltage information. This allows the power module to respond quickly to voltage adjustments. In other words, because the power module can quickly adjust the output voltage, it can meet the load's output voltage requirements even when the load's power supply demands change rapidly, and it reduces the power consumption of the power module and the electronic devices including the power module.

[0010] In one possible implementation, switching the control signal level from a first level to a second level indicates an increase in the output voltage. Switching the control signal level from a second level to a first level indicates a decrease in the output voltage. The first level is one of a high level and a low level, and the second level is the other of a high level and a low level.

[0011] In this implementation, the power module can increase or decrease the output voltage by analyzing the level switching of the control signal. The level switching of the control signal is a form of hard-wired communication, which, compared to the encoding-then-decoding method, enables fast communication and rapid transmission of output voltage information. This allows the power module to respond quickly to voltage adjustments, reducing its power consumption.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the power module further includes a transmitting interface for transmitting a feedback signal when the change in the adjusted output voltage is less than a first preset threshold.

[0013] In this implementation, the power module can send a feedback signal to the device that sends the control signal after the voltage regulation is stable, so as to achieve state synchronization, which can realize the robustness of the voltage regulation process and improve the reliability of electronic equipment.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the difference between the adjusted output voltage and the original output voltage is a second preset threshold.

[0015] In this implementation, the power module can increase or decrease the output voltage in steps of a second preset threshold when it receives a control signal, which can achieve rapid voltage regulation and reduce the power consumption of electronic devices.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the power module also includes a memory for storing voltage regulation parameters, including the mapping relationship between voltage regulation levels and voltage values, voltage regulation rate, and power supply channels. The voltage regulation parameters are used to adjust the output voltage of the power output interface.

[0017] In this implementation, the power module can store voltage regulation parameters in advance, so as to adjust the output voltage of the power module by adjusting the voltage regulation parameters, thereby achieving rapid voltage regulation and reducing the power consumption of electronic devices.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the interface protocol of the first receiving interface is at least one of the following: Power Management Bus PMBUS, Adaptive Voltage Scale Bus AVSBUS, System Power Management Interface SPMI, and Serial Voltage Identification (SVID) bus.

[0019] In this implementation, the power module can reuse the existing power regulation interface to receive control signals, which can save input / output resources of electronic devices.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the power module further includes a second receiving interface for receiving a switching command, which indicates the mode of the first receiving interface to be switched.

[0021] In this implementation, the power module can control the mode of the first receiving interface through the switching command received by the second receiving interface, so that the control signal can reuse the existing power voltage regulation interface, reducing the I / O resources of the electronic device.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a processor, which includes a power input interface and a first transmission interface. The power input interface is used to couple with a power module. The power input interface is used to receive the output voltage of the power module, and the first transmission interface is used to send a control signal to the power module when the change in load current exceeds a first preset threshold. The level change of the control signal is used to instruct the power module to adjust the output voltage.

[0023] Therefore, the processor provided in this application embodiment can send a control signal to the power module via hard-wired communication when the load current changes, which can enable the power module to quickly raise or lower the voltage, suppress voltage drops or overshoots, reduce the impact of voltage fluctuations on the processor, and realize the function of power replenishment.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the processor further includes a second transmitting interface for receiving a feedback signal indicating that the change in the adjusted output voltage is less than a second preset threshold.

[0025] In this implementation, the processor can send the control signal for the next voltage regulation after receiving the feedback signal, which can realize the state synchronization between the processor and the power module, improve the robustness of the voltage regulation process, and improve the reliability of electronic equipment.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the processor further includes a second transmitting interface for transmitting a switching instruction that indicates a switch to a different mode for the first transmitting interface.

[0027] In this implementation, the processor can control the mode of the first transmitting interface by sending a switching instruction, so that the control signal can reuse the existing power supply voltage regulation interface, saving the input / output resources of the electronic device.

[0028] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a voltage adjustment method applied to a power module, the power module including a first receiving interface, a voltage regulating circuit, and a power output interface. The voltage adjustment method includes: the first receiving interface receiving a control signal; the voltage regulating circuit adjusting the output voltage of the power output interface based on changes in the level of the control signal; and the power output interface providing the adjusted output voltage to the load.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the power module further includes a transmitting interface, and the voltage adjustment method further includes: the transmitting interface transmitting a feedback signal when the change in the adjusted output voltage is less than a first preset threshold.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the power module further includes a second receiving interface, and the voltage adjustment method further includes: the second receiving interface being used to receive a switching command, the switching command being used to indicate switching the mode of the first receiving interface.

[0031] For the beneficial effects of the third aspect, please refer to the explanation of the first aspect.

[0032] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a voltage adjustment method applied to a processor. The processor includes a power input interface and a first transmission interface, the power input interface being used for coupling with a power module. The voltage adjustment method includes: the power input interface receiving the output voltage of the power module; and the first transmission interface sending a control signal to the power module when the change in load current exceeds a first preset threshold, the level change of the control signal being used to instruct the power module to adjust the output voltage.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the processor further includes a receiving interface, and the voltage adjustment method further includes: the receiving interface receiving a feedback signal, the feedback signal being used to indicate that the change in the adjusted output voltage is less than a second preset threshold.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the processor further includes a second transmitting interface, and the voltage adjustment method further includes: the second transmitting interface transmitting a switching instruction to indicate switching the mode of the first transmitting interface.

[0035] The beneficial effects of the fourth aspect can be found in the explanation of the second aspect.

[0036] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, which includes a power module of any one of the first aspects and a processor of any one of the second aspects, wherein the power module and the processor are electrically connected.

[0037] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, which includes a power module of any one of the first aspects, a processor and a load of any one of the second aspects, wherein the processor and the power module are electrically connected, and the power module and the load are electrically connected.

[0038] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device including one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are used to store computer program code, including computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the electronic device performs the voltage adjustment method described in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations.

[0039] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the voltage adjustment method in any of the possible implementations of the third or fourth aspect described above.

[0040] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product that, when run on a computer or processor, causes the computer or processor to execute the voltage adjustment method in any of the possible implementations of the third or fourth aspect described above.

[0041] It is understood that any of the voltage regulation methods, electronic devices, computer-readable storage media or computer program products provided above all involve the power modules or processors mentioned above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding power modules or processors, and will not be repeated here.

[0042] These or other aspects of this application will become more readily apparent in the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of voltage regulation of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 is a waveform diagram of a current jump provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a digital linear voltage regulator provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 4 is a structural diagram of an adaptive voltage and frequency adjustment system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a power module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the level of a control signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a voltage regulation process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 9 is a waveform diagram of a voltage regulation process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of voltage regulation of another electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a processor provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 12 is a waveform diagram of another voltage regulation process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 13 is a waveform diagram of another voltage regulation process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 14 is a schematic flowchart of a voltage adjustment method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 15 is a schematic flowchart of another voltage adjustment method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0059] Furthermore, the term "coupling" is used to refer to electrical connections, including direct connections via wires or terminals or indirect connections via other devices. Therefore, "coupling" should be considered a broad type of electronic communication connection.

[0060] It should be noted that, in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being described as an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0061] For the same chip, the higher the operating frequency, the higher the required voltage. Dynamic voltage frequency scaling (DVFS) dynamically adjusts the chip's operating frequency and voltage according to the different computing power needs of the applications running on the chip, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0062] In electronic devices employing DVFS (Distributed Voltage Filtering), the chip's frequency corresponds to its voltage. When the chip operates at a certain frequency, changes in the chip's power cause changes in its current, resulting in voltage jumps on the chip. A comparator in the power management unit (PMU) measures these voltage changes and obtains the rate of change. When the rate of change reaches a certain value, the PMU changes its output mode to the chip, causing the voltage jump to return to its original value.

[0063] For example, when a chip transitions from light load to heavy load, the PMU needs to switch from discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) to continuous conduction mode (CCM). There is a delay between the moment the chip enters heavy load and the moment the PMU switches to CCM; this is called the dynamic response time. If the voltage after the transition deviates too much from the original voltage, or if the dynamic response time is too long, it will cause abnormal power supply to the PMU.

[0064] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of voltage regulation in an electronic device. Figure 1 specifically shows the load's required voltage (e.g., the solid line portion) and the power module's output voltage (e.g., the dashed line portion). As can be seen from Figure 1, the power module's output voltage cannot be rapidly regulated; it often takes a delay to reach the load's required voltage, or it needs to be boosted a certain amount of time in advance to reach the load's required voltage at a preset time. This results in additional power consumption for the power module. Furthermore, if the load's required voltage changes rapidly (e.g., the rate of change is greater than the power module's regulation delay), the power module's output voltage may not change, thus failing to meet the load's power supply needs.

[0065] The regulation accuracy of the power module is related to the load and the communication latency between the power modules; specifically, the regulation accuracy of the power module is related to the communication latency of the power voltage regulation interface. Current power voltage regulation interface protocols typically transmit regulation information through encoding, resulting in significant communication latency that is insufficient for rapid voltage regulation. For example, the communication latency of the power management bus (PMBUS) is typically in the millisecond range, and the communication latency of the adaptive voltage scaling bus (AVSBUS) is typically in the tens of microsecond range.

[0066] In addition, current jumps may occur during load operation. Figure 2 shows a waveform diagram of a current jump, specifically illustrating the current waveform and power supply noise waveform. In Figure 2, the current jumps rapidly upwards at time t1. Due to the limited transient response speed of the power supply and the limited frequency domain response of the power delivery network (PDN), the upward-jumping current quickly draws charge from the PDN, causing a rapid drop in the output voltage at the load, thus generating power supply noise. Similarly, a rapid downward current jump will also generate this power supply noise. This power supply noise can affect the timing of chip circuitry and, in severe cases, may lead to chip failure.

[0067] To mitigate voltage sag, a power compensation scheme based on a digital linear voltage regulator (DLVR) is proposed. Figure 3 illustrates the structure of a DLVR. The DLVR comprises a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a main power supply, and a secondary power supply. The SoC may include a processor, a controller, and multiple transistors (e.g., P1 to Pn). The main and secondary power supplies are connected in parallel and can both power the SoC. The controller controls the switching on and off of the multiple transistors.

[0068] When the SoC is operating normally, it is powered by the main power supply, and the controller shuts down multiple transistors, leaving the secondary power supply idle. When the SoC experiences a voltage drop, the main power supply continues to provide power, but the controller turns on multiple transistors, putting the secondary power supply into operation and providing additional power to the SoC.

[0069] However, this digital linear voltage regulator requires two power supplies, and the output voltage of the auxiliary power supply must be greater than that of the main power supply, which increases the cost of the electronic equipment.

[0070] To mitigate voltage sag, an adaptive voltage and frequency regulation system is proposed. This system employs an integrated voltage and frequency regulation approach, as shown in Figure 4, which illustrates the system's structure. The system includes a clock signal generator, a voltage regulator, a lookup table, and a voltage requester.

[0071] The system comprises a clock signal generator for generating a frequency within the integrated circuit (IC), a voltage regulator for controlling the current voltage within the IC, a lookup table for determining the maximum available frequency at the current voltage, and a voltage requester for comparing a software-requested frequency with the maximum frequency, determining the difference between the two, and generating a new voltage request based on this difference. Additionally, the voltage regulator adjusts the current voltage to approximate the new voltage request, and the clock signal generator adjusts the frequency within the IC to approximate the software-requested frequency in response to the adjustment of the current voltage.

[0072] However, the operating frequency of this adaptive voltage and frequency system also changes when the voltage fluctuates. When a voltage drop occurs, the operating frequency of the circuit also decreases, affecting the circuit performance.

[0073] Therefore, this application provides a power module that adjusts its output voltage by controlling signal level changes. This utilizes hard-wired communication, which, compared to encoding and decoding to transmit output voltage information, enables rapid transmission of output voltage information. Consequently, the power module can quickly respond to voltage adjustments, reducing its power consumption and further lowering the power consumption of the electronic device.

[0074] In the above scenarios, the power module provided in this application embodiment can be applied to various electronic devices. These electronic devices include consumer electronics, home electronics, automotive electronics, and financial electronic devices. Consumer electronics include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), desktop monitors, smart wearable products (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets), virtual reality (VR) electronic devices, augmented reality (AR) electronic devices, and drones. Home electronics include smart door locks, televisions, remote controls, refrigerators, and rechargeable small household appliances (e.g., soymilk makers, robot vacuum cleaners). Automotive electronic devices include car navigation systems and in-vehicle high-density digital video discs (DVDs). Financial electronic devices include automated teller machines (ATMs) and self-service electronic devices. This application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on the specific form of the above-mentioned electronic devices.

[0075] In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a power module and a load, as shown in Figure 5, which illustrates a schematic diagram of an electronic device. The load may be various chips within the electronic device, or various functional components within those chips. Taking a mobile phone as an example, the load may be a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), image signal processor (ISP), neural processing unit (NPU), encoding module, display module, modem, or accelerator, etc. The load may also be other electrical devices or modules. The load can be an independent electronic device located on a different circuit board from the power module, and can communicate with the power module via a cable interface or other similar communication means.

[0076] In addition, the power module can be a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a power system in package (PSIP), a power management unit (PMU), or a power supply unit (PSU). Among them, the power management chip, the power system in package, and the power management unit are modules that can realize DC-DC conversion, while the power supply unit is a module that can realize AC-DC conversion.

[0077] The power module and the load can be coupled through signal lines and power lines. The power module can provide output voltage to the load through the power lines, and the load can transmit signals to the power module through signal lines, such as control signals or other signals in the embodiments of this application.

[0078] The power module provided in the embodiments of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] This application provides a power module, as shown in FIG6. FIG6 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a power module. The power module includes a first receiving interface, a voltage regulating circuit, and a power output interface, which is used for coupling with a load. It is understood that the power module in FIG6 is only schematic and does not constitute a limitation on the power module. The power module may include more or fewer components than shown in FIG6, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0080] The first receiving interface is used to receive control signals, the voltage regulation circuit is used to adjust the output voltage of the power output interface based on the level change of the control signal, and the power output interface is used to provide the adjusted output voltage to the load.

[0081] For example, the control signal can come from a processor, which can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0082] In one possible example, the load in this embodiment may be a processor, i.e., the processor sends a control signal to the power module, and the power module adjusts the output voltage supplied to the processor based on the control signal. Alternatively, the load provided in this embodiment may not be a processor, i.e., the processor sends a control signal to the power module, and the power module adjusts the output voltage supplied to other loads based on the control signal.

[0083] For example, the voltage regulation circuit in this application embodiment may include a controller and a switching power supply, wherein the switching power supply may be a buck circuit, a boost circuit, or a buck-boost circuit. Specifically, the controller can change the state of the switching power supply according to the level change of the control signal (level change or edge change) to change the output voltage, output current, or power of the power module.

[0084] For example, the power module and the processor can be connected via a signal line, through which the processor transmits control signals. The level changes of the control signals can characterize different states of the power module, such as an up-voltage state, a down-voltage state, and an idle state.

[0085] In one possible example, the processor can transmit control signals via a single signal line. Switching the control signal level from a first level to a second level indicates an increase in the output voltage, and switching the control signal level from a second level to a first level indicates a decrease in the output voltage. The first level is one of a high or low level, and the second level is the other of a high or low level.

[0086] Assuming the first voltage level is high and the second voltage level is low, when the control signal switches from high to low, it instructs the power module to adjust the voltage upward, and when the control signal switches from low to high, it instructs the power module to adjust the voltage downward.

[0087] As shown in Figure 7(a), a high level is represented by "1" and a low level by "0". At time t1, the control signal switches from "1" to "0", and the output voltage increases. At time t2, the control signal remains at "0", and the output voltage maintains its current value. At time t3, the control signal switches from "0" to "1", and the output voltage decreases.

[0088] Assuming the first level is low and the second level is high, when the control signal switches from low to high, it instructs the power module to adjust the voltage upward, and when the control signal switches from high to low, it instructs the power module to adjust the voltage downward.

[0089] As shown in Figure 7(b), at time t1, the control signal switches from "1" to "0", and the output voltage decreases. At time t2, the control signal remains at "0", and the output voltage maintains its current value. At time t3, the control signal switches from "0" to "1", and the output voltage increases.

[0090] Understandably, there is a certain time delay between the moment the output voltage begins to decrease and the moment it begins to rise compared to the moment the control signal level switches. However, this delay is much smaller than the time required for encoding and decoding the output voltage information in existing technologies. Therefore, rapid communication between the processor and the power module can be achieved through changes in the control signal level.

[0091] In another possible example, the processor can also transmit control signals via two signal lines. For example, one signal line transmits control signal _1, and the other signal line transmits control signal _2. The level changes of control signal _1 and control signal _2 are used together to characterize different states of the power module.

[0092] For example, assuming a high level is represented by "1" and a low level by "0", when control signal _1 is low and control signal _2 is low, the power module is in an idle state, i.e., idle = 00. When control signal _1 is high and control signal _2 is low, the power module is in an upward voltage regulation state, i.e., up = 10. When control signal _1 is low and control signal _2 is high, the power module is in a downward voltage regulation state, i.e., down = 01.

[0093] For example, assuming a high level is represented by "1" and a low level by "0", when both control signal _1 and control signal _2 are high, the power module is in an idle state, i.e., idle = 11. When control signal _1 is low and control signal _2 is high, the power module is in an upward voltage regulation state, i.e., up = 01. When control signal _1 is high and control signal _2 is low, the power module is in a downward voltage regulation state, i.e., down = 10.

[0094] It is understandable that the processor can also transmit control signals through a greater number of signal lines, meaning that control signals can be represented by more bits of information; this application does not limit this. Furthermore, this hardware communication method can also be applied to other devices requiring low-latency communication; this application does not limit this either.

[0095] Optionally, the power module also includes a transmitting interface, which is used to send a feedback signal when the change in the adjusted output voltage is less than a first preset threshold. The first preset threshold can be set according to the voltage regulation accuracy of the electronic device, such as 50 millivolts (mV) or 100 mV.

[0096] In other words, when the output voltage fluctuation meets the voltage regulation accuracy, the power module can send a feedback signal to the processor via the transmission interface to inform the processor that a voltage regulation process has been completed, thus synchronizing the states of the processor and the power module. This feedback signal, also known as a handshake signal, ensures the robustness of the voltage regulation process and improves the reliability of the power module.

[0097] Figure 8 illustrates a voltage regulation process. In this process, the power supply module is in an idle state, awaiting a voltage regulation request. The processor initiates an upward voltage regulation request (i.e., a control signal), at which point the power supply module increases its output voltage. After the increased output voltage stabilizes, it sends a feedback signal to the processor. Alternatively, the processor initiates a downward voltage regulation request (i.e., a control signal), at which point the power supply module decreases its output voltage. After the decreased output voltage stabilizes, it sends a feedback signal to the processor.

[0098] For example, as shown in Figure 9, a waveform diagram of a voltage regulation process is illustrated. In Figure 9, the control signals are illustrated as 2-bit signals, namely control signal_1 and control signal_2, and an example is given with idle=00, up=10, down=01.

[0099] At time t1, control signal _1 switches from low level to high level, and control signal _2 is low level, that is, the control signal is "10", which indicates upward voltage adjustment. At this time, the output voltage rises, and the feedback signal is low level.

[0100] At time t2, after the output voltage stabilizes, the feedback signal switches from low level to high level. At this time, the control signal _1 switches from high level to low level, and the control signal _2 remains low level, that is, the control signal is "00", which indicates idle. At this time, the output voltage remains unchanged.

[0101] At time t3, control signal _2 switches from low level to high level, control signal _1 is low level, that is, the control signal is "01", which indicates downward voltage adjustment. At this time, the output voltage drops, and the feedback signal is low level.

[0102] At time t4, after the output voltage stabilizes, the feedback signal switches from low level to high level. At this time, the control signal _2 switches from high level to low level, and the control signal _1 remains low level, that is, the control signal is "00", which indicates idle. At this time, the output voltage remains unchanged.

[0103] It is understandable that, in addition to the time delay of the control signal, the timing of the feedback signal level switching is also delayed compared to the timing of the control signal level switching, but this delay is relatively small.

[0104] Optionally, the difference between the adjusted output voltage and the original output voltage is a second preset threshold. This second preset threshold can be set according to the voltage regulation accuracy of the electronic device, for example, 100mV, 200mV, 500mV, or other values.

[0105] For example, the second preset threshold can be understood as an increment or step, meaning that when the power module receives a control signal indicating upward voltage adjustment, the adjusted output voltage of the power module is the sum of the original output voltage and the second preset threshold. Alternatively, when the power module receives a control signal indicating downward voltage adjustment, the adjusted output voltage of the power module is the difference between the original output voltage and the second preset threshold.

[0106] In other words, when the power module receives a control signal, it adds or subtracts a second preset threshold from the current output voltage to complete a voltage regulation process. The processor can send multiple control signals to control the power module to complete multiple voltage regulation processes so that the output voltage of the power module is the target voltage.

[0107] Optionally, the power module also includes a memory for storing voltage regulation parameters. These parameters include the mapping relationship between voltage regulation levels and voltage values, the voltage regulation rate, and power supply channels. The voltage regulation parameters are used to adjust the output voltage of the power output interface. The voltage regulation rate is the rate of change of the output voltage, and the power supply channels refer to the channels among multiple power supply channels that require voltage regulation.

[0108] For example, the power module can store voltage regulation parameters in a memory. These parameters can be pre-specified parameters used to adjust the output voltage of the power output interface.

[0109] The mapping relationship between voltage adjustment levels and voltage values ​​can be stored in a lookup table (LUT). The power module can obtain the current output voltage and look up the LUT to obtain the current voltage adjustment level corresponding to the current output voltage. When the power module receives a control signal indicating an upward voltage adjustment, it looks up the LUT to obtain the voltage value corresponding to the next voltage adjustment level and adjusts the output voltage to that value. Alternatively, when the power module receives a control signal indicating a downward voltage adjustment, it looks up the LUT to obtain the voltage value corresponding to the previous voltage adjustment level and adjusts the output voltage to that value.

[0110] In other words, when the power module receives a control signal, it adjusts the current output voltage to the previous or next voltage regulation level, thus completing one voltage regulation process. The processor can send multiple control signals to control the power module to complete multiple voltage regulation processes, so that the output voltage of the power module is the target voltage.

[0111] Optionally, the interface protocol of the first receiving interface is at least one of the following: PMBUS, AVSBUS, system power management interface (SPMI), and serial voltage identification (SVID). It is understood that the interface protocol of the first receiving interface can also be other communication protocols, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0112] As shown in Table 1, there are several power regulation interface protocols, namely PMBUS, AVSBUS, SPMI and SVID. Table 1 also shows the speed, physical layer, board level and input / output (IO) of each power regulation interface protocol.

[0113] The physical layer of each power supply voltage regulation interface protocol can be an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) or a serial peripheral interface (SPI), and the board level and I / O of each power supply voltage regulation interface protocol can be open drain (OD) or push-pull I / O.

[0114] Table 1

[0115] For example, the first receiving interface can be one of the power regulation interfaces mentioned above or other types of power regulation interfaces. That is, the control signal can reuse the existing power regulation interface, which can save the I / O resources of the electronic device.

[0116] In one possible example, taking the first receiving interface multiplexed as PMBUS, as shown in Table 2, Table 2 illustrates the primary and multiplexed functions of PMBUS. The primary functions of PMBUS may include transmitting clock signals (i.e., PMBUS-scl), transmitting data signals (i.e., PMBUS-sda), a backup (i.e., PMBUS-alt), and transmitting feedback signals (i.e., VR_RDY).

[0117] Table 2

[0118] It is understood that Table 2 only shows one form of PMBUS multiplexing of control signals for two signal lines, and other multiplexing forms are also possible. This application does not limit this.

[0119] Additionally, if only one signal line is used to transmit control signals between the processor and the power module, this control signal can reuse one of the signal lines PMBUS-scl, PMBUS-sda, and PMBUS-alt.

[0120] In another possible example, taking the first receive interface multiplexing AVSBUS as an example, as shown in Table 3, Table 3 shows the primary and multiplexed functions of AVSBUS. The primary functions of AVSBUS may include the transmission clock signal (AVSBUS_clk), the transmit data signal (AVSBUS_MISO), the receive data signal (AVSBUS_MOSI), and the transmission feedback signal (VR_RDY).

[0121] Table 3

[0122] It is understood that Table 3 only shows one form of AVSBUS multiplexing of control signals for two signal lines, and other multiplexing forms are also possible. This application does not limit this.

[0123] Additionally, if only one signal line is used to transmit control signals between the processor and the power module, this control signal can reuse one of the signal lines AVSBUS-clk, AVSBUS-MISO, and PMBUS-MOSI.

[0124] In yet another possible example, the control signal could also reuse the clock or data signal lines in the SPMI. Alternatively, the control signal could reuse other signal lines, such as the current sense (CS) signal line or pulse width modulation (PWM) signal line of the idle phase in a multiphase power supply control chip.

[0125] Optionally, the power module also includes a second receiving interface for receiving switching commands, which indicate the mode of the first receiving interface.

[0126] For example, the second receiving interface can also be one of the aforementioned power regulating interfaces or other types of power regulating interfaces. When the power module transmits control signals through the multiplexed first receiving interface, it can transmit switching commands through the power regulating interface to switch the mode of the first receiving interface. In a possible example, assuming the first receiving interface multiplexes PMBUS, the second receiving interface can be AVSBUS. That is, the switching command is transmitted through AVSBUS to switch the interface function of PMBUS to achieve the function of transmitting control signals. In addition, since PMBUS is an open-drain I / O, in order to be compatible with the function of control signals, the PMBUS interface design should be compatible with the function of push-pull I / O.

[0127] In another possible example, assuming the first receiving interface is multiplexed with AVSBUS, the second receiving interface can be PMBUS. That is, switching commands are transmitted via PMBUS to switch the interface function of AVSBUS in order to realize the function of transmitting control signals.

[0128] For example, the power module can also control the switching of the mode of the first receiving interface through general purpose input / output (GPIO). Specifically, when the power module transmits control signals through the multiplexed first receiving interface, it can also switch the mode of the first receiving interface through changes in the level of the GPIO.

[0129] Understandably, in addition to receiving control signals, the first receiving interface can also receive control signals for other power functions, such as controlling the switching of the number of phases activated, and controlling PWM and DCM modes. While control signals for other power functions do not require feedback signals, they still involve switching the mode of the first receiving interface.

[0130] For example, as shown in Figure 10, which illustrates a schematic diagram of voltage regulation in another electronic device, the power module provided in this application embodiment can adjust its output voltage by indicating changes in the level of a control signal. Thus, the power module can achieve rapid voltage regulation, meaning that the output voltage of the power module and the required voltage of the load can be the same, i.e., the output voltage of the power module can meet the load's voltage requirements.

[0131] In some application scenarios, since the power module provided in this application embodiment supports rapid voltage rise and fall through hard-wired communication, it can fully utilize sporadic low-load time windows to achieve DVFS, thereby increasing the chance of entering a low-power state and obtaining more energy-saving benefits.

[0132] This application also provides a processor, as shown in FIG11, which illustrates a schematic diagram of a processor structure. The processor includes a power input interface and a first transmission interface, the power input interface being used for coupling with a power module. It is understood that the processor in FIG11 is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation on the processor; the processor may include more or fewer components than shown in FIG11, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0133] The power input interface receives the output voltage of the power module, and the first transmitting interface sends a control signal to the power module when the change in load current exceeds a first preset threshold. The level change of the control signal instructs the power module to adjust the output voltage. The first preset threshold can be set according to the voltage regulation accuracy of the electronic device, for example, 20mA or 50mA.

[0134] For example, the interface protocols of the first transmitting interface, the receiving interface (described later), and the second transmitting interface (described later) may also be at least one of the following: PMBUS, AVSBUS, SPMI, and SVID. Alternatively, the interface protocols of the first transmitting interface, the receiving interface (described later), and the second transmitting interface (described later) may also be other communication protocols, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0135] For example, the load in this application embodiment can be a processor, that is, when the processor's own current changes, it sends a control signal to the power module to adjust the output voltage of the power module supplying power to the processor. Alternatively, the load provided in this application embodiment may not be a processor, that is, when the current of other loads changes, the processor sends a control signal to the power module to adjust the output voltage of the power module supplying power to other loads.

[0136] In one possible example, when a current jump occurs in the load, the processor can use a predictive mechanism to notify the power module to adjust the voltage in advance. Figure 12 shows a waveform diagram of another voltage adjustment process, specifically illustrating the output voltage at the power module, the control signal, the load current, and the output voltage at the load. The output voltage at the load includes the output voltage before adjustment (see the dashed line) and the output voltage after adjustment (see the solid line).

[0137] Assuming the load current jumps upwards at time t2, if the processor does not adjust the voltage, the output voltage at the load will drop when the load current jumps. If the processor adjusts the voltage in advance, it can send a control signal to the power module at time t1 before t2. This control signal switches from low to high at time t1, instructing the power module to adjust the voltage upwards, thus raising the output voltage at the load, and the voltage drop is not significant. At time t3, the control signal switches from high to low, instructing the power module to adjust the voltage downwards, thus restoring the output voltage at the load to stability.

[0138] In another possible example, when a current surge occurs in the load, the processor can also notify the power module to adjust the voltage via a surge detection mechanism. Figure 13 shows a waveform diagram of another voltage adjustment process, specifically illustrating the output voltage at the power module, the control signal, the load current, and the output voltage at the load. The output voltage at the load includes the output voltage before adjustment (see the dashed line) and the output voltage after adjustment (see the solid line).

[0139] Assuming the load current jumps upwards at time t1, if the processor does not adjust the voltage, a voltage drop will occur at the load during this current jump. If the processor detects a change in load current exceeding a first preset threshold at times t2 and t3, it sends a control signal to the power module at time t2. This control signal switches from low to high at time t2, instructing the power module to adjust the voltage upwards, thus raising the output voltage at the load, at which point the voltage drop is minimal. At time t4, the control signal switches from high to low, instructing the power module to adjust the voltage downwards, thereby restoring the output voltage at the load to stability.

[0140] Therefore, the processor provided in this application embodiment can send a control signal to the power module via hard-wired communication when the load current changes, which can enable the power module to quickly raise or lower the voltage, suppress voltage drops or overshoots, reduce the impact of voltage fluctuations on the processor, and realize the function of power replenishment.

[0141] Optionally, the processor also includes a receiving interface for receiving a feedback signal. This feedback signal indicates that the change in the adjusted output voltage is less than a second preset threshold. The output voltage remaining stable is defined as the change in output voltage being less than the second preset threshold, which can be set according to the voltage regulation accuracy of the electronic device.

[0142] For example, the processor can send the control signal for the next voltage regulation after receiving the feedback signal, which can realize the state synchronization between the processor and the power module, improve the robustness of the voltage regulation process, and improve the reliability of electronic equipment.

[0143] Optionally, the processor also includes a second transmitting interface for transmitting a switching instruction, which indicates a switch to the mode of the first transmitting interface.

[0144] For example, the processor can control the mode of the first transmitting interface by sending a switching instruction, so that the control signal can reuse the existing power regulation interface, saving I / O resources of the electronic device. The multiplexing methods of the control signal are explained in Tables 2 and 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0145] This application also provides a voltage adjustment method, as shown in Figure 14, which illustrates a flowchart of the voltage adjustment method. This voltage adjustment method is applied to a power module, which includes a first receiving interface, a voltage regulation circuit, and a power output interface. The voltage adjustment method includes the following steps.

[0146] S1401, The first receiving interface receives control signals.

[0147] S1402, the voltage regulation circuit adjusts the output voltage of the power output interface based on the level change of the control signal.

[0148] S1403, the power output interface provides the adjusted output voltage to the load.

[0149] For example, in the voltage adjustment method provided in this application embodiment, compared to the method of first encoding and then decoding to transmit output voltage information, the output voltage of the power module can be adjusted by changing the level of the control signal, i.e., using hard-wired communication. Hard-wired communication can reduce the communication delay between the power module and the device sending the control signal, thus enabling rapid transmission of output voltage information. Therefore, the power module can quickly respond to voltage adjustments. In other words, because the power module can also quickly adjust the output voltage, it can meet the load's output voltage requirements even when the load's power supply demands change rapidly, and it reduces the power consumption of the power module and the electronic devices including the power module.

[0150] Optionally, the power module also includes a transmitting interface, and the voltage adjustment method further includes: when the change in the adjusted output voltage is less than a first preset threshold, the transmitting interface sends a feedback signal.

[0151] Optionally, the power module further includes a second receiving interface, and the voltage adjustment method further includes: the second receiving interface is used to receive a switching command, the switching command being used to indicate switching the mode of the first receiving interface.

[0152] This application also provides a voltage adjustment method, as shown in FIG15, which illustrates a flowchart of another voltage adjustment method. This voltage adjustment method is applied to a processor, which includes a power input interface and a first transmission interface. The power input interface is used for coupling with a power module. The voltage adjustment method includes the following steps.

[0153] S1501, Power input interface receives the output voltage of the power module.

[0154] S1502. When the change in load current exceeds a first preset threshold, the first transmitting interface sends a control signal to the power supply module. The level change of the control signal is used to instruct the power supply module to adjust the output voltage.

[0155] For example, the voltage adjustment method provided in this application embodiment can send a control signal to the power module through hard-wired communication when the load current jumps, which can enable the power module to quickly raise or lower the voltage, suppress voltage drops or overshoots, reduce the impact of voltage fluctuations on the processor, and realize the function of power replenishment.

[0156] Optionally, the processor also includes a receiving interface, and the voltage adjustment method further includes: the receiving interface receiving a feedback signal, the feedback signal being used to indicate that the change in the adjusted output voltage is less than a second preset threshold.

[0157] Optionally, the processor also includes a second transmitting interface, and the voltage adjustment method further includes: the second transmitting interface transmitting a switching instruction, the switching instruction being used to indicate switching the mode of the first transmitting interface.

[0158] This application also provides an electronic device, which may include a power module and a processor, and the power module and the processor are electrically connected.

[0159] This application also provides an electronic device, which may include a power module, a processor, and a load, wherein the processor and the power module are electrically connected, and the power module and the load are electrically connected.

[0160] This application also provides an electronic device, including one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are used to store computer program code, including computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the electronic device performs the aforementioned method steps to implement the voltage adjustment method in the above embodiments.

[0161] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer storage medium storing computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on an electronic device, the electronic device performs the aforementioned method steps to implement the voltage adjustment method in the above embodiments.

[0162] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned related steps to implement the voltage adjustment method performed by the electronic device in the above embodiments.

[0163] In addition, embodiments of this application also provide an apparatus, which may specifically be a chip, component, or module. The apparatus may include a connected processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer execution instructions, and when the apparatus is running, the processor may execute the computer execution instructions stored in the memory to cause the chip to execute the voltage adjustment method executed by the electronic device in the above method embodiments.

[0164] In this embodiment, the electronic devices, apparatuses, computer storage media, computer program products, or chips are all used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0165] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0166] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0167] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0168] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0169] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, essentially or in other words, the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0170] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A power module, characterized in that, The power module includes: a first receiving interface, a voltage regulating circuit, and a power output interface, wherein the power output interface is used to couple with a load. The first receiving interface is used to receive control signals; The voltage regulating circuit is used to adjust the output voltage of the power output interface based on the level change of the control signal; The power output interface is used to provide the adjusted output voltage to the load.

2. The power module according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the level of the control signal switches from the first level to the second level, it indicates an increase in the output voltage; When the level of the control signal switches from the second level to the first level, it indicates a reduction in the output voltage. The first level is one of a high level and a low level, and the second level is the other of the high level and the low level.

3. The power module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The power module further includes: a transmitting interface; The transmitting interface is used to send a feedback signal when the change in the adjusted output voltage is less than a first preset threshold.

4. The power module according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The difference between the adjusted output voltage and the original output voltage is a second preset threshold.

5. The power module according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The power module further includes: a memory; The memory is used to store voltage regulation parameters, which include the mapping relationship between voltage regulation level and voltage value, voltage regulation rate and power channel. The voltage regulation parameters are used to adjust the output voltage of the power output interface.

6. The power module according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The interface protocol of the first receiving interface is at least one of the following: Power Management Bus PMBUS, Adaptive Voltage Scale Bus AVSBUS, System Power Management Interface SPMI, and Serial Voltage Identification (SVID) bus.

7. The power module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The power module further includes: a second receiving interface; The second receiving interface is used to receive a switching instruction, which is used to indicate switching the mode of the first receiving interface.

8. A processor, characterized in that, The processor includes: a power input interface and a first transmission interface, wherein the power input interface is used to couple with a power module; The power input interface is used to receive the output voltage of the power module; The first transmitting interface is used to send a control signal to the power module when the change in the load current is greater than a first preset threshold. The level change of the control signal is used to instruct the power module to adjust the output voltage.

9. The processor according to claim 8, characterized in that, The processor also includes a receiving interface; The receiving interface is used to receive a feedback signal, which indicates that the change in the adjusted output voltage is less than a second preset threshold.

10. The processor according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The processor also includes a second transmission interface; The second transmitting interface is used to send a switching command, which is used to indicate switching the mode of the first transmitting interface.

11. A voltage regulation method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a power module, the power module including a first receiving interface, a voltage regulation circuit, and a power output interface; the method includes: The first receiving interface receives control signals; The voltage regulation circuit adjusts the output voltage of the power output interface based on the level change of the control signal; The power output interface provides the adjusted output voltage to the load.

12. A voltage adjustment method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a processor, the processor including a power input interface and a first transmission interface, the power input interface being used for coupling with a power module; the method includes: The power input interface receives the output voltage of the power module; When the change in load current exceeds a first preset threshold, the first transmitting interface sends a control signal to the power module. The level change of the control signal is used to instruct the power module to adjust the output voltage.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes: a power module as described in any one of claims 1-7 and a processor as described in any one of claims 8-10, wherein the power module and the processor are electrically connected.

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