Adaptive Regulator and Charge Pump Control for Stable Output Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power converters face challenges in maintaining a stable output voltage as input voltage changes, such as battery voltage degradation in digital devices, leading to incorrect voltage supply due to the inability to adaptively adjust regulator and charge pump modes in response to varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A controller is implemented to manage the operation of power converters by transitioning between different regulator and charge pump modes based on input signals, using state machines to control the transitions and ensure efficient voltage transformation, thereby maintaining a stable output voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the regulator and charge pump operate in fixed modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to changing input voltage conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator and charge pump modes are made dynamically adjustable based on real-time monitoring of input voltage conditions. The controller automatically transitions between different operating modes (buck, boost, buck-boost for regulator; different voltage-transformation ratios for charge pump) to adapt to changing battery voltage, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring input voltage conditions and using this information to adjust the operating modes of the regulator and charge pump. The controller receives information indicative of power converter operation and uses this feedback to make informed decisions about mode transitions, ensuring the output voltage remains stable despite input variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the regulator transitions between buck and boost modes, then the adaptability to voltage changes improves, but the device complexity increases due to coordinated control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control of the regulator and charge pump is merged into a unified coordination scheme. Instead of independently controlling each component, the system uses a integrated state machine that simultaneously manages both the regulator mode and charge pump voltage-transformation ratio, reducing the overall control complexity despite the expanded voltage transformation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed as a universal management system that handles multiple functions: monitoring input voltage, determining optimal operating modes, coordinating regulator transitions, and adjusting charge pump ratios. This multi-functional approach consolidates control logic and reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
In a power converter having a regulator and charge pump, both of which operate in plural modes, a controller receives information indicative of the power converter's operation and, based at least in part on said information, causes transitions between regulator modes and transitions between charge-pump modes.