Boost Voltage Generator Circuit for GPU Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power delivery methods through slot connectors, such as AGP or PCI Express, often limit the power available to graphics processing units (GPUs), necessitating alternative means to provide sufficient power, especially when conventional sources like slot connectors and main power supplies are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A boost voltage generator circuit utilizing n-channel MOSFETs and components like zener diodes and capacitors, which leverages a phase node tap signal from a switching power supply to generate a voltage sufficient to turn on the MOSFETs, enabling power delivery from multiple sources to the GPU, thereby overcoming the limitation of requiring a voltage greater than 12V to activate the MOSFETs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If n-channel MOSFETs are used for power switching, then power loss is reduced and switching efficiency is improved, but a voltage greater than 12V is required to turn on the MOSFETs which exceeds the available voltage from standard power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit performs preliminary action by generating the required boost voltage before the MOSFET needs to be activated. The charge pump circuit pre-charges the gate capacitor to the necessary voltage level (greater than 12V) in advance, using the available 5V or 12V input voltage, so that when the MOSFET needs to switch, the gate is already prepared to receive the appropriate voltage signal, thus enabling low-power MOSFET operation without requiring an external high-voltage source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (gate capacitor, charge pump circuit, diodes) between the available power source and the MOSFET gate. These intermediaries transform the available low voltage (5V or 12V) into the required high voltage for MOSFET activation, mediating the voltage mismatch between the power source and the MOSFET's switching requirements, thereby enabling efficient power switching without direct high-voltage input
2Power
If additional power sources are introduced to provide sufficient power to GPUs, then power delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple power source configurations. The same circuit topology can accommodate single power source input or dual power source inputs (such as 5V and 12V from different sources), automatically routing and combining power as needed. This universal design enables the system to achieve high power delivery capability while maintaining circuit simplicity, as the circuit adapts to different power source scenarios without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each configuration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for efficient power switching among various voltage sources, ensuring adequate power delivery to GPUs by generating a boost voltage that enables n-channel MOSFETs to turn on, reducing power loss and maintaining cost-effectiveness by using existing components on the graphics card.
Implementation Method 1
A boost voltage generator circuit utilizing n-channel MOSFETs and components like zener diodes and capacitors, which leverages a phase node tap signal from a switching power supply to generate a voltage sufficient to turn on the MOSFETs
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for generating a boost voltage in a computing platform are disclosed.