Buck Converter Cycle Transitions for Voltage Ripple Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulator circuits in computer systems face inefficiencies and voltage excursions due to abrupt changes between low and high conversion ratio operation modes, leading to undesired ripple in the regulated power supply node, which affects load circuit performance.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator circuit that employs a hybrid operation mode using a control circuit to select switching sequences based on the conversion ratio, transitioning smoothly between modes by activating different sets of devices during various cycles, and using threshold values to manage the transition, thereby maintaining efficiency and reducing ripple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If abrupt changes between low and high conversion ratio operation modes are used, then the voltage regulator circuit can respond quickly to load changes, but voltage excursions and ripple increase affecting load circuit performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching sequence selection that adapts to real-time operating conditions. The control circuit dynamically chooses between different switching sequences (first, second, or third) based on the conversion ratio and load conditions, enabling smooth transitions between low and high conversion ratio modes. This dynamic adaptation eliminates abrupt changes while maintaining fast response capability to load variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the switching sequence parameter based on operating conditions to optimize performance. By selecting from multiple predefined switching sequences with different characteristics, the system can transition between modes by changing the switching pattern parameter rather than making abrupt changes. This parameter-based control reduces voltage excursions and ripple while maintaining response speed.
2Productivity
If multiple switching sequences are implemented with complex selection logic, then operation efficiency and ripple reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit uses feedback from the conversion ratio calculation to automatically select the appropriate switching sequence. By continuously monitoring the relationship between input and output voltages, the system determines whether to use the first, second, or third switching sequence without requiring complex external control logic. This feedback mechanism simplifies the overall control architecture while maintaining high operation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the operating range into different segments based on conversion ratio thresholds. Each segment corresponds to a specific switching sequence that is optimized for that range. This segmentation approach allows the use of simple, predetermined switching patterns for each segment rather than requiring complex real-time optimization, thereby reducing control circuit complexity while maintaining high efficiency across all operating conditions.
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
The solution ensures efficient operation and minimizes voltage excursions by selecting appropriate switching sequences based on the conversion ratio, providing a smooth transition between low and high conversion ratio modes, thus improving the stability and efficiency of the voltage regulator circuit.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage regulator circuit may include a capacitor, a plurality of devices, and a switch node coupled to a regulated power supply node via an inductor
Implementation Method 2
a switch node coupled to a regulated power supply node via an inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator circuit included in a computer system may include multiple devices and a switch node coupled to a regulated power supply node via an inductor. The voltage regulator circuit may charge a capacitor using an input power supply signal, and couple the capacitor to the switch node using respective subsets of the multiple devices, which are selected based on one or more control signals. A control circuit may generate the one or more control signals based on a particular switching sequence, which is selected based on a ratio of a voltage level of the regulated power supply node and a voltage level input power supply signal.