Configurable Regulator Switch Array for Variable Load Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of voltage regulator circuits in computer systems is complex and costly, requiring dedicated high-voltage transistors and customized mask designs, with initial load current estimates often changing during the design process, leading to lengthy re-designs and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A configurable switch array with multiple switch circuits and a control circuit that adjusts the number of switch devices based on target load currents, allowing for dynamic adaptation to changing load conditions without re-designing the voltage regulator circuit, using high-speed transistors to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated high-voltage transistors and customized mask designs are used in voltage regulator circuits, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using standard transistors that can serve multiple functions through configurable switch arrays. Instead of dedicated high-voltage transistors for each regulation function, a single array of standard transistors can be configured to regulate multiple voltage levels and adapt to different load conditions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through configurable switch arrays that can dynamically reconfigure the number and arrangement of active transistors based on load current requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the circuit to adapt to changing conditions without physical redesign, resolving the contradiction between reliability and design complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If customized mask designs are implemented for voltage regulator circuits, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the voltage regulator function into modular switch arrays that can be independently configured. This modular approach allows standard manufacturing processes to be used while achieving precise control through software or control circuit configuration, eliminating the need for customized mask designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by configuring the switch arrays to change the effective number of parallel transistors based on load requirements. This allows the same physical circuit to achieve different current handling capabilities through configuration rather than physical redesign, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining manufacturing precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of switch circuits is increased to accommodate higher target load currents, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing switch arrays that can be dynamically reconfigured to change the number of active parallel transistors based on load current requirements. This dynamic adjustment provides adaptability to different load conditions without requiring multiple fixed complex circuits, as the same hardware can be reconfigured for different current levels
4Adaptability or versatility
If lengthy re-designs are performed when load current estimates change, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates lengthy re-designs by implementing dynamically reconfigurable switch arrays that can adapt to changing load current estimates during the design process. The configurable architecture allows designers to modify load specifications without physical redesign, as the same circuit can be reconfigured through control logic to match new requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the switch arrays with inherent configurability built in from the start. This preliminary design decision enables future adaptations without re-design, as the configurable architecture anticipates and accommodates load current changes that may occur during the design process
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator circuit included in a computer system may employ a control circuit and a switch array that includes multiple switch circuits. Different groups of switch circuits that include respective groups of switch devices are coupled between an input power supply node and corresponding regulated power supply nodes. To maintain desired respective voltages on the regulated power supply nodes, the control circuit compares the voltages of the regulated power supply nodes to corresponding reference voltages and, based on results of the comparisons, opens and closes various ones of the switch devices included in the different groups of switch circuits.