Daisy Chain Clock Distribution for Power Converters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multiphase regulator circuits require phase control pins and phase-locked loops (PLLs) to set the phase of power converters, increasing the size and cost of integrated circuits due to the need for additional pins and complex clock signal management.
Innovation Solution
A circuit design that uses a 'daisy chain' configuration with phase shifters to distribute clock signals between power converters, eliminating the need for phase control pins and PLLs by providing a common clock frequency and phase to each converter without additional pins, thereby reducing circuit size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase control pins and PLLs are used to set the phase of power converters, then phase control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the PLL and phase control pin components from the power converter circuit. By using a simple resistive divider network instead, the complex clock signal generation and phase control functionality is removed, achieving phase control without requiring PLLs or additional control pins, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining phase control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a resistive divider network to copy and distribute the clock signal to multiple power converters with different phase shifts. Instead of using complex PLL circuits in each converter, the same clock source is copied and distributed with simple resistive scaling to achieve the desired phase relationships, reducing overall circuit complexity
2Measurement precision
If phase control pins and PLLs are used to set the phase of power converters, then phase control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive PLL circuits and dedicated phase control pins from each power converter. By replacing these with simple resistive divider networks, the bill of materials cost is significantly reduced, making the product more manufacturable and cost-effective while retaining the essential phase control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex PLL circuits with inexpensive resistive divider networks. The resistors are low-cost passive components that can be easily manufactured and integrated, providing a cost-effective solution for phase control that eliminates the need for expensive active components and reduces overall manufacturing cost
3Device complexity
If a common clock signal is distributed to all power converters, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of phase control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing each power converter with a customized phase shift through individual resistive divider networks. Each converter receives the common clock signal but with locally adjusted resistance values that create the specific phase relationship needed for that particular converter, ensuring precise phase control tailored to each location in the circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a first power converter having a first voltage input and a first output. The circuit also includes a second power converter having a second voltage input coupled to the first voltage input, a clock input, and a second output. A phase shifter is coupled between the first output and the clock input of the second power converter.