DC-DC Controller Pin Reduction via Internal Parameter Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DC-DC converting controllers require additional pins for external resistors and output current summing, leading to pin wastage and limited functionality due to the occupation of pins by external components.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the external resistor and pins DAC and EAP into the controller's interior, along with internal current summing and parameter setting units, allowing for dynamic output voltage adjustment and temperature compensation without external summing pins, utilizing a current mirror and analog-to-digital converter for parameter setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external resistor RDRP is coupled between pin DAC and pin EAP to achieve load line droop function, then dynamic output voltage adjustment is achieved, but the number of pins increases and pins DAC and EAP are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the external resistor RDRP and pins DAC and EAP into the controller's interior, merging multiple external components and pins into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate external resistors and dedicated pins, thereby reducing the total pin count while maintaining the load line droop function for dynamic output voltage adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated parameter setting unit serves multiple functions: it provides load line droop compensation, enables dynamic output voltage adjustment, and can be configured through a single multi-function pin. This multi-functional design allows the controller to achieve various control objectives without requiring separate dedicated pins for each function.
2Reliability
If output current summing pins CSPSUM and CSNSUM are used for summing output currents and temperature compensation, then temperature compensation is provided, but the number of pins increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates dedicated output current summing pins CSPSUM and CSNSUM by integrating the current summing function into the internal current sensing and processing circuitry. The thermistor for temperature compensation is repositioned to connect between the current output pin IMON and output reference pin REFOUT, merging temperature compensation functionality into the existing pin structure rather than requiring separate dedicated pins.
Data Source
AI summary
A DC-DC converting controller is disclosed. The DC-DC controller includes a current sensing unit, a parameter setting pin, a parameter setting unit and an error amplifier. The current sensing unit provides a sensing current. The parameter setting pin is coupled to an external parameter setting unit. The parameter setting unit is coupled to the current sensing unit and the parameter setting pin. The parameter setting unit has an internal parameter setting unit. The parameter setting unit generates a droop current according to the external parameter setting unit and the sensing current. The error amplifier includes a first input terminal and a second input terminal. The first input terminal receives an output feedback voltage and the second input terminal receives a first reference voltage. The second input terminal is coupled to a terminal of the internal parameter setting unit.