Multi-Phase DCM Voltage Regulator for Low Output Ripple
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Solution Overview
Problem
Discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) voltage regulators face challenges in minimizing output voltage ripple, with existing solutions increasing complexity or requiring significant capacitance, which affects efficiency and area usage.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator circuit with two or more DCM phases coupled in parallel, where a control circuit switches the phases between charge and discharge states based on predetermined time periods and output voltage triggers, ensuring balanced current delivery and reduced ripple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If two DCM phases with 180 degree phase shift are used to mitigate voltage ripple, then output voltage ripple is reduced, but controller complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by implementing two DCM phases that operate in alternating cycles with different duty cycles. The first DCM phase operates with a first duty cycle during a first time period, while the second DCM phase operates with a second duty cycle during a second time period. This periodic switching creates complementary current waveforms that reduce output voltage ripple without requiring complex 180-degree phase shifting control logic.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If two DCM phases with 180 degree phase shift are used to mitigate voltage ripple, then output voltage ripple is reduced, but efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the duty cycles of the two DCM phases differently than conventional approaches. The first DCM phase uses a first duty cycle during its active time period, while the second DCM phase uses a second duty cycle during its active time period. These duty cycle parameters are optimized to ensure that when one phase is discharging, the other is charging, creating a smoother combined current waveform that reduces ripple while minimizing energy losses.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If output capacitance is increased to reduce voltage ripple, then output voltage ripple is reduced, but area overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single-phase DCM converter into two separate DCM phases, each with its own inductor and switching circuitry. The first DCM phase includes a first inductor and switches, while the second DCM phase includes a second inductor and switches. This segmentation allows the converter to achieve reduced output voltage ripple through the combined action of multiple phases with different duty cycles, thereby reducing the required output capacitance and associated area overhead.
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 approach effectively manages charge and discharge, reducing output voltage ripple and maintaining efficiency by balancing inductor currents, thus improving voltage regulation without increasing complexity or capacitance.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductor current to increase and a second inductor current to increase
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide a voltage regulator circuit including two or more discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) phases coupled to an output node and coupled in parallel with one another. A control circuit may detect a trigger and switch all of the two or more DCM phases to a first state (charge state) responsive to the detection. The control circuit may switch a first DCM phase, of the two or more DCM phases, to a second state (discharge state) after a first predetermined time period in the first state and may switch a second DCM phase, of the two or more DCM phases, to the second state after a second predetermined time period in the first state, wherein the second predetermined time period is different than the first predetermined time period. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.