Digital Calibration of Voltage Regulators for Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual calibration of DC-DC converters for power management in electronic devices is complex and requires experienced electrical engineers, making it time-consuming and costly to meet specific user requirements for output voltage and switching frequency.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based system provides a graphical user interface for digitally calibrating voltage regulators, automatically determining internal calibration settings that are downloaded to the regulator, using digital calibration bits to adjust the voltage regulator's circuits and meet user-defined parameters such as output voltage and switching frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration is used to meet specific user requirements, then calibration precision is improved, but calibration time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration precisionVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an automated digital calibration system. The computer automatically determines internal calibration settings and downloads digital calibration bits to the voltage regulator, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining calibration precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage regulator incorporates self-calibration capabilities through digital calibration bits that can be automatically configured. The system performs calibration functions autonomously based on downloaded settings, reducing dependency on external manual intervention and experienced engineers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual calibration by experienced engineers is used, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex manual calibration procedures with a simplified automated digital system. The computer-based calibration tool automatically determines settings and downloads them to the regulator, replacing the need for experienced engineers and complex manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital calibration bits as a copyable representation of calibration settings. These digital bits can be easily transferred and replicated, simplifying the calibration process compared to manual mechanical adjustments that require specialized knowledge and tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual calibration procedures are used, then customization for user requirements is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidcalibration productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic calibration where the computer automatically adjusts internal calibration settings based on specific user requirements. The system can adapt to different customization needs by downloading appropriate digital calibration bits, maintaining versatility while dramatically improving productivity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables rapid parameter changes by modifying digital calibration bits rather than performing manual mechanical adjustments. This allows the system to quickly adapt to different user requirements and specifications, significantly improving calibration productivity while maintaining full customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9684745B2Digitally calibrated voltage regulators for power management

Publication Date: 2017.06.20 MONOLITHIC POWER SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A computer provides a graphical user interface for displaying a virtual representation of a voltage regulator and for accepting a user requirement for the voltage regulator. The computer automatically determines an internal calibration setting of the voltage regulator that meets the user requirement. The computer simulates operation of the voltage regulator as calibrated with the internal calibration setting. The internal calibration setting is downloaded to the voltage regulator. A calibration controller of the voltage regulator receives the internal calibration setting and outputs digital calibration bits in accordance with the internal calibration setting. The digital calibration bits works in conjunction with interface circuits to adjust circuits of a voltage regulator core to digitally calibrate the voltage regulator.