Digital Event Generator for DCDC Converter Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digitally controlled DCDC converters face efficiency decreases at high switching frequencies due to increased power consumption in the digital control loop, particularly at low load currents, and asynchronous techniques compromise noise immunity and design automation.
Innovation Solution
A digital event generator with a counter and comparator that adjusts temporal resolution based on event proximity, using low-temporal-resolution comparisons for distant events and high-temporal-resolution comparisons near event occurrence to optimize power usage and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the switching frequency is increased to improve response speed and reduce passive component size, then the response time improves, but the power consumption of the digital control loop increases leading to decreased converter efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two operational modes: a first mode with high temporal resolution (full counter evaluation) for fast response, and a second mode with low temporal resolution (partial counter evaluation) for energy efficiency. The system dynamically transitions between these modes based on operational requirements, allowing the counter to operate at reduced resolution during steady-state conditions while maintaining full resolution capability when rapid response is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal resolution parameter of the counter based on operational mode. In the first mode, the counter evaluates all count values with full resolution to detect event occurrences rapidly. In the second mode, the counter evaluates only a subset of count values with reduced resolution during intervals when no event is expected, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to detect events when they occur.
2Measurement precision
If the temporal resolution is increased to improve event detection accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by evaluating only a subset of count values in the second mode rather than all count values. The counter skips evaluating certain count values during intervals when no event is expected, performing partial evaluations that consume less energy. When an event occurs, the system transitions to the first mode to perform complete evaluations with full accuracy, ensuring that the partial action in normal operation does not compromise event detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If the counter operates continuously at high frequency to maintain accuracy, then the event detection accuracy is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between operational modes. The system alternates between the first mode (high accuracy, high energy consumption) and the second mode (reduced accuracy, low energy consumption) based on whether an event is detected or expected. This periodic action allows the system to maintain event detection capability while minimizing energy consumption during intervals when no events are occurring.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital event generator includes a counter configured to provide at least one count value based on a clock signal, and a comparator configured to evaluate a first portion of a first count value to detect a near occurrence of an event, in response to a detection of a near occurrence of an event, evaluate a second portion of a second count value, and provide the event signal based on the evaluation and digital event time information. A switched mode energy converter uses said digital event generator.