Digital Voltage Regulator Circuit for EMI Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulators face challenges in providing stable power supplies to integrated circuitry like DSPs, leading to current spikes that cause electromagnetic interference and power inefficiency, with existing solutions either increasing costs through large capacitors or introducing voltage variations.
Innovation Solution
A digital voltage regulator circuit comprising series and shunt regulator circuitry that adjusts current flow to manage low-frequency and high-frequency components separately, using amplifier circuits to control the series and shunt regulators to maintain a stable voltage supply while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If de-coupling capacitors are added or capacitance is increased to smooth current variations, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but circuit cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional passive capacitor-based EMI filtering approach with an active electronic control system. A microcontroller unit monitors current consumption and dynamically adjusts the regulator output, substituting physical capacitor storage with intelligent electronic regulation to reduce EMI without increasing component costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the regulation parameters based on real-time current consumption measurements. The microcontroller adjusts the regulator output voltage and current parameters adaptively, allowing effective EMI reduction through software-controlled parameter optimization rather than fixed hardware capacitor values
2Loss of energy
If current regulation is applied to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency improves, but voltage stability deteriorates causing performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual feedback mechanism: (1) The microcontroller continuously monitors the load current consumption and feeds this information back to adjust regulation, and (2) The voltage regulator uses feedback from voltage sensing circuits to maintain stable output. This coordinated feedback system ensures both power efficiency and voltage stability are achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static voltage regulation to dynamic regulation that adapts to changing load conditions. The microcontroller enables real-time adjustment of current limits and voltage levels based on actual power consumption needs, allowing the system to optimize between power efficiency and stability dynamically rather than being constrained by fixed parameters
3Stability of the object's composition
If maximum supply current is provided to avoid under-voltage conditions, then voltage stability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing maximum supply current continuously, the system applies partial action by delivering only the current level actually needed by the load. The microcontroller measures real-time current consumption and adjusts the regulator output accordingly, avoiding the excessive current provision that would waste power while still preventing under-voltage conditions through precise monitoring and control
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a circuit includes a regulated power supply terminal, a processing circuit coupled to the regulated power supply terminal, and a low frequency responsive circuit having a first transistor adapted to be coupled to a power source and having first circuitry configured to control current flow from the power source through the first transistor to supply a low frequency current to the regulated power supply terminal. The circuit device further includes a high frequency responsive circuit having a second transistor coupled to the regulated power supply terminal and having second circuitry configured to control the second transistor to selectively modulate high frequency current components at the regulated power supply terminal to reduce voltage variations on the regulated power supply.