Power Converter Current Measurement Without Sense Resistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converter and voltage regulator circuits in computer systems face limitations in accurately measuring current delivery due to the use of sense resistors, which restrict real-time analysis and optimization of power state changes and software execution impacts on current load.
Innovation Solution
A power converter circuit that generates demand current by comparing voltage levels, digitizes this current to create samples, and stores them with timestamps, allowing for real-time analysis and adjustment of operating parameters without the need for sense resistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sense resistors are used to measure current delivery in power converter circuits, then current measurement is enabled, but real-time analysis and optimization of power state changes is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional sense resistor-based current measurement system with a digital sampling system. Instead of using physical resistors to convert current to voltage for measurement, the invention uses a voltage divider network combined with an analog-to-digital converter to directly sample and digitize the voltage at the regulated power supply node, thereby eliminating the limitations of sense resistors and enabling real-time analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct current measurement through sense resistors to voltage sampling and digital conversion. By sampling the voltage at the regulated power supply node and converting it to digital values, the system achieves both accurate measurement and real-time analysis capability, as the digital samples can be processed and analyzed in real-time to optimize power state changes.
2Measurement precision
If sense resistors are used in power converter circuits, then current delivery can be measured, but the system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the sense resistor component from the power converter circuit. By removing the sense resistor and replacing it with a voltage sampling network that uses existing circuit nodes, the invention reduces the number of additional components while maintaining measurement capability. The voltage divider network uses minimal additional components compared to the sense resistor approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage sampling network serves multiple functions: it provides current measurement capability, enables real-time digital analysis, and works with the existing power converter circuit architecture. The same sampling infrastructure supports both measurement and optimization functions, reducing overall system complexity compared to dedicated sense resistor circuits.
3Power
If traditional voltage regulator circuits are used, then power supply voltage levels can be generated, but real-time analysis and optimization of power consumption patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where digital samples of the regulated power supply voltage are continuously taken, stored, and made available for analysis. This feedback loop provides real-time information about power consumption patterns, enabling optimization of power state changes. The sampled data feeds back to the control system, allowing dynamic adjustment of power management based on actual consumption patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary digitization and storage of voltage samples, preparing the data for subsequent analysis and optimization. By pre-sampling and storing the power consumption data in digital form, the system enables real-time analysis without interfering with the normal voltage regulation operation. This preliminary data preparation allows for rapid optimization decisions when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter circuit included in a computer system may include a phase circuit and a sample circuit. The phase circuit compares a voltage level of the regulated power supply node to a reference voltage to generate a demand current that is used to adjust the voltage level of the regulated power supply node. The phase circuit also digitizes the demand current and stores the resultant bit stream in a memory circuit. The sample circuit generates timestamp information that points to particular storage locations in the memory circuit that correspond to trigger events, allowing the operation of the power converter circuit to be analyzed during different circumstances as well as to adjust operating parameters of the power converter circuit.