Dual-Path Output Feedback Circuit for Fast Accurate Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional output feedback control circuits face challenges in achieving high speed and enhanced accuracy simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The proposed output feedback control circuit employs a dual signal processing approach with a first signal processor for accuracy and a second signal processor for speed, utilizing amplifiers with distinct transconductances and configurations that include capacitors and resistors to optimize gain characteristics, and integrates a calculator to generate error signals, along with a switching power supply that drives the circuit using fixed-frequency or fixed-on-time operations to reduce errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single signal processor is used for output feedback control, then the circuit structure is simple, but it cannot achieve both high speed and high accuracy simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccuracyVSAvoidspeed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single signal processor into two separate signal processors: a first signal processor configured for high-accuracy processing and a second signal processor configured for high-speed processing. This segmentation allows each processor to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the system to achieve both high accuracy and high speed simultaneously in the output feedback control circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the first signal processor is configured for high accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but processing speed becomes slower

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal processing function into two parallel paths: the first signal processor handles accuracy-critical operations with optimized precision, while the second signal processor handles speed-critical operations with optimized response time. This eliminates the trade-off by distributing different performance requirements to dedicated processing units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If the second signal processor is configured for high speed, then processing speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespeedVSAvoidaccuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dual-processor architecture where the second signal processor is specifically optimized for high-speed operation to handle time-critical feedback signals, while the first signal processor handles precision-critical calculations. This segmentation allows each processor to operate at its optimal performance point without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If dual signal processors are used with different configurations, then both speed and accuracy are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccuracyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements segmentation into two specialized processors, which initially increases complexity but enables superior overall performance. The complexity is managed through clear functional separation: the first processor handles precision operations and the second handles speed operations, allowing each to be independently optimized and simplifying the overall system architecture compared to a single general-purpose processor attempting to do both.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12160172B2Output feedback control circuit and switching power supply including the same
Publication Date: 2024.12.03 ROHM CO LTD
  • US12160172B2 patent drawing
  • US12160172B2 patent drawing
  • US12160172B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An output feedback control circuit includes, as a means for generating an error signal ERR between a feedback voltage FB commensurate with an output voltage and a reference voltage REF (means for substituting for a single error amplifier 140), a first signal processor (for example, an amplifier 140a) that forms a first path, and a second signal processor (for example, an amplifier 140b) that forms a second path. The amplifier 140a is more accurate than the amplifier 140b, and the amplifier 140b is faster than the amplifier 140a. To the output terminal of the amplifier 140a, preferably, a capacitor Cc other than a parasitic element is connected. To the output terminal of the amplifier 140b, preferably, no capacitor other than a parasitic element is connected, and a resistor Rc is connected. Preferably, the amplifier 140a has a transconductance gm1, and the amplifier 140b has a transconductance gm2 (≠gm1).