Dual-Regulator Voltage Converter for Low-Ripple Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage converters struggle to efficiently convert varying battery power supply voltages into a fixed internal power supply voltage, leading to power-off issues due to voltage fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A voltage converter system that includes a first regulator for switching voltage conversion, a second regulator for linear voltage conversion, and an error amplifier to manage mode transitions, reducing ripple and area while optimizing voltage conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a voltage converter uses a single regulator for voltage conversion, then the device area is reduced, but the voltage conversion efficiency deteriorates and ripple increases during mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converter is segmented into two separate regulators: a first regulator for switching voltage conversion and a second regulator for linear voltage conversion. Each regulator is optimized for its specific conversion mode, allowing efficient operation across varying input voltages without compromising area significantly, as they can share common components like error amplifiers and output capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the first regulator and the second regulator based on the input voltage level and conversion mode requirements. The mode transition is controlled by comparing the first output voltage with a reference voltage, enabling adaptive selection of the optimal conversion path to maintain efficiency while managing ripple during transitions.
2Device complexity
If a voltage converter uses a single regulator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability deteriorates due to voltage fluctuations and power-off issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control by comparing the first output voltage with a reference voltage generated from the second output voltage through a resistive divider. This feedback mechanism enables automatic mode transition control, ensuring stable operation and preventing power-off issues by maintaining the output voltage within the required range regardless of input voltage variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different conversion modes (first conversion mode and second conversion mode) based on input voltage levels. The first regulator operates in switching mode for efficiency at higher voltage differences, while the second regulator operates in linear mode for stability at lower voltage differences, with smooth transitions managed by the mode transition control circuit.
3Loss of energy
If mode transition is implemented between different regulators, then voltage conversion efficiency is improved, but ripple increases during the transition period
Solution Approach 1:
The mode transition control circuit proactively determines when to switch between regulators by continuously monitoring the first output voltage against the reference voltage. This preliminary control ensures smooth transitions are initiated at the optimal moment, minimizing ripple generation during mode changes while maintaining the efficiency benefits of having two specialized regulators.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves improved voltage conversion efficiency with reduced ripple during mode transitions, while minimizing area and ensuring stable operation by presetting switching timings and error voltage levels.
Implementation Method 1
an error amplifier that receives a feedback voltage of a node between the first resistor and the second resistor and a reference voltage, amplifies a difference between the feedback voltage and the reference voltage to generate an error voltage
Implementation Method 2
a voltage converter that is connected to the input node and the output node and includes a plurality of switches, at least one inductor, and at least one capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a conversion device that includes a first regulator converting an input voltage of an input node into a first output voltage in a first mode and providing the first output voltage to an output node, a second regulator converting the input voltage of the input node into a second output voltage in a second mode and providing the second output voltage to the output node, a first resistor and a second resistor connected in series between the output node and a ground node, and an error amplifier receiving a feedback voltage of a node between the first resistor and the second resistor and a reference voltage, amplifying a difference between the feedback voltage and the reference voltage to generate an error voltage, providing the error voltage to the first regulator in the first mode, and providing the error voltage to the second regulator in the second mode.