Dynamic Phase Allocation in Multi-Rail Voltage Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple stand-alone voltage regulators for each power rail, as not all phases of the voltage regulator are utilized in all configurations, leading to wasted resources and space.
Innovation Solution
A multi-rail voltage regulator system with a power controller that dynamically allocates phases between primary and secondary power rails based on the population of output inductors in specific footprint locations, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced resource wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple stand-alone voltage regulators are provided for each power rail, then power requirements of components are met, but system cost and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage regulator phases into a single integrated voltage regulator device that can serve multiple power rails. Specifically, a multi-phase voltage regulator includes multiple phases that can be dynamically allocated to different power rails (e.g., Vcore, Vtt, Vq) through selective connection of output inductors to different rail groups, eliminating the need for separate stand-alone regulators for each rail and reducing overall space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator phases are designed with universal functionality to serve multiple power rails. Each phase can be configured to connect to different power rail groups through switchable connections via output inductors, allowing the same hardware resource to fulfill multiple power supply functions depending on system configuration and load requirements.
2Power
If voltage regulator phases are allocated to specific power rails, then power delivery is ensured, but unused phases are wasted when not all phases are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic phase allocation where voltage regulator phases can be flexibly assigned to different power rails based on real-time system requirements. The configuration allows phases to be dynamically connected or disconnected from specific power rail groups through controllable switches and output inductor connections, enabling the system to adapt phase distribution to actual load demands and avoid static over-provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the voltage regulator by dynamically adjusting which phases are active and which power rails they serve. This is achieved by modifying the connection state of output inductors to different rail groups, effectively changing the system configuration parameter to match actual power requirements and eliminate waste from fixed allocations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each voltage regulator includes multiple phases to meet various component power requirements, then configuration flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage regulator into distinct phases, each capable of being independently configured and connected to different power rails. This segmentation allows flexible combination and allocation of phases to meet various configuration requirements while maintaining modular control, reducing the complexity of managing multiple standalone regulators.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include, in an information handling system comprising a power system having a plurality of voltage regulator phases, during a configuration mode of the power system, determining connectivity between the plurality of voltage regulator phases and a primary power rail and connectivity between the plurality of voltage regulator phases and a secondary power rail based on population of output inductors in one or more of a plurality of first phase output inductor footprint locations or one or more of a plurality of second phase output inductor footprint locations, wherein each of the plurality of phase output inductor footprint locations is respectively coupled to an first output of a respective voltage regulator phase of the plurality of voltage regulator phases and is coupled to a respective power rail of the information handling system.