Dynamic PSRR and Frequency Adjustment in Voltage Regulators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators in computing systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting their power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) and switching frequency to optimize performance based on varying workloads and noise levels, leading to inefficiencies and noise transmission.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dynamically adjusting the PSRR and switching frequency of an upstream voltage regulator based on sampling parameters such as noise level and workload of a downstream voltage regulator, including determining a minimum noise level and adjusting the headroom of the upstream voltage regulator to optimize PSRR and switching frequency in real-time or frequent intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PSRR and switching frequency of the upstream voltage regulator are fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot optimize performance based on varying workloads and noise levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of PSRR and switching frequency based on real-time sampling of noise levels and workload parameters. The upstream voltage regulator transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamically adjustable system that adapts its parameters according to the downstream application's requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making the system responsive to actual operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by sampling noise levels and workload parameters from the downstream voltage regulator and application, then using this information to adjust the upstream regulator's PSRR and switching frequency. This closed-loop control enables performance optimization while managing complexity through intelligent parameter adjustment based on actual system state
2Speed
If the upstream voltage regulator operates at high switching frequency, then the response time to workload changes is improved, but noise transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the switching frequency parameter of the upstream voltage regulator based on sampled noise levels and workload conditions. When noise levels are low and workload is stable, the frequency is reduced to minimize noise transmission. When rapid response is needed, the frequency is increased accordingly, resolving the contradiction between response speed and noise generation through adaptive parameter adjustment
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the PSRR is increased to reduce noise transmission, then the noise level is reduced, but the efficiency of the voltage regulator decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial PSRR enhancement only when and where needed, rather than maintaining maximum PSRR continuously. By sampling noise levels and workload parameters, the upstream regulator adjusts PSRR dynamically - increasing it only when noise transmission is problematic and reducing it when efficiency is more critical, thus resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and efficiency through selective application
Data Source
AI summary
One or more sampling parameters of an application associated with a downstream voltage regulator may be determined. A power supply rejection ratio (“PSRR”) and a switching frequency of an upstream voltage regulator may be dynamically adjusted based on the sampling parameters of the application associated with the downstream voltage regulator. The sampling parameters may include a noise level and a workload of the selected application.