Dynamic Switching Regulator Control for Multi-LDO PDN Voltage Drops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management devices in electronic devices face inefficiencies due to significant voltage drops across power distribution networks (PDNs) when multiple Low Drop-Out (LDO) regulators are connected to a switching regulator, leading to reduced overall conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power management device with a switching regulator that dynamically adjusts the converted voltage based on estimated dropout voltages and calculated voltage drops across PDNs, using a switching regulator controller to optimize the input/output voltage differences across LDO regulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LDO regulators are connected to a switching regulator, then various power supply voltages can be provided, but significant voltage drops across PDNs reduce overall conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The switching regulator dynamically adjusts its output voltage based on real-time feedback from multiple LDO regulators. The controller monitors the input voltage requirements of each LDO regulator and adjusts the switching regulator's output to minimize voltage drops across PDNs, thereby maintaining high conversion efficiency while supporting multiple power supply voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller receives information about the input voltage requirements from multiple LDO regulators and adjusts the switching regulator's output accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the switching regulator provides the optimal voltage to minimize PDN voltage drops and maximize overall conversion efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the switching regulator outputs a fixed converted voltage, then the circuit is simple, but it cannot minimize voltage drops across different PDNs to multiple LDO regulators
Solution Approach 1:
The switching regulator transitions from a fixed voltage output to a dynamic voltage adjustment mode. The controller modifies the switching regulator's output voltage based on the specific requirements of each connected LDO regulator, enabling the system to minimize voltage drops across different PDNs while maintaining reasonable circuit complexity through integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the output voltage parameter of the switching regulator dynamically based on the operational state of multiple LDO regulators. By adjusting this key parameter in response to real-time conditions, the system optimizes power conversion efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the power management architecture.
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
This approach improves the overall conversion efficiency of the power management device by minimizing input/output voltage differences across LDO regulators, enhancing power efficiency even when they share a switching regulator.
Implementation Method 1
a switching regulator which is configured to generate a converted voltage from the input voltage
Implementation Method 2
a first LDO (Low Drop-Out) regulator which is configured to generate a first output voltage from a first drop voltage generated by the converted voltage passed through a first PDN (Power Distribution Network)
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first power management device configured to receive an input voltage, and output first voltages based on the input voltage, and at least one consumer which is configured to receive the first voltages from the first power management device, and operate based on the first voltages. The first power management device includes a switching regulator configured to generate a converted voltage from the input voltage, a first LDO regulator which is configured to generate a first output voltage from a first drop voltage generated by the converted voltage passed through a first PDN, a second LDO regulator and PDN, and a switching regulator which is configured to estimate a first dropout voltage of the first LDO regulator, calculate a voltage drop caused by the first PDN, and dynamically control the converted voltage based on estimated dropout voltages and calculated voltage drops caused by the PDNs.