Flying-Capacitor Inductor Balancing for Low-Loss Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor devices face issues with current imbalance due to mismatches in phases of high-power multi-channel integrated voltage regulators, leading to significant conduction losses.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a flying capacitor and two inductors, configured in multiple operational phases, dynamically adjusts the voltage and current balance using connection switches to equalize inductor currents, reducing the number of capacitors and switches, thereby minimizing conduction losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high-power multi-channel integrated voltage regulator is used to achieve energy-efficient high-performance computing processing, then power supply capability and dynamic voltage scaling are improved, but current imbalance due to phase mismatch generates large conduction losses
Solution Approach 1:
A flying capacitor is introduced as an intermediary component between two inductors to transfer energy and balance currents. The capacitor acts as a mediator that equalizes the current distribution between parallel inductor channels, reducing current imbalance and associated conduction losses while maintaining the high-power capability of the multi-channel voltage regulator
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically adjusts operational parameters by switching between different phases (first phase with both connection switches on, second phase with first switch off, third phase with second switch off) to change the electrical characteristics of the circuit. This parameter changes approach allows the system to optimize current distribution and reduce conduction losses under varying load conditions
2Stability of the object's composition
If balancing converters are added to mitigate current imbalances in real-time, then current balance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing function is merged with the existing voltage regulator structure by integrating the flying capacitor and phase-switching mechanism into the multi-channel IVR architecture. Rather than adding separate balancing converters, the invention combines current balancing with the power conversion function, reducing overall device complexity while achieving real-time current balance
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic phase switching to achieve continuous current balancing. By cycling through different operational phases (first phase, second phase, third phase) with connection switches being turned on and off in sequence, the system maintains current balance dynamically without requiring complex continuous control circuitry
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple capacitors and switches are used to balance currents, then current imbalance mitigation is improved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flying capacitor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it balances currents between inductors, stores energy during phase transitions, and enables the phase-switching operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated balancing capacitors, thereby minimizing chip area while achieving effective current balance
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 solution effectively mitigates current imbalance, reduces conduction losses, and minimizes chip area while maintaining power density and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flying capacitor connected between a first node and a second node
Implementation Method 2
a first inductor having a first end connected to the flying capacitor through the first node and a second end connected to an output node
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device may include: a flying capacitor connected between a first node and a second node; a first inductor having a first end connected to the flying capacitor through the first node and a second end connected to an output node; and a second inductor having a first end connected to the flying capacitor through the second node and a second end connected to the output node, wherein the semiconductor device is configurable in a plurality of different states based on a plurality of different operational phases, and wherein the flying capacitor is configured to float in a first phase, is configured to be discharged through the first inductor in a second phase that is different from the first phase, and is configured to be charged through the second inductor in a third phase that is different from the first phase and the second phase.