Inductor Current Sensing for Fast On-Die Current Limit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits, such as system on chip (SOC), face challenges in managing power or current to prevent malfunction and damage due to transient peak and sustained current exceeding safety limits, requiring effective monitoring and control mechanisms to ensure reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power management circuit with an on-board inductor current sensor and on-die current limit detection circuit, which senses current across an inductor and controls current flowing to the IC based on detected voltage, using a current sensing circuit and current reduction control circuit to manage both transient and static current limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current sensing is performed using external components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the current sensing functionality with the inductor by integrating a sensing circuit directly into the inductor structure. The inductor serves dual purposes: power delivery and current sensing, eliminating the need for separate external sensing components and reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a power delivery component and a current sensing element. The sensing circuit integrated into the inductor allows the same component to monitor current without requiring additional dedicated sensing hardware, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If fast-response current control is implemented, then reliability is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or external electronic current limiting mechanisms with an on-die current limit detection circuit. This integrated circuit-based approach provides faster response times for current management while being more energy-efficient compared to external sensing and control systems that require additional power for operation.
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 solution allows for low-loss, fast-response current management with a wide dynamic range, reducing the risk of damage from current overloads and ensuring reliable operation by accurately monitoring and controlling current levels.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensing circuit including inputs coupled across the inductor and an output coupled to the current limit detection circuit of the IC
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus including: an integrated circuit (IC) including one or more cores, and a current limit detection circuit; a voltage regulator; an inductor coupled between the voltage regulator and the one or more cores of the IC; and a current sensing circuit including inputs coupled across the inductor and an output coupled to the current limit detection circuit of the IC.