Integrated Power Converter with Parallel Linear Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switched inductor DC-DC power converters face inefficiencies due to parasitic inductance and resistance between the power converter and the load, leading to voltage deviations during load current transients, which are not effectively addressed by traditional buck converters.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a parallel linear voltage regulator with a feedback loop, where the linear regulator is integrated on the same chip as the power converter but has independent electrical coupling to the load, reduces parasitic inductance effects and provides high-frequency regulation by rapidly swinging the output potential and generating a large change in current through the parasitic inductance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional buck converter is used to down-convert power, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but voltage deviations occur during load current transients due to parasitic inductance and resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is segmented into two independent parallel paths: a switched inductor path for efficient power conversion and a separate linear regulator path for high-frequency transient response. This segmentation allows each path to specialize in different frequency ranges, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and transient stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two regulation modes: the switched inductor converter handles low-frequency power conversion efficiently, while the linear regulator activates for high-frequency transient response. This dynamic allocation of functions optimizes both efficiency and voltage stability during transients.
2Device complexity
If the linear regulator is integrated on the same chip as the power converter, then device complexity is reduced, but parasitic inductance effects persist in the power delivery channel
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery channel acts as an intermediary element that, despite having parasitic inductance, is utilized beneficially by the linear regulator. The linear regulator's independent coupling through this channel allows it to generate large current changes that counteract voltage drops, converting the harmful parasitic effect into a useful mechanism for transient response.
Solution Approach 2:
The parasitic inductance in the power delivery channel, which normally causes voltage drops during transients, is converted into a beneficial element. The linear regulator exploits this inductance by rapidly swinging the output potential to generate large current changes through the parasitic inductance, which actually helps regulate voltage during high-frequency transients.
3Reliability
If a parallel linear voltage regulator with independent electrical coupling is implemented, then high-frequency regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two different voltage regulation technologies (switched inductor converter and linear regulator) are merged into a single parallel system. Each technology operates in its optimal frequency range, with the switched inductor handling low-frequency power conversion and the linear regulator handling high-frequency transients, achieving comprehensive regulation coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel configuration creates a universal power regulation system that can handle both efficient power conversion and high-frequency transient response. The system universally addresses multiple regulation requirements across different frequency ranges using a single integrated 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 configuration achieves a smaller output impedance at higher frequencies, enhancing power converter efficiency and reducing voltage drops caused by load current transients, resulting in a more efficient power delivery system.
Implementation Method 1
The storage may be in either magnetic field storage components (inductors, transformers) and/or electric field storage components (capacitors).
Implementation Method 2
When the switch is first closed, the current will begin to increase, and the inductor will produce an opposing voltage across its terminals in response to the changing current.
Implementation Method 3
reduces parasitic inductance effects and provides high-frequency regulation by rapidly swinging the output potential and generating a large change in current through the parasitic inductance
Data Source
AI summary
A DC-DC power converter includes a switched inductor power converter and a parallel linear voltage regulator. Two transistors are positioned in the switched inductor power converter to periodically set a bridge voltage thereby producing a square wave with a fixed frequency and variable duty cycle. An inductor and an output capacitor filter the bridge voltage so that only the average value of the bridge voltage is passed to the load. Parasitic impedance due to physical separation of the switched inductor power converter and the load is overcome by providing the parallel linear regulator with its own dedicated channel to the load.