Interconnected Voltage Regulators for Low-TDP Power Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Performance and battery run times of electrical or electronic components are challenged at lower voltage ranges, particularly in computer systems with thermal design power (TDP) below 15 Watts, due to inefficiencies in voltage regulator (VR) operation and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing electrically controllable switches to interconnect and decouple voltage regulators, allowing for selective turn-off of power switches and pooling of routing resources, thereby reducing load line and conductive path losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If voltage regulators operate independently without interconnection, then device complexity is reduced, but power loss increases due to inability to share routing resources and decouple capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously independent voltage regulator domains by introducing interconnection switches that physically connect adjacent VR outputs. This allows routing resources and decoupling capacitance to be shared across domains, reducing redundant conductive paths and I2R losses while maintaining electrical isolation when needed through controlled switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the power delivery network using electrically controllable switches. The system can adaptively connect or disconnect voltage regulator domains based on load conditions, enabling optimal resource sharing during low power modes while maintaining independence during high power or transient conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If all voltage regulators remain active to handle potential high power demands, then power availability is ensured, but power consumption increases during low power conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic power management by allowing the system to selectively activate or deactivate voltage regulator domains based on real-time power requirements. During low power conditions, unused domains can be decoupled and powered down, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the capability to rapidly activate additional domains when power demands increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal power delivery architecture where voltage regulator domains can serve multiple functions - operating independently for dedicated power supply or being interconnected for shared resource utilization. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware infrastructure to adapt to varying power requirements without sacrificing reliability.
3Loss of energy
If routing resources are dedicated to each voltage regulator, then electrical isolation is maintained, but conductive path losses increase due to underutilized infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously dedicated routing resources by introducing shared conductive paths between adjacent voltage regulator domains. The interconnection switches enable these shared paths to be utilized when domains need to cooperate, allowing underutilized routing infrastructure to contribute to power delivery and reduce overall I2R losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic routing where conductive paths can be allocated differently based on operational requirements. During modes requiring electrical isolation, dedicated paths are used; during modes benefiting from resource sharing, the same physical infrastructure is dynamically reconfigured to provide shared access, maximizing utilization and minimizing losses.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for improved thermal design power (TDP) range are provided. A device includes a first voltage regulator configured to provide first voltage of a first voltage value, a second voltage regulator configured to provide a second voltage of a second, different voltage value, a first capacitor electrically coupled between a first output of the first voltage regulator and a ground, a second capacitor electrically coupled between a second output of the second voltage regulator and the ground, a first switch electrically coupled between the first output and the second output, a second switch situated in parallel with the first switch, the second switch electrically coupled between the first output and the second output, and a controller configured to provide control signals that control the first voltage regulator, the second voltage regulator, the first switch, and the second switch.