Internal Switched Mode Voltage Regulator for IC Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit devices with low internal core voltages, such as 1.8V, often rely on linear voltage regulators, which result in significant power loss and heat generation, especially in battery-operated devices, as they convert up to 45% of input power into heat, and existing external switched mode regulators are not feasible due to space and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an internal switched mode voltage regulator, like a buck regulator, which is controlled by the digital device and connected to external components via external pins, allowing for efficient generation of the internal core voltage while minimizing external components, and enabling switching between linear and switched mode regulators based on power management and configuration settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a linear voltage regulator is used to generate internal core voltage from external supply voltage, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but power loss is high and heat generation is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic voltage regulation system that can switch between linear and switched-mode regulation modes based on operating conditions. The control unit dynamically selects the appropriate regulation strategy to optimize the balance between power efficiency and manufacturing simplicity, applying switched-mode regulation when power loss is critical and linear regulation when simplicity is prioritized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the voltage regulator by introducing switched-mode operation with variable duty cycle control. The control unit adjusts the switching duty cycle to maintain stable output voltage while minimizing power loss, transforming the fixed-parameter linear regulator into a variable-parameter switched-mode regulator that achieves superior power efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If an external switched mode voltage regulator is used, then power efficiency is improved, but device space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage regulation function directly into the integrated circuit device by integrating a switched-mode voltage regulator unit within the device architecture. This integration combines the external regulator's power efficiency benefits with the device's internal control capabilities, eliminating the need for separate external regulator components and reducing overall device space and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switched-mode voltage regulator unit serves multiple functions: it provides efficient voltage conversion, acts as a power management component, and can operate in different modes (buck, boost, or linear) depending on the application requirements. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing both space and cost while maintaining power efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If the switched mode voltage regulator is integrated within the digital device, then power consumption is reduced and external components are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage regulation function into a dedicated switched-mode voltage regulator unit that is integrated within the digital device. This segmentation isolates the complex switching and control logic into a separate functional module, making the overall device architecture more manageable and easier to manufacture despite the increased functionality. The regulator unit operates independently under control of the control unit, simplifying the integration process.
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 reduces power consumption and heat generation by efficiently converting external supply voltage to internal core voltage, extending battery life and optimizing power management in integrated circuit devices like microcontrollers, while maintaining flexibility in operation modes and noise control.
Implementation Method 1
an internal switched mode voltage regulator controlled by the digital device and receiving an external supply voltage being higher than the internal core voltage through at least first and second external pins and generating the internal core voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit device has a digital device (600) operating at an internal core voltage (Vint); a linear voltage regulator (510); and an internal switched mode voltage regulator (180) controlled by the digital device and receiving an external supply voltage (Vext) being higher than the internal core voltage through at least first and second external pins (140a, 140b) and generating the internal core voltage, wherein the internal switched mode voltage regulator is coupled with at least one external component (182) through at least one further external pin (140c) of the plurality of external pins.