Interposer Voltage Regulator Switching Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulators face inefficiencies in power conversion due to resistive losses when providing power to electronic devices, especially those requiring significant current, as they often dissipate a substantial portion of the input power, limiting their ability to operate effectively at low voltages with high current demands.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a voltage regulator module at an integrated circuit interposer that can adjust and optimize voltage conversion efficiency by using a combination of switched-capacitor and linear regulators, enabling efficient power distribution and minimizing resistive losses through strategic configuration based on the operating requirements of the electronic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a voltage regulator is used to control voltage to meet specific requirements, then voltage stability is improved, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates due to significant power dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage regulation by switching between linear regulator mode and switched-capacitor regulator mode based on real-time operating conditions. The controller monitors voltage and current demands, and dynamically selects the appropriate regulation mode to optimize both voltage stability and power efficiency under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the regulation mode (linear vs. switched-capacitor) based on voltage differential and load requirements. When voltage differential is small, linear mode provides stable regulation; when voltage differential is large, switched-capacitor mode reduces power dissipation, thus adapting parameters to resolve the contradiction
2Power
If a voltage regulator operates at low voltage with high current demands, then power delivery capability is improved, but power dissipation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between linear regulator operation and switched-capacitor regulator operation based on real-time monitoring of voltage, current, and power dissipation levels. Under high current demand conditions, the controller selects switched-capacitor mode to deliver power with reduced resistive losses, while maintaining the ability to provide high current output
Solution Approach 2:
The switched-capacitor circuit acts as an intermediary between the high-voltage input source and the low-voltage high-current load. It enables efficient power transfer by using capacitive energy storage and transfer mechanisms rather than direct resistive regulation, thereby reducing power dissipation while maintaining power delivery capability
3Device complexity
If a single regulator type is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying operating requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges linear voltage regulation and switched-capacitor voltage regulation into a single integrated system. The controller intelligently selects between the two regulation modes based on operating conditions, combining the voltage stability advantage of linear regulators with the efficiency advantage of switched-capacitor regulators to achieve both simplicity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both linear regulation mode and switched-capacitor regulation mode. This universal design allows the same device to adapt to varying operating requirements including different voltage differentials, load conditions, and efficiency requirements without requiring separate dedicated circuits
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 approach enhances voltage conversion efficiency by optimizing power delivery to electronic devices, reducing power dissipation, and allowing for flexible operation across varying voltage requirements, thereby improving the overall performance and efficiency of the electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage regulator module can include a first switched-capacitor voltage regulator
Implementation Method 2
A portion of power that is supplied to an input of a voltage regulator is dissipated by the regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A device that includes an electronic device referred to as an integrated circuit interposer is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes a voltage regulator module. The interposer is attached to an electronic device, such as another integrated circuit, and facilitates control and distribution of power to the electronic device. The integrated circuit interposer can also conduct signaling between the attached electronic device and another electronic device. The voltage regulator module at the integrated circuit interposer can be configured to provide a voltage reference signal to the attached electronic device. Generation of the voltage reference signal by the integrated circuit interposer can be enabled or disabled and the value of the voltage reference signal can be adjusted, depending on operating requirements of the electronic device.