Linear Voltage Regulator Switching for Low-Spike Output Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dual mode systems, the switching between different voltage operation modes in power supply generators leads to spike currents, which compromise the reliability of power supply generators due to the mid-bias supply used for safety, affecting the stability and efficiency of power transitions.
Innovation Solution
A power supply generator design incorporating a voltage regulator circuit, a power switch circuit, and a control circuit that uses control signals to manage the transition between 3.3V and 1.8V modes by gradually turning on the power switch circuit, reducing spike currents through a selection circuit and detection circuit configuration, thereby stabilizing output voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the power switch circuit is turned on rapidly during voltage mode switching, then the response speed is improved, but spike currents increase compromising reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power switch circuit's turn-on process variable rather than fixed. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the gate voltage applied to the power switch transistor, transitioning from a static rapid switch-on to a controlled dynamic process where the switching speed can be modulated based on system requirements, thereby balancing response speed with spike current suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by preparing the power switch circuit for controlled turn-on before the actual switching event. The control circuit pre-charges the gate capacitor through a resistor, creating a gradual voltage rise that prevents immediate high-current surge when the power switch activates, thus reducing spike currents while maintaining acceptable response time
2Reliability
If the power switch circuit is turned on slowly to reduce spike currents, then reliability is improved, but the response speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the gate voltage parameters during the power switch turn-on process. Instead of applying full gate voltage immediately, the control circuit gradually increases the gate voltage from zero to the required level, changing the voltage parameter over time to control the current surge and reduce spike currents while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (resistor) between the control signal source and the power switch gate. This resistor acts as a mediator that limits the charging current to the gate capacitor, thereby controlling the turn-on speed of the power switch and reducing spike currents without completely sacrificing response speed, achieving a compromise between reliability and performance
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
The solution effectively reduces spike currents by approximately 33% to 50%, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of power supply transitions between voltage modes, ensuring stable operation and minimizing power generator stress.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive unit coupled between a second terminal of the resistive unit and a voltage terminal; wherein the capacitive unit charges a gate of the power transistor to turn on the power switch circuit
Implementation Method 2
receiving at a first terminal of a resistive unit a second control signal associated with the first control signal and generating at a second terminal of the resistive unit a third control signal to pull down a gate voltage of the power transistor
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a voltage regulator circuit, a power switch circuit, and a control circuit. The voltage regulator circuit generates an output voltage at an output terminal. The power switch circuit is coupled to the voltage regulator circuit. The control circuit receives a first control signal and generates a second control signal that includes a first portion gradually declining between a first time and a second time later than the first time. When the voltage regulator circuit is turned off and a logic state of the first control signal changes at the first time, the power switch circuit is turned on at the second time, in response to the second control signal, to adjust the output voltage.