Mixed-Signal Voltage Controller for Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital pulse width modulator (DPWM) controllers in voltage level converters face issues such as increased power consumption, reduced phase margin, low resolution, and complexity due to analog-to-digital conversion, leading to inefficiencies and potential limit cycle oscillations, and are inflexible for next-generation designs.
Innovation Solution
A mixed-signal controller combining analog and digital circuitry, with a fine controller for precise analog modulation and a coarse digital controller for high-resolution PWM, eliminating the need for analog-to-digital conversion and enabling flexible voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If analog-to-digital conversion is used in conventional controllers, then digital control functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases and phase margin is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into two distinct domains: an analog domain for power management and bias supply control, and a digital domain for PWM generation and feedback processing. This segmentation allows each domain to operate optimally without the overhead of continuous analog-to-digital conversion, reducing power consumption while maintaining digital control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A mixed-signal interface acts as an intermediary between the analog power management circuitry and the digital control logic. This intermediary enables efficient signal transfer and coordination without requiring full analog-to-digital conversion of all signals, thereby reducing power consumption while preserving digital control capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If analog-to-digital conversion is used for feedback signal processing, then digital PID control is enabled, but signal processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control signal path is segmented into analog and digital sections. Feedback signals requiring rapid response are processed in the analog domain without conversion delay, while less time-critical signals undergo digital conversion for PID processing. This segmentation eliminates unnecessary conversion delays in the critical feedback path.
Solution Approach 2:
Analog feedback signals are pre-processed and conditioned in the analog domain before digital conversion, so that when conversion occurs, the signals are already optimized and require minimal additional processing time. This preliminary analog processing reduces the overall signal processing delay in the digital control path.
3Extent of automation
If digital pulse width modulator is used, then digital control is achieved, but resolution is reduced compared to analog equivalent
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the control system use different signal types optimized for their specific functions: analog signals are used where high resolution and precision are critical (such as in the feedback sensing and reference voltage generation), while digital signals are used where automation and programmability are prioritized. This local quality approach ensures high PWM resolution is maintained in critical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
A high-resolution analog comparator or mixed-signal interface acts as an intermediary between the digital control logic and the analog PWM output. This intermediary enables the digital controller to generate PWM signals with resolution comparable to purely analog designs by providing a precise analog comparison point that preserves fine resolution details.
4Extent of automation
If digital controller is designed block-by-block from analog equivalent, then conversion to digital domain is achieved, but design flexibility is reduced and design process is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The controller architecture is designed dynamically with modular blocks that can be independently configured and optimized. Rather than rigidly converting a fixed analog design block-by-block, the digital controller uses parameterizable modules that can be adjusted for different applications, maintaining design flexibility while achieving full digital domain implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital controller employs universal, reconfigurable building blocks that can serve multiple functions across different voltage regulator designs. This multi-functionality allows a single digital controller core to be adapted to various analog front-ends and application requirements, enhancing design flexibility and reducing development time compared to dedicated block-by-block conversions.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a mixed signal controller includes a fine controller, a coarse controller and a digital controller. The fine controller is operable to output an analog modulation signal responsive to an analog control signal and a voltage signal input to the fine controller. The coarse controller is operable to output a digital pulse width modulation (PWM) signal responsive to the analog modulation signal and an analog PWM reference signal input to the coarse controller. The digital controller is operable to program the analog control signal and the analog PWM reference signal responsive to the digital PWM signal so that the fine and coarse controllers together regulate the voltage signal at a predetermined voltage level.