Modular Interleaving Clock Generator for Reconfigurable Phase Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multicell converters cannot be reconfigured during operation if a cell is disabled or unavailable, leading to sub-harmonic oscillations and the need for oversized harmonic filters due to fixed, non-configurable phase delays in the interleaving arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A modular interleaving approach that allows dynamic reconfiguration of phase delays during operation by using local decisions within the ordinary interleaving controllers, enabling optimal interleaving for any number of phases without relying on a master controller, and utilizing bypass switches and resistor ladders to adjust phase delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed hardware interleaving arrangement is used, then phase delays are stable and predictable, but the system cannot be reconfigured when a cell is disabled or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the interleaving arrangement by allowing the system to adapt its phase delay configuration based on operational conditions. When a cell becomes unavailable, the system dynamically adjusts the phase delays of remaining cells through controller modification, transforming the static hardware arrangement into a dynamic, adaptable system that maintains optimal performance without requiring physical hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase delay parameters of the interleaving arrangement through software control rather than fixed hardware. The controller can modify the phase delay values dynamically based on which cells are available, allowing the system to reconfigure from a fixed parameter system to a variable parameter system that adapts to operational conditions.
2Reliability
If fixed phase delays are used in the interleaving arrangement, then the hardware design is simple, but sub-harmonic oscillations occur when cells are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors the availability of cells and automatically adjusts the phase delay configuration in response. This closed-loop control ensures that when cells become unavailable, the controller detects this condition and reconfigures the remaining cells to maintain proper interleaving, preventing sub-harmonic oscillations and ensuring continuous reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static phase delays to dynamic phase delay adjustment, allowing the interleaving arrangement to adapt in real-time to cell availability. This dynamic response prevents the formation of sub-harmonic oscillations by maintaining proper phase relationships among active cells regardless of which cells are operational.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-configurable hardware provides phase delays, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the phase delays cannot be adjusted when cells are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical/hardware phase delay configuration with software-based control. Instead of using non-configurable hardware circuits that require physical modification for reconfiguration, the system uses programmable controllers that can adjust phase delays through software, eliminating the need for manual hardware changes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal controller that can handle multiple configuration scenarios through software programming. A single hardware design with programmable controllers can adapt to different numbers of available cells and adjust phase delays accordingly, eliminating the need for multiple specialized hardware designs for different configurations.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If interleaving arrangement cannot be modified, then the system structure is stable, but oversized harmonic filters are required to handle distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to continuously monitor and adjust the interleaving arrangement based on actual operational conditions. By detecting which cells are available and automatically reconfiguring the phase delays, the system maintains optimal harmonic performance, reducing the need for oversized filters that would be required to compensate for fixed, non-optimal phase relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration of phase delays allows the system to maintain optimal interleaving patterns under varying operational conditions. This dynamic adaptation prevents the accumulation of harmonic distortion that would occur with fixed arrangements, thereby reducing the filter capacity needed to handle harmonics.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A power management integrated circuit comprises a modular interleaved clock generator comprising a plurality of interconnected modular elements, each element constructed to generate and output a clock signal, and each one comprising: a phase port high input; a phase port low input; a clock input; and a bypass switch coupled between the phase port high input and the phase port low input, wherein in response to the bypass switch of at least one of the plurality of elements in a closed state, the phase port high inputs or the phase port low inputs of the remaining elements absent the at least one interleaving controller having the bypass switch in the closed state each receives a voltage that interleaves the clock signals output from the remaining active elements to have an interleaving arrangement that includes equal phase delays.