Multi-Domain Voltage Converter with Independent Regulators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor processing systems face challenges in managing power consumption across multiple power domains, particularly in battery-powered devices with RF transceivers and microprocessors, where the power consumption profile is skewed towards low power modes, necessitating efficient voltage regulation to prolong battery life.
Innovation Solution
A voltage converter system with multiple regulators that operate in buck, boost, and bypass modes, allowing independent power management across different power domains, using internal and external oscillators to optimize voltage supply based on operational states and load conditions, thereby minimizing power consumption in both active and low power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power domains are managed with a single regulator, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption cannot be optimized for different operational modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power management system into multiple independent regulators (first regulator and second regulator), each responsible for a specific power domain. This segmentation allows each regulator to be controlled independently based on the operational needs of its associated domain, enabling optimized power consumption for different operational modes without requiring complex centralized control logic.
2Power
If voltage regulation is optimized for active mode, then power delivery is sufficient during high activity, but power consumption increases during low power modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling the first and second regulators to operate independently based on real-time operational states. During active mode, both regulators can provide full voltage supply capability. During low power modes, individual regulators can be adjusted or disabled based on which power domain remains active, allowing the system to dynamically adapt voltage supply to actual needs and minimize power consumption.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a single power domain is managed, then control is simplified, but battery life cannot be extended in multi-domain systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management structure into multiple independent regulator units, each handling a specific power domain. This modular approach extends battery life by allowing selective power domain management - when one domain is inactive, its regulator can be powered down or reduced, directly extending battery life. The segmentation makes the complexity manageable through clear domain boundaries and independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by allowing each regulator to have its own control logic and operational parameters optimized for its specific power domain. This enables tailored power management strategies for different domains based on their specific requirements, achieving extended battery life through localized optimization rather than uniform control across all domains.
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 enables significant power savings by allowing each regulator to be controlled separately, optimizing voltage supply according to operational states and load conditions, thereby extending battery life in connectivity processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage regulator is coupled to the battery voltage and provides a regulated output voltage to a second power domain
Implementation Method 2
A power management circuit is coupled to the battery voltage and has a control coupled to a control of the voltage regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a voltage converter configured to provide a first output voltage at a first output terminal, wherein the first output voltage is from a first group comprising a first high regulation voltage, a first low regulation voltage, and a battery voltage. A first plurality of circuits has power supply terminals coupled to the first output terminal. A power control circuit uses information about operational states of the plurality of circuits to direct the voltage converter to provide the first output voltage from the first group appropriate for the operational states of the first plurality of circuits.