Multi-Input Voltage Regulator for Stable Output Under Variable Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators face challenges in maintaining a constant output voltage across varying input voltages and different operating conditions, particularly in portable electronic devices with high current demands.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulation system that employs a battery subsystem generating two supply voltages and a voltage regulator using multiple switches, an energy storage unit, and control circuitry to selectively couple the energy storage unit to the supply voltages or ground, enabling bucking and boosting operations to stabilize the output voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voltage regulator uses a single supply voltage input, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to maintain constant output voltage under varying input conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single supply voltage input into two separate supply voltages (first supply voltage and second supply voltage) with different voltage levels. This segmentation allows the voltage regulator to handle a wider range of input voltage variations by selectively using appropriate voltage rails, thereby improving output voltage stability without requiring external voltage conversion circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator is designed to universally accept multiple supply voltage inputs and operate in different modes (first bucking mode, second bucking mode, boosting mode) depending on the input conditions. This multi-functionality enables the regulator to maintain stable output voltage across varying input conditions while keeping the overall system architecture integrated and compact.
2Speed
If a voltage regulator operates at low bandwidth, then the device complexity is low, but the response speed to voltage changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between first bucking mode, second bucking mode, and boosting mode based on real-time detection of input voltage levels and load conditions. The control circuitry dynamically adjusts the operating mode to optimize response speed, enabling the voltage regulator to quickly adapt to voltage changes without requiring overly complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the output voltage and input voltage conditions. Based on this feedback, the control circuitry automatically adjusts the switching between different operating modes, enabling fast response to voltage changes while maintaining stable regulation. The feedback loop ensures rapid correction of voltage deviations without requiring excessive system complexity.
3Power
If a voltage regulator is designed for high current demands, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the ability to maintain voltage stability under varying load conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters (voltage levels, current paths, switching frequencies) dynamically based on load conditions. When high current demand is detected, the system switches between different bucking modes and boosting mode to optimize both power delivery and voltage stability. This parameter adjustment allows the regulator to handle high current loads while maintaining stable output voltage through coordinated switching of multiple supply voltages.
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 system provides a more stable output voltage and higher bandwidth, enabling faster response to changes in supply voltages and maintaining performance across a wide range of load currents, including those of high-demand components like AMOLED displays.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage regulator includes multiple switches, an energy storage unit, and control circuitry. The energy storage unit is coupled to the multiple switches, enabling bucking and boosting operations to stabilize the output voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed for voltage regulation. In example implementations, an apparatus includes a battery subsystem having a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and at least one battery. The apparatus also includes a voltage regulator that is coupled to the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal. The voltage regulator includes multiple switches, an energy storage unit, and control circuitry. The multiple switches include a first switch coupled to the first terminal, a second switch coupled to the second terminal, and a third switch coupled to the third terminal. The energy storage unit is coupled to the multiple switches. The control circuitry is coupled to the multiple switches and is configured to selectively couple the energy storage unit to the first terminal via the first switch, the second terminal via the second switch, or the third terminal via the third switch.