Multi-Output Voltage Regulation with a Single Feedback Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems require multiple power supply units to generate different output voltages, which is not feasible in integrated systems with high silicon area and current consumption constraints.
Innovation Solution
An electronic system with a single regulation loop and differential amplifier generates multiple power supply output voltages using MOS or bipolar transistors, reducing silicon area and current consumption by employing a capacitor-less voltage regulation loop and additional transistors to supply various sub-blocks with their required voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate voltage regulation loops are used for different output voltages, then each output voltage can be precisely regulated, but the device complexity and component count increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage regulation functions into a single regulation loop that controls one switching element. The single loop regulates the current through the primary winding of a multi-winding transformer, which simultaneously provides multiple different output voltages. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate regulation loops for each output voltage, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise regulation through the unified feedback mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single voltage regulation loop is designed to perform multiple functions by regulating the current through the primary winding that generates multiple secondary voltages. The feedback network can be configured to regulate any one of the output voltages, and that single regulation action simultaneously ensures proper current limiting and voltage regulation for all other outputs. This multi-functional design reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining precise control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate switching elements and regulation loops are used for each output voltage, then each output can be independently controlled, but the component count and circuit board space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switching functions into a single switching element that is controlled by one regulation loop. This single switching element, when operated in conjunction with a multi-winding transformer, provides multiple different output voltages simultaneously. By combining what would traditionally require multiple switching elements into one, the patent significantly reduces the component count and circuit board space while maintaining the ability to provide multiple regulated outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single switching element serves multiple functions by controlling the current through the primary winding that generates multiple secondary voltages. The feedback network allows any output voltage to be selected as the regulation reference, and the single switching element's operation simultaneously regulates all outputs. This universal switching element replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated switching elements, reducing component quantity while maintaining versatility.
3Device complexity
If a single regulation loop controls multiple output voltages through current sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently regulate each output voltage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback network is designed with universal functionality that can be configured to regulate any of the multiple output voltages. By selecting different tap points or reference voltages in the feedback network, the single regulation loop can independently regulate different output voltages as needed. This universal feedback design maintains output regulation flexibility while keeping the overall system complexity low, as the same hardware structure can adapt to regulate different outputs without requiring additional regulation loops.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic system (1) comprising: • a plurality of sub blocks, each one being required to be supplied with a different power supply output voltage (VDD1, VDD2,..), • a differential amplifier (3) having a plurality of outputs, an input reference voltage (VRF) being applied to a first input of the amplifier, • a voltage regulation loop with transistor feedback connected to a first output of the amplifier and to a second input of the amplifier, said loop comprising a first transistor (40) and a variable resistor (5), • a plurality of additional transistors (41, 42,...), each output of the amplifier being connected to a gate or base of one of said additional transistors and the drain, source, emitter or collector of each additional transistor being connected to one of said sub-blocks, wherein: • the input reference voltage (VRF) and the variable resistor are configured such that a first sub block is supplied with its required power supply output voltage (VDD1) by the transistor it is connected to, • and said amplifier is configured to output on each of its outputs a power supply reference voltage (VG1, VG2...) such that each sub block other than the first sub block is supplied with its required power supply output voltage (VDD2...) by the transistor it is connected to.