Multi-phase Control Circuit Temperature Balance Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-phase voltage regulators experience temperature inconsistencies across phases due to layout and design discrepancies, leading to reduced reliability and limited power output capacity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase control circuit that acquires temperature signals from power stages and adjusts pulse width and/or frequency of pulse width modulation signals to balance temperatures across phases, using control modules to compare representative and respective temperature signals and compensate for differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multi-phase voltage regulators are used for high current or high power applications, then power output capacity is improved, but temperature inconsistency across phases occurs due to layout and design discrepancies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the temperature of each power stage, and the control circuit adjusts the pulse width modulation signals based on detected temperature differences. This closed-loop feedback system dynamically compensates for temperature inconsistencies, allowing the multi-phase voltage regulator to maintain high power output while achieving temperature balance across all phases.
2Reliability
If temperature control is implemented in multi-phase voltage regulators, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuits and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates the pulse width modulation signals for power regulation and simultaneously functions as a temperature balancing controller. The same control modules that regulate power output also process temperature signals and adjust switching duties to equalize temperatures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated temperature control hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still improving reliability.
3Temperature
If pulse width and frequency adjustment is applied to balance temperatures, then temperature balance is achieved, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit applies local quality adjustments by individually tailoring the pulse width and frequency of each phase's modulation signal based on its specific temperature conditions. Rather than applying a uniform adjustment to all phases, the system detects temperature differences and selectively adjusts only the phases that require temperature balancing, with precise control parameters customized for each phase's local thermal state. This approach achieves temperature balance while managing control precision requirements through localized, adaptive adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-phase control circuit and a temperature balance control method thereof The temperature balance control method of the multi-phase control circuit includes the steps of: acquiring a first temperature signal reflecting a representative temperature among a plurality of power stages, then acquiring a plurality of second temperature signals reflecting a respective temperature of each of the plurality of power stages; and adjusting a pulse width and/or frequency of a pulse width modulation signal of at least one of the plurality of power stages according to a comparison result between the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal so as to balance the temperatures of the plurality of power stages.