Multi-Rail Voltage Regulator with Allocable Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems waste resources by having multiple voltage regulator phases that are not fully utilized due to the need for stand-alone regulators for each power rail, leading to increased cost and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-rail voltage regulator with allocable phases that can be selectively allocated between different voltage rails based on the hardware configuration of the system, allowing for dynamic phase allocation between primary and secondary power rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple stand-alone voltage regulators are provided for different voltage rails, then each rail can be powered independently, but the system occupies more space and incurs higher costs due to wasted phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage regulator functions into a single integrated multi-rail voltage regulator that can serve multiple voltage rails simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate regulators needed, thereby reducing the space occupied while maintaining independent power supply capability for each rail through shared phases that can be dynamically allocated.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-rail voltage regulator implements universality by designing phases that can be dynamically allocated to different voltage rails based on system requirements. Each phase can serve multiple rails sequentially or concurrently, making the voltage regulator system multi-functional and adaptable to various configurations, thus reducing the need for dedicated regulators for each rail.
2Power
If each voltage regulator includes multiple phases to meet power requirements, then power needs can be satisfied, but unused phases are wasted when not all components require all phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic phase allocation where phases can be reassigned between different voltage rails based on real-time power requirements. This dynamic allocation ensures that phases are actively utilized only when needed, eliminating the waste of statically allocated phases that remain unused in certain configurations, while maintaining adequate power delivery capability.
3Power
If stand-alone voltage regulators are used for each rail, then power requirements can be met, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple stand-alone voltage regulator functions into a single integrated multi-rail voltage regulator unit. This merging reduces the total number of separate devices, lowering system cost and complexity while maintaining the power supply capability to meet various rail requirements through shared and dynamically allocatable phases.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a processor and a power system comprising a plurality of voltage regulator phases, wherein at least one of the plurality of voltage regulator phases comprises an allocable voltage regulator phase that is configured to be selectively allocated to one of at least a first voltage rail and a second voltage rail of the information handling system based on a hardware configuration of the information handling system.