Configurable Multi-Rail Voltage Regulator with Coupled Inductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply units (PSUs) for information handling systems are inflexible and cannot readily accommodate different configurations of electronic components that require varying voltages and current capacities, limiting their adaptability to diverse system configurations.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator circuit with multiple phases and a coupling inductor system, where a first load output provides a directly connected voltage and a second load output receives inductively coupled power, with a switch controlling the duty cycle to adjust the output voltage, allowing for reconfigurable outputs of selectable voltages and current capacities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration voltage regulator is used, then the circuit design is simple, but the system cannot accommodate different configurations of electronic components requiring varying voltages and current capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator circuit employs dynamic phase allocation where the controller can selectively enable or disable specific voltage regulator phases based on the detected processor type and power requirements. This allows the system to adapt between different configurations (e.g., single-processor vs. multi-processor, different TDP levels) by dynamically reconfiguring which phases are active and how they are distributed across output rails, thereby achieving versatility without requiring a completely different circuit for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by detecting the processor type and adjusting the voltage regulator phase allocation accordingly. The controller modifies which phases are assigned to which output rails, changes the number of active phases, and adjusts duty cycles to match the specific voltage and current requirements of different processor configurations, enabling the same hardware to serve multiple purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate voltage regulator circuits are used for each output rail, then each rail can be independently optimized, but the overall device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator phases are designed to be multi-functional, where the same phase can be allocated to different output rails depending on the system configuration. Instead of having dedicated phases for each rail, the controller can dynamically assign phases to different rails based on power requirements, allowing a single set of phases to serve multiple purposes and reducing the total number of voltage regulator circuits needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase allocation to output rails is dynamic rather than fixed. The controller can reconfigure which phases supply which rails in real-time based on the detected processor type and power distribution needs, enabling independent optimization of each rail without requiring separate dedicated voltage regulator circuits for each one.
3Productivity
If the voltage regulator phases are fixed to specific output rails, then the circuit design is straightforward, but the system cannot dynamically allocate power based on different processor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller detects the processor type and power requirements, then uses this information to dynamically allocate voltage regulator phases to appropriate output rails. This feedback loop enables efficient power allocation by matching the active phases to the actual power demands of different processor configurations, improving productivity while managing complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary detection of the processor type and determines the appropriate phase allocation configuration before actually distributing power. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-configure the voltage regulator phases according to the specific processor requirements, ensuring optimal power allocation efficiency from the start of operation.
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 solution enables flexible voltage and current management, accommodating a range of information handling system configurations by providing adjustable output voltages and current capacities, enhancing the adaptability and efficiency of the power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a first coupling inductor having a first winding and a second winding, the first winding coupled in series between a first voltage regulator phase and the first load output, a second load output coupled to the second winding for providing a second output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator circuit comprises a plurality of voltage regulator phases, a first load output coupled to the plurality of voltage regulator phases for providing a first output voltage, a first coupling inductor having a first winding and a second winding, the first winding coupled in series between a first voltage regulator phase of the plurality of voltage regulator phases and the first load output, a second load output coupled to the second winding for providing a second output voltage, and a first switch coupled in series with the second winding. A method comprises detecting a startup event; determining an installed processor type; retrieving a configuration parameter value; providing a first output voltage at a first load output; providing, at a second load output coupled to the second winding, a second output voltage; and controlling a first duty cycle of a first switch coupled in series with the second winding.