Multi-Switch Voltage Regulator Using Non-Overlapping Clocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many systems-on-chip (SoCs) face challenges with power supplies that generate multiple voltage domains using a single power source, leading to bulky inductors, high peak currents, and reduced battery life due to significant distribution losses and power supply instability.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator system that receives a single battery supply voltage and outputs multiple voltage domains by charging and discharging capacitors in a round-robin fashion, reducing peak current draw and dynamically adjusting configurations based on battery voltage, thereby extending battery life and ensuring adequate power delivery across varying battery states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple voltage domains are generated using a single power source with traditional power supply design, then power supply stability is compromised due to high peak currents and distribution losses, but using conventional multi-power-source solutions increases device complexity and size due to bulky inductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into multiple independent voltage domains (12V, 5V, 2V) that are generated from a single power source through controlled switching. Each voltage domain is regulated independently using switch pairs controlled by non-overlapping clock signals, allowing stable voltage delivery without requiring multiple bulky power sources or large inductors for each domain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching action using clock signals with non-overlapping phases to control the switch pairs. This periodic switching enables the generation of multiple stable voltage domains from a single power source by alternately charging and discharging capacitors in each voltage domain, reducing peak current draw and eliminating the need for large inductors
2Reliability
If traditional power supply design with bulky inductors is used to generate multiple voltage domains, then power supply stability improves, but battery life is reduced due to high peak currents and distribution losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic switching with non-overlapping clock signals to control capacitor charging and discharging in each voltage domain. This periodic action smooths current draw from the battery, eliminating high peak currents that would otherwise reduce battery life, while maintaining stable voltage output across all domains
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical inductor-based power supply system with an electronic switching system using MOSFETs and capacitors. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky inductors and reduces distribution losses, thereby extending battery life while maintaining power supply stability
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 effectively reduces peak current draw, preserves battery integrity, and ensures continuous power supply by dynamically adjusting voltage domains and load configurations as the battery voltage decreases, enhancing battery life and operational efficiency in low-power applications.
Implementation Method 1
The switches in the first pair are coupled to each other via a capacitor. The switches in the second pair are coupled to each other via the capacitor.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a voltage regulator includes a first pair of switches controllable by a first clock signal having a first phase. The switches in the first pair are coupled to each other via a capacitor. The voltage regulator also includes a second pair of switches controllable by a second clock signal having a second phase. The first and second phases are non-overlapping. The switches in the second pair are coupled to each other via the capacitor.