Multilevel Switched Capacitor Regulator With Dynamic Phase Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switched capacitor voltage regulators (SCVRs) are limited in their ability to accommodate large voltage variations and are inefficient in dynamic voltage and frequency scaling due to their fixed conversion ratio and current capability limitations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a configurable number of phases and modes in the SCVR operation, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration of the number of soft-charging phases based on input and output voltages, which enhances current capability and reduces the RC time constant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed conversion ratio is used in SCVR, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different voltage ranges is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the SCVR circuit by allowing the number of active phases to be changed during operation. The circuit transitions from a static fixed-ratio design to a dynamic multi-mode design where phases can be selectively enabled or disabled based on the required voltage conversion ratio, thereby achieving adaptability without permanent circuit modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal SCVR circuit capable of performing multiple voltage conversion functions by incorporating phase reconfiguration capability. The same physical circuit can operate in different modes (e.g., different numbers of active phases) to achieve various conversion ratios, making the circuit universally applicable across different voltage ranges rather than being dedicated to a single ratio
2Power
If the number of phases is increased to improve current capability, then current delivery is enhanced, but RC time constant increases reducing frequency performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic phase reconfiguration to adjust the number of active phases based on operating conditions. When high current is needed, more phases are activated; when high frequency response is needed, fewer phases are active. This dynamic adjustment allows the circuit to optimize between current capability and frequency performance depending on the specific operating requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If SCVR is designed for ideal voltage conversion ratio, then efficiency is maximized, but range of conversion ratios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic phase reconfiguration to maintain high efficiency across a range of conversion ratios. By selectively activating the appropriate number of phases based on the desired output voltage, the circuit can operate near its ideal conversion ratio for each configuration, minimizing energy loss while achieving versatile voltage regulation across different operating points
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
Enables efficient voltage regulation across a wide range of voltages by dynamically adjusting the phase number, improving current capability and frequency performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first core (124a) of the multiple cores comprises a capacitor
Implementation Method 2
a first switch network which is coupled between a terminal of the capacitor and various ones of the multiple buses
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and mechanisms for providing an output voltage using any of multiple configurable modes of a switched capacitor voltage regulator (SCVR). In an embodiment, a switched capacitor (SC) voltage converter comprising buses, and cores each coupled to the buses. A first core of the cores comprises a capacitor, and a switch network by which a terminal of the capacitor is to be switchedly coupled to first ones of the buses. Controller circuitry is coupled to operate the SC voltage converter according to a currently configured one of the modes. The modes each correspond to a different respective sequence of switch states to be provided with the switch network. In an embodiment, a first switch state sequence and a second switch state sequence each include a different respective total number of switch states.