Multi-Level Voltage Regulator for Stable IBC Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage regulator systems for isolated DC-DC converters in telecom architectures face challenges with unpredictable output voltage regulation, oscillatory behavior, and state space unpredictability due to varying input voltages, temperatures, and environmental conditions, limiting their efficiency and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A multi-level voltage regulator system that uses state parameters to select a fixed regulation point for IBC output voltage, implementing a stair-stepped approach to ensure stable and predictable voltage regulation across a range of input voltages and environmental conditions, using discrete hardware or software control systems to maintain deterministic input voltages for attached POL converters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional tight regulation feedback control is used, then output voltage regulation accuracy is improved, but system stability and predictability deteriorate under varying input voltages and environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage regulation accuracyVSAvoidsystem stability and predictability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous regulation approach into discrete multi-level voltage stages. Instead of attempting continuous tight regulation across all operating conditions, the system divides the input voltage range into multiple segments, each with its own optimized regulation level. This segmentation allows the system to achieve stable and predictable regulation at each stage while adapting to varying environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between regulation accuracy and system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation by transitioning from static tight regulation to dynamic multi-level regulation. The system dynamically selects appropriate regulation levels based on real-time operating conditions including input voltage, temperature, and load characteristics. This dynamic approach maintains reliability under varying conditions while preserving regulation accuracy through adaptive control strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If continuous tight regulation is applied across all operating conditions, then output voltage precision is improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial regulation action by implementing multi-level voltage regulation instead of continuous tight regulation across all conditions. The system applies full regulation precision only when necessary (at specific voltage levels and operating conditions), while using coarser regulation levels elsewhere. This partial action approach maintains output voltage precision where needed while significantly reducing control system complexity and computational burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the regulation parameter from continuous voltage control to discrete multi-level voltage stages. By transforming the control parameter space from continuous to quantized levels, the system achieves adequate output voltage precision for each application stage while dramatically simplifying the control algorithm and reducing device complexity. This parameter transformation enables efficient implementation using simpler hardware and software resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If fixed regulation point is used, then system simplicity is improved, but adaptability to varying input voltages and environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulation system simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to varying conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed regulation point into a dynamic multi-level regulation structure. The system automatically adapts its regulation levels based on real-time monitoring of input voltage, temperature, and load conditions. Each operating condition range has its own optimized regulation level, enabling the system to maintain high adaptability to varying environmental conditions while keeping the control logic relatively simple through predefined voltage stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the regulation approach from a single fixed parameter to multiple discrete voltage level parameters. By implementing a multi-level voltage regulation scheme, the system gains the ability to adapt to different operating conditions through parameter selection rather than complex continuous adjustment. This parameter-based adaptation maintains system simplicity while significantly improving versatility across varying input voltages and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10218265B2State space-based multi-level voltage regulator system
Publication Date: 2019.02.26 TDK LAMBDA CORP
  • US10218265B2 patent drawing
  • US10218265B2 patent drawing
  • US10218265B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-level voltage regulator system/method providing discrete regulation of a DC-DC intermediate bus converter (IBC) output voltage (Vout) is disclosed. The disclosed system/method allows IBC Vout to be regulated in discrete steps during periods where IBC input voltage (Vin) falls below nominal operating values. Rather than shutting down or degrading IBC Vout in an unpredictable non-linear fashion based on IBC input/loading, IBC Vout is regulated in fixed discrete steps, allowing IBC-connected point-of-load (POL) converters to obtain stable power input that is well-defined over IBC Vin. IBC operating parameters may define multi-dimensional operational state spaces of IBC Vout regulation that ensure optimum power flow to attached POLs while maintaining operational stability within the IBC regulator. Instabilities in IBC/POL performance across variations in IBC Vin, load transients, POL loading, and environmental variables may be prevented using Vin voltage step hysteresis.