Multiphase Converter Clock Generation for Accurate Phase Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase clock systems in switching voltage regulator circuits face challenges in maintaining accurate and consistent phase differences among multiple clocks, affecting circuit performance.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase switching voltage regulator circuit with a first clock generator and phase extrapolator circuits that generate output clocks with precise phase differences, controlled by a phase selector multiplexer and programmable references, ensuring clocks are phase-separated by 360°/N.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple multiphase clocks are used in switching voltage regulator circuits, then power regulation capability is improved, but maintaining accurate and constant phase difference among clocks becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clock generation system is segmented into multiple independent phase extrapolator circuits (first through fourth phase extrapolator circuits), each generating a specific phase of the multiphase clock. This segmentation allows each circuit to be independently controlled and calibrated, ensuring accurate phase differences while maintaining high power regulation capability through the combined output of all phases.
2Productivity
If multiple multiphase clocks are used in switching voltage regulator circuits, then power regulation capability is improved, but phase difference constancy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where each phase extrapolator circuit receives feedback signals that monitor and adjust its output phase. The system includes phase difference detection and correction circuits that continuously monitor the phase relationships and make real-time adjustments to maintain constant phase differences, thereby ensuring stability while supporting multiple phases for improved power regulation.
3Measurement precision
If phase extrapolator circuits with programmable references are used, then phase difference accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs programmable reference parameters in each phase extrapolator circuit that can be configured to achieve the desired phase differences. By changing the reference parameters (such as reference frequencies or phase offsets) rather than redesigning the circuit architecture, the system achieves high phase difference accuracy while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through parameterization rather than structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiphase switching voltage regulator is disclosed. The regulator includes a first clock generator circuit configured to receive a reference clock, and to generate M first clocks, where the M first clocks are phase separated by 360°/M, a plurality of phase extrapolator circuits, where the plurality of phase extrapolator circuits includes N phase extrapolator circuits, and a phase selector multiplexer configured to provide one of the M first clocks to each of the phase extrapolator circuits, where the N phase extrapolator circuits are configured to generate N output clocks, where the N output clocks are phase separated by 360°/N.