Multiphase DC-DC Converter Control for Fast Load Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching power supply devices face challenges in achieving stable output voltage and high-speed load response due to the complexity and cost associated with digital or analog control circuits, particularly when dealing with multiple power conversion units.

Innovation Solution

A switching power supply device is designed with a combination of digital and analog electronic circuits, where a programmable digital Micro Processing Unit (MPU) performs centralized arithmetic control, and individual analog controllers with feedback signal generating parts manage switching operations, allowing for efficient and scalable control of multiple power conversion units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a digital electronic circuit is used as the control circuit, then programmable arithmetic control can be achieved, but the response speed to load current changes is slow and the circuit becomes large-scale and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogrammable arithmetic controlVSAvoidload response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit is divided into two segments: a digital control unit for programmable arithmetic control and an analog control unit for high-speed load response. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An analog control unit is introduced as an intermediary between the digital control unit and the power conversion units. The analog control unit receives control signals from the digital unit and generates high-speed PWM signals, acting as a mediator that translates digital commands into rapid analog control actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a digital electronic circuit is used as the control circuit, then programmable arithmetic control can be achieved, but the control circuit becomes large-scale and complex resulting in larger size and extremely high cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogrammable arithmetic controlVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using multiple independent control circuits for each power conversion unit, the invention uses a single digital control unit that generates control signals for all units, with analog control units serving as intermediaries. This reduces the overall complexity and size of the control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Speed

If analog electronic circuits are used as the control circuit, then high-speed load response can be achieved, but analog control circuits whose number corresponds to the number of power conversion units are required resulting in large-scale and complex control circuit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload response speedVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple analog control functions are merged into a single integrated analog control unit that serves all power conversion units. This unit generates high-speed PWM signals for all units based on control signals from the digital control unit, reducing the overall number of control circuits required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The analog control unit is designed as a universal component that can control multiple power conversion units simultaneously. It performs multiple control functions for different units through a single circuit, reducing complexity while maintaining high-speed response capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If multiple independent control circuits are used for multiple power conversion units, then each unit can be controlled independently, but the control circuit becomes large-scale and complex resulting in larger size and extremely high cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control where the digital control unit receives information about the output state and adjusts control signals accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable independent control of each power conversion unit while using a shared control architecture to reduce overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11916484B2Multiphase DC-DC power converter

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

Each of a plurality of power conversion units includes an inductor, a switching circuit, and an individual analog controller. An MPU is capable of performing programmable arithmetic processing and outputs oscillation control signals to the plurality of power conversion circuits. Output parts of the plurality of power conversion units are connected to a common output terminal in a parallel manner, and the common output terminal is connected to a load. The individual analog controller is formed of an analog electronic circuit and includes a feedback signal generating part and a driving part. The feedback signal generating part detects the state of the output part of the power conversion unit and generates a feedback signal to be fed back to the power conversion unit. The driving part drives a switching element of the switching circuit.