Multiphase Current Source Control for Zero-Undershoot Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters face challenges in maintaining stable output voltage with zero undershoot, especially in dynamic load conditions, and they often require complex compensation networks and additional power components.
Innovation Solution
The proposed voltage regulator circuit employs a multiphase current source system with constant on-time (COT) control, featuring a masterless current share loop and adjustable current share gain, which enables adaptive on-time control and zero undershoot response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing power converters use complex compensation networks and additional power components to maintain stable output voltage, then output voltage stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex compensation networks and additional power components from the power converter design. By using a multiphase current source system with masterless current sharing control, the invention achieves stable output voltage without requiring traditional complex compensation circuits, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining voltage stability under dynamic load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The multiphase current source system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides current sharing among phases, maintains output voltage stability, and handles dynamic load conditions without requiring separate compensation networks. Each phase contributes to both current delivery and voltage regulation, reducing the need for additional dedicated components
2Speed
If existing power converters use traditional control methods to handle dynamic load conditions, then load response is achieved, but output voltage undershoot occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control through the masterless current sharing mechanism where each phase autonomously adjusts its current contribution based on real-time conditions. This dynamic response allows the system to quickly adapt to load changes while maintaining voltage stability, eliminating the undershoot problem associated with traditional static control methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs implicit feedback through the masterless current sharing control where each phase monitors and responds to the overall system state. This feedback mechanism enables rapid load response while preventing output voltage undershoot by automatically balancing current distribution across phases during transient conditions
3Area of stationary object
If power converters are designed with minimal output load capacitance to reduce size, then device area is reduced, but maintaining stable output voltage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The multiphase current source system provides self-service voltage regulation through its inherent current sharing control mechanism. Each phase autonomously contributes to maintaining output voltage, eliminating the need for large output capacitance to provide voltage support. The system self-regulates to maintain stability even with minimal external capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator is described for use in high power delivery applications, including notebook computers, ultra-book computers, and electric vehicles. The voltage regulator is configured with multiphase current and constant on-time (COT) control. The voltage regulator can be configured with adaptive on-time control with zero undershoot in the output voltage signal, in response to a dynamic load. The multiphase current source can be configured with adjustable current share gain to provide a democratic current balance method. A method of operating the voltage regulator can be compatible with analog, digital, and hybrid implementations.