Multiphase Power Supply Phase Control for Low Quiescent Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase switch mode power supplies consume quiescent power even when in low or no-load conditions, reducing the operating time of battery-powered devices like laptops.
Innovation Solution
A phase of the power supply includes a zero-current detector circuit and a PWM level detector to determine load conditions, allowing the phase to adjust its operating mode dynamically based on sensed current and PWM signals, reducing quiescent power consumption by disabling or reducing circuit functions during inactive periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If phases are disabled during low load conditions, then power consumption is reduced, but quiescent power is still consumed by active phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operating modes for power supply phases that can switch between active, low-power, and disabled states based on real-time load conditions. The state machine monitors load parameters and dynamically adjusts the operational state of each phase, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics to match actual demand rather than maintaining a fixed operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of the power supply phases by introducing multiple operating modes with different power consumption characteristics. By adjusting parameters such as switching frequency, duty cycle, and circuit activation states based on load conditions, the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and quiescent power, transitioning phases to low-power mode when load demands are minimal but not zero.
2Power
If multiple phases are kept active, then power delivery capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply into multiple independent phases that can be individually controlled and configured in different operating modes. Each phase can be independently monitored for load conditions and switched between active, low-power, and disabled states, allowing granular control over power delivery capability and power consumption without requiring all phases to operate uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number and state of active phases based on real-time load conditions. The state machine evaluates current demand and selectively activates or deactivates phases, transitioning them between operational modes to optimize the balance between maintaining sufficient power delivery capability and minimizing overall power consumption of the power supply system.
3Loss of energy
If phases are disabled to save power, then quiescent power is reduced, but response time to load changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring and prediction mechanisms that detect early signs of load changes before they fully manifest. The state machine continuously monitors load parameters and anticipates upcoming demand increases, allowing phases to be proactively transitioned from low-power to active modes in advance, thereby reducing the effective response time when actual load changes occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring of load conditions and systematic state transitions between operating modes. By continuously evaluating load parameters at regular intervals and systematically adjusting phase states based on detected trends, the power supply maintains readiness to respond to load changes while spending most time in lower-power states, achieving a balance between quiescent power reduction and response time.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiphase power supply including a controller and phases can respond to a drop in load level by reducing, changing, or disabling the functions of some circuits within the active phase during these conditions. Estimating these conditions, however, may be difficult for a controller when the communication between the controller and the phase is limited. The disclosure describes an active phase that estimates a state of the load based on a sensed output current and a pulse width modulation control signal. The active phase may change its operating mode to match the estimated state of the load so that lighter load conditions consume less power. Furthermore, the idle phase(s) may nearly turn off all function except PWM detection to save power. Because this mode change is local to the phase, no additional communication with the controller is required.