Multiphase Power Supply Clock Synchronization for Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase power supplies fail to detect which controller has a fault when one occurs, affecting system operation.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase power supply system with a master circuit and n slave circuits, where the master circuit generates a first and second clock signal, and each slave circuit receives these signals to control their respective power stages, with phase clock signals synchronized to different rising edges of the second clock signal, and includes fault detection mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a daisy chain coupling method is used among controllers, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the system cannot detect which controller has a fault when a fault occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single daisy chain into multiple independent signal transmission paths by introducing a master controller that generates separate clock signals to each slave controller. This segmentation allows each controller to be independently monitored while maintaining the overall simplicity of the daisy chain structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each slave controller sends status signals back to the master controller, and the master controller monitors the health status of each slave controller individually. This feedback system enables fault detection without complicating the basic daisy chain coupling structure.
2Reliability
If multiple clock signals are generated and distributed from a master circuit to slave circuits, then fault detection capability is improved, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The master controller performs multiple functions: it generates clock signals, distributes them to slave controllers, monitors their status, and coordinates their operation. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate components into a single master controller, preventing excessive system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The master controller preliminarily generates and distributes clock signals to all slave controllers before operation begins, and preliminarily establishes monitoring channels for each slave controller. This preliminary setup simplifies the overall control structure by pre-configuring all necessary signal paths and monitoring mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiphase power supply with easy control is discussed. The multiphase power supply has a master circuit and n slave circuits coupled in parallel with each other between in input voltage and an output voltage. The master circuit provides a first clock signal to the slave circuits via a firs synchronous port, and a second clock signal via a synchronous port. All the circuits are then configured to generate a respectively phase clock signal to control the power stage.