Multiphase Power Supply with Coupled and Uncoupled Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase switching power supplies face inefficiencies due to the limitations of either magnetically coupled or uncoupled inductors, which affect performance under varying load conditions, leading to increased energy dissipation and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A power supply design that selectively activates combinations of magnetically coupled and uncoupled phase paths based on load conditions, using a power-supply controller to manage phase activation and deactivation, thereby optimizing efficiency across different load levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If magnetically coupled inductors are used in multiphase power supplies, then transient response and output ripple are improved, but energy dissipation and heat generation increase under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inductor configuration changeable during operation. The system dynamically switches between magnetically coupled and uncoupled inductor configurations based on load conditions. During transient states, magnetically coupled inductors provide fast response, while during steady-state operation, uncoupled inductors reduce energy dissipation. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between transient performance and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic coupling parameter of the inductors based on operating conditions. By adjusting the coupling coefficient between inductors from coupled to uncoupled states, the system optimizes performance for different load scenarios. This parameter change allows the system to achieve low output ripple during transients while minimizing energy dissipation during steady-state operation.
2Loss of energy
If magnetically uncoupled inductors are used in multiphase power supplies, then energy efficiency is improved, but transient response performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between uncoupled and coupled inductor configurations based on load conditions. During steady-state operation, uncoupled inductors are used to minimize energy dissipation. During transient events, the system rapidly transitions to magnetically coupled configuration to provide fast transient response. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and transient performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors load conditions and proactively switches to magnetically coupled configuration before or during transient events to ensure fast response. By preparing the magnetic coupling state in advance based on predicted or detected load changes, the system maintains both energy efficiency during normal operation and fast transient response when needed.
3Speed
If a fixed configuration of magnetically coupled phases is used, then transient response is improved, but adaptability to different load conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration where the magnetic coupling state of inductors can be changed based on load conditions. The system transitions between fixed coupled configurations (for fast transient response) and uncoupled configurations (for energy efficiency). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between maintaining fast transient response and adapting to different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor system is designed to perform multiple functions by changing its magnetic coupling state. The same physical inductors can operate in magnetically coupled mode for transient response and in uncoupled mode for energy efficiency. This multi-functionality allows a single system to adapt to different load conditions while maintaining both transient performance and energy efficiency capabilities.
4Power
If all phase paths are always activated, then power delivery capacity is maximized, but energy dissipation increases under light-load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates or deactivates phase paths based on load conditions. During light-load conditions, fewer phase paths are activated and they operate in uncoupled mode to minimize energy dissipation. During heavy-load conditions, all phase paths are activated and can operate in coupled mode to maximize power delivery capacity. This dynamic phase activation resolves the contradiction between power capacity and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-phase power supply is segmented into independently controllable phase paths. Each phase path can be individually activated or deactivated based on load requirements. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary number of phases for the current load, reducing energy dissipation during light-load conditions while maintaining full power delivery capacity when all phases are activated during heavy-load conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances efficiency by reducing energy dissipation and heat generation, allowing the power supply to operate at optimal performance for each load level, thereby improving overall system efficiency and reducing cooling requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an odd number of magnetically coupled phase paths each coupled between the input and output nodes
Implementation Method 2
a first magnetically uncoupled phase path coupled between the input and output nodes
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a power supply includes an input node operable to receive an input voltage, an output node operable to provide a regulated output voltage, an odd number of magnetically coupled phase paths each coupled between the input and output nodes, and a first magnetically uncoupled phase path coupled between the input and output nodes. Such a power supply may improve its efficiency by activating different combinations of the coupled and uncoupled phase paths depending on the load conditions. For example, the power supply may activate only an uncoupled phase path during light-load conditions, may activate only coupled phase paths during moderate-load conditions, and may activate both coupled and uncoupled phase paths during heavy-load conditions and during a step-up load transient.