Multi-Phase Voltage Regulator Current Balancing by Duty Cycle Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-phase power converters face challenges in maintaining consistent output power between different phases, affecting power supply stability, and existing solutions often require complex circuits or changes to the converter's operation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase voltage regulator circuit with comparison circuits and correction conversion circuits adjusts duty cycles of control signals based on error currents to balance currents across phases without altering the converter's operation or adding complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing solutions are used to balance output power between phases, then power supply stability can be improved, but device complexity increases due to complex circuits or operational changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the current balancing function into separate comparison circuits for each phase. Each comparison circuit independently compares its phase current with a reference current and generates corresponding control signals, avoiding the need for a complex centralized control circuit while achieving effective current balancing across all phases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using comparison circuits that continuously monitor the output currents of different phases and adjust the duty cycles accordingly. The correction conversion circuit processes the comparison results and feeds back adjusted control signals to maintain balanced currents, improving power supply stability without requiring complex operational changes
2Reliability
If complex circuits are used to balance currents between phases, then current balancing can be achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple independent comparison circuits, each handling a single phase's current balancing task. This segmentation allows each circuit to be designed and manufactured as a standardized module, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining effective current balancing across all phases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves current balancing by adjusting the duty cycle parameter of control signals rather than changing the physical circuit structure. The correction conversion circuit modifies the duty cycle based on current comparison results, allowing current balancing to be achieved through parameter adjustment instead of complex circuit redesign, thereby improving ease of manufacture
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-phase voltage regulator circuit applied in a multi-phase power converter is provided. The multi-phase voltage regulator circuit comprises multiple comparison circuits. The comparison circuits are coupled to a power output stage circuit and configured to generate multiple control signals The power output stage circuit generates multiple output currents according to the control signals. Each of the comparison circuits comprises a comparator and a correction conversion circuit. The comparator is configured to receive a compensation signal and a reference signal, and receive a correction signal through a first correction terminal and to adjust a duty cycle of a corresponding one of the control signals according to the correction signal. The correction conversion circuit is configured to generate a correction signal according to an error current. The error current represents a difference between a current threshold value and a corresponding output current for the corresponding phase.