Multiphase Voltage Regulator Fault Localization Using Tmon and Imon
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulator systems in information handling systems face challenges in accurately identifying faults in multiple phase voltage regulators, particularly due to the limitation of relying solely on temperature monitoring pins, which makes it difficult to determine the specific faulty phase.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves utilizing both the temperature monitoring (Tmon) pin and the current monitoring (Imon) pin from each power-stage (Pstage) to identify faults in the voltage regulator system. This includes using a dual-function Iout/fault2 pin for real-time phase current monitoring and fault type identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only temperature monitoring pin (Tmon) is used for fault detection, then the system structure remains simple, but the fault identification precision is insufficient and cannot determine the specific faulty phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the dual-function Iout/fault2 pin serve multiple purposes: it monitors phase current output levels and identifies fault types/location simultaneously. By configuring this single pin to provide both current monitoring and fault identification functions, the patent improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dual-function Iout/fault2 pin as an intermediary element that bridges current monitoring and fault identification. This pin acts as a mediator that translates phase current status into actionable fault information, enabling the controller to distinguish between different fault conditions without adding complex monitoring infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If dual-function Iout/fault2 pin is used for real-time phase current monitoring and fault identification, then the fault identification precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-function Iout/fault2 pin is designed to perform both current monitoring and fault identification functions through a single pin interface. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve precise fault identification while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing pin infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines current monitoring and fault identification functions into a single pin interface (Iout/fault2). By merging these two functions that were previously handled separately, the patent reduces the overall pin count and simplifies the device structure while maintaining high fault identification precision
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator system of an information handling system includes a voltage regulator and a voltage regulator controller. The voltage regulator includes multiple power-stages (Pstages). The voltage regulator controller communicates with the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator controller monitors for a first fault signal on a first pin of a circuit associated with a first Pstage of the Pstages. In response to a first voltage of the first fault signal at the first pin being greater than a threshold voltage, the voltage regulator controller monitors a second pin of the circuit for a second fault signal and determines whether a voltage of the second fault signal at the second pin is equal to a second voltage. Based on the voltage of the second fault signal being equal to the second voltage, the voltage regulator controller determines a first fault has occurred in the first Pstage.