Multiphase Switching Converter Daisy Chain Control Architecture

Solution Overview

Problem

Multiphase switching converters require adjustments in logic, circuit, structure, and size when increasing the number of phases, leading to increased development burden and cost, especially for single-controller systems.

Innovation Solution

A daisy chain architecture is implemented, where control circuits are configured in a chain to adjust the number of switching circuits dynamically, with a master control circuit providing switching control signals and slave control circuits following phase input signals, allowing for automatic phase interleaving, shedding, and fault handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the number of phases in a multiphase switching converter is increased to meet higher current requirements, then the output current capability is improved, but the development burden and overall cost increase due to adjustments in logic, circuit, structure and controller size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput current capabilityVSAvoidcontroller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is divided into multiple independent control circuits, each capable of controlling one phase. Each control circuit includes its own comparator, latch, and logic circuitry, allowing them to operate semi-independently. This segmentation enables the controller to scale by simply adding or removing control circuits without redesigning the entire controller architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically adjusts the number of active control circuits based on load current requirements. The control circuits are configured in a daisy-chain architecture where each circuit can be enabled or disabled independently, allowing the system to adapt the controller's effective size and complexity to match the actual power delivery needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of control circuits is increased to support more phases, then the scalability is improved, but the device complexity and development burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidcontroller structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is divided into multiple independent control circuits, each capable of controlling one phase. Each control circuit includes its own comparator, latch, and logic circuitry, allowing them to operate semi-independently. This segmentation enables the controller to scale by simply adding or removing control circuits without redesigning the entire controller architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each control circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple tasks: generating PWM signals, detecting overcurrent conditions, managing phase shedding, and interfacing with adjacent control circuits through daisy-chain connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components as the system scales.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single controller is used for all phases, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different load requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller structureVSAvoidload adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is divided into multiple independent control circuits, each capable of controlling one phase. Each control circuit includes its own comparator, latch, and logic circuitry, allowing them to operate semi-independently. This segmentation enables the controller to scale by simply adding or removing control circuits without redesigning the entire controller architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically adjusts the number of active control circuits based on load current requirements. The control circuits are configured in a daisy-chain architecture where each circuit can be enabled or disabled independently, allowing the system to adapt the controller's effective size and complexity to match the actual power delivery needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11387736B2Multiphase switching converters with daisy chain configuration

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 CHENGDU MONOLITHIC POWER SYST

AI summary

A multiphase switching converter has a plurality of switching circuits coupled in parallel, and a plurality of control circuits configured in a daisy chain. Each control circuit receives a phase input signal, and provides a phase output signal and a switching control signal for controlling a corresponding switching circuit. One of the plurality of control circuits is master control circuit to provide the phase output signal and the switching control signal based on a turn-on control signal and the phase input signal. When a combination of the phase output signal and the switching control signal provided by the master control circuit meets a phase transfer type, the phase output signal of the master control circuit equals the turn-on control signal.