Multiphase Voltage Regulator Automatic Phase Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information handling systems (IHS) face complexity and cost issues due to the need for multiple standalone voltage regulators to meet varying power requirements, which can be inefficient and costly when loads require specific power levels and regulation.

Innovation Solution

A multiphase voltage regulator (VR) with a VR controller that provides a reference voltage signal and identifies power stages through load current monitoring, allowing for dynamic phase assignment and configuration to match the required power needs, enabling efficient power delivery to information handling resources without additional cost or complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple standalone voltage regulators are used to meet varying power requirements, then power delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple voltage regulator functions into a single multiphase voltage regulator that can dynamically allocate phases to different output rails. Instead of using separate standalone regulators for each rail, the system merges them into one integrated regulator with shared power stages that can be selectively assigned to different outputs based on power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multiphase voltage regulator is designed with universal power stages that can serve multiple functions and multiple output rails. Each power stage can be dynamically assigned to different rails depending on the power needs, making the regulator multi-functional and adaptable to varying power requirements without requiring dedicated regulators for each rail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If multiple standalone voltage regulators are used to meet varying power requirements, then power delivery capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If a specifically selected and configured multiphase regulator is used, then power requirements are met, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower requirementsVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulator employs dynamic phase assignment where power stages can be selectively enabled or disabled and assigned to different output rails based on real-time power requirements. The controller dynamically determines which phases to activate and assigns them to appropriate rails, allowing the system to adapt to varying power demands without requiring a specifically selected configuration for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting which power stages are active and assigning them to different output rails based on power requirements. This parameter-based control allows the same hardware configuration to meet different power requirements by changing the assignment and activation state of phases rather than requiring different hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If automatic phase assignment is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulator system performs self-configuration through automatic phase assignment. The controller automatically detects power requirements and assigns phases to appropriate output rails without requiring external configuration or manual setup. This self-service capability improves adaptability while the automation of the process helps manage the complexity by eliminating the need for manual configuration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10423210B2Automatic detection of voltage regulator phase assignment and configuration for multi-output rails

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A multiphase voltage regulator (VR) has a VR controller that performs automatic VR phase assignment and configuration for single or multi-output rails of an Information Handling System (IHS). VR power circuit has power stages selectably coupled to output voltage connection(s) or rail(s) that deliver electrical energy to information handling resource(s). VR controller is coupled to the VR power circuit and provides a first reference voltage (IREF) signal to the VR power circuit. VR controller identifies any power stages that return a load current monitor (IMON) signal that indicates that the respective power stage is coupled to the first IREF signal. VR controller regulates identified power stages of the VR power circuit during delivery of electrical power to information handling resource(s). Regulation is according to a VR configuration that is selected based on identified VR phases assigned to a first output voltage loop and associated with the first IREF signal.