Multi-Stage Voltage Regulation for Load-Responsive Transient Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage regulator systems struggle to efficiently adjust output voltage levels in response to varying power requirements of electronic circuits, leading to suboptimal performance and transient voltage disturbances.

Innovation Solution

A multi-stage voltage regulator system with power supply, first, and second regulator circuits, where load circuits provide power requirement information to adjust the voltage levels of the power supply and regulated voltages, optimizing performance by increasing or decreasing voltage levels based on load current demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If voltage levels are increased to meet higher power requirements, then power delivery capability is improved, but transient voltage disturbances and output voltage ripple increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidtransient voltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulation function is divided into two independent stages: a first voltage regulator circuit that regulates an intermediate voltage, and a second voltage regulator circuit that regulates the final output voltage. Each stage operates independently with its own control loop, allowing each to be optimized for specific operating conditions without compromising the other stage's performance and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating mode of the first voltage regulator circuit based on load conditions. When load current exceeds a threshold, the first regulator switches from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, enabling the system to adapt its voltage regulation strategy in real-time to maintain stability across varying power demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single-stage regulator is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to optimize performance across varying load conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulator circuit structureVSAvoidload condition adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulation function is divided into two independent stages: a first voltage regulator circuit that regulates an intermediate voltage, and a second voltage regulator circuit that regulates the final output voltage. Each stage operates independently with its own control loop, allowing each to be optimized for specific operating conditions without compromising the other stage's performance and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operating parameters dynamically by switching the first voltage regulator circuit between different operating modes based on load current thresholds. This allows the regulator to adjust its characteristics (such as gain, bandwidth, or control strategy) to optimize performance for light-load versus heavy-load conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If voltage levels are dynamically adjusted based on load current, then energy efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback control mechanisms where the second voltage regulator circuit receives feedback about the load current and adjusts its regulation accordingly. The first voltage regulator circuit also operates with feedback control, and the interaction between the two feedback loops enables dynamic voltage adjustment that optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operating parameters dynamically by switching the first voltage regulator circuit between different operating modes based on load current thresholds. This allows the regulator to adjust its characteristics (such as gain, bandwidth, or control strategy) to optimize performance for light-load versus heavy-load conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12591261B2Regulator system with voltage control

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure describes a system having a power supply circuit, a first regulator circuit, a second regulator circuit, and a load circuit. The power supply circuit outputs a power supply voltage. The first regulator circuit receives the power supply voltage and outputs a first regulated voltage based on the power supply voltage. The second regulator circuit receives the first regulated voltage and outputs a second regulated voltage based on the first regulated voltage. The load circuit receives the second regulated voltage and sends power requirement information (e.g., load current information) to one or more of the power supply circuit, the first regulator circuit, and the second regulator circuit. Based on the power requirement information, one or more of the power supply voltage, the first regulated voltage, and the second regulated voltage is adjusted.