On-Chip Voltage Generation With Dynamic Load Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing on-chip power supply designs face challenges in maintaining a stable output voltage range due to inaccurately estimated load currents and varying operating scenarios, leading to instability and reduced flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A voltage generation apparatus comprising a controller, first and second voltage division controllers, and a voltage detector, which adjusts the load voltage by controlling switch-controlled resistor sets to maintain a target value, ensuring stability and flexibility across different load conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a linear on-chip power supply adjusts R1do resistor to maintain output voltage stability, then output voltage stability is improved, but the power supply cannot meet requirements when load current varies greatly or is inaccurately estimated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to load variations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the resistor values adjustable rather than fixed. The first and second voltage division controllers use switch-controlled resistor sets that can dynamically change their resistance values based on load conditions. The controller adjusts the resistance of the first voltage division controller and the second voltage division controller in real-time to maintain stable output voltage across varying load currents, transforming a static circuit into a dynamic adaptive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the resistance parameters of the voltage division controllers adaptively. When load current varies, the controller modifies the resistance values of R1do and Rload through switch-controlled resistor sets. This parameter change allows the system to maintain the proportional relationship between resistors and load current under different operating conditions, thereby maintaining output voltage stability while adapting to load variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the proportional relationship between R1do and Rload is maintained to obtain expected output voltage, then output voltage accuracy is improved, but the power supply lacks flexibility when load current estimation is inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage accuracyVSAvoidflexibility in operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the controller continuously monitor the actual load current and adjust the resistance values of the voltage division controllers accordingly. The controller receives information about load current variations and dynamically adjusts the resistance parameters to maintain the proportional relationship, ensuring accurate output voltage while adapting to inaccurate initial load current estimations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed-resistor design to a dynamic adjustable-resistor design. The switch-controlled resistor sets allow the resistance values to be changed dynamically based on actual operating conditions, providing both accuracy (by maintaining the proportional relationship) and flexibility (by adapting to different load scenarios).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus effectively adjusts the load voltage to a target value, providing a stable output voltage range even with varying load currents, enhancing practicality and flexibility in different scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

the voltage detector is electrically connected to the load, and is configured to: detect a load voltage of the load, and feed back a detected value of the load voltage to the controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

the control signal is used to control the first voltage division controller and the second voltage division controller to adjust the load voltage to a target value, where when the detected value is greater than the target value, the control signal is used to execute at least one type of the following control: controlling a resistance of the first voltage division controller to increase, and controlling a resistance of the second voltage division controller to decrease

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance control: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3447603B1Device for generating voltage and semiconductor chip
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3447603B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3447603B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3447603B1 patent drawingFigure 5A

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a voltage generation apparatus and a semiconductor chip. The apparatus may include: a controller, a first voltage division controller, a second voltage division controller, and a voltage detector. The first voltage division controller and a load are connected in series between an input power supply and ground. The second voltage division controller and the load are connected in parallel between ground and a connection point between the first voltage division controller and the load. The voltage detector is electrically connected to the load, and is configured to: detect a load voltage of the load, and feed back a detected value of the load voltage to the controller. The controller is configured to: receive the detected value fed back by the voltage detector, and generate a control signal based on the detected value. The control signal is used to control the first voltage division controller and the second voltage division controller to adjust the load voltage to a target value. According to the present invention, applicability and practicability of an on-chip power supply may be enhanced and extended.