Output Switch Matrix for Dynamic Phase Reallocation Across Voltage Rails

The patent implements a pool of phases that can be dynamically allocated to serve multiple voltage rails. Each phase in the pool can be reassigned to different rails based on real-time power requirements, allowing a single set of phases to fulfill multiple functions across different rails. This multi-functional approach enables the system to support increased power efficiency through multiple rails without proportionally increasing the total number of phases needed.

The system employs dynamic phase allocation where the assignment of phases to voltage rails is not fixed but can change in real-time. A phase allocation logic continuously monitors power requirements and reallocates phases from the pool to rails that need them most. This dynamic reassignment allows the system to adapt to varying load conditions and optimize phase utilization across multiple rails, resolving the contradiction between needing more rails for efficiency and having fewer phases available.

The patent merges multiple phase control functions into a unified phase allocation logic that manages a shared pool of phases. Instead of having separate control circuits for each rail's phases, the system combines all phase control into a single intelligent allocator that distributes phases to rails as needed. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant control logic while maintaining the adaptability to serve multiple voltage rails with varying requirements.

The phase allocation logic acts as an intermediary between the pool of phases and the multiple voltage rails. This mediator component intelligently matches phase resources to rail requirements without requiring direct dedicated connections between each phase and each rail. The intermediary manages the complexity of phase distribution across multiple rails while presenting a simplified interface to both the phase pool and the rail controllers, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving adaptability.

The system implements a phase recycling mechanism where phases are temporarily allocated to rails during peak current demands and then recovered back to the pool when demands subside. Instead of permanently assigning phases to rails to handle peak currents, the allocation logic dynamically borrows phases from the pool during high-demand periods and returns them when less power is needed. This discarding and recovering approach allows adequate power delivery capability during peaks without permanently increasing the number of active phases across the system.

The phase allocation logic provides partial phase allocation to each rail based on instantaneous power requirements rather than allocating full capacity to each rail continuously. During peak current events, the system temporarily provides excessive phase resources to affected rails to meet demand, while during normal operation, only the necessary partial allocation is maintained. This partial or excessive action approach ensures adequate power delivery capability during critical moments without permanently committing excessive phases to each rail, thus avoiding continuous over-provisioning.