Phase Controller Impedance Signaling for Multi-Phase Power States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-phase voltage regulators face challenges in efficiently managing power states and reducing power consumption across various phases, particularly in low-power states, due to the complexity of controlling high-side and low-side switches and the need for precise impedance management.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase voltage regulator system with a phase controller that includes an impedance network and internal controller, which configures impedance levels and manages power stages to determine and drive consumer components to specific power states by applying current and sensing responses, enabling efficient power state detection and reduction in low-power states through discontinuous conduction mode operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the phase controller uses an impedance network to communicate power states to the power stage, then power state detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an impedance network as an intermediary communication interface between the phase controller and power stage. The network translates power state information into impedance variations that the power stage can detect, enabling precise power state communication without requiring complex digital communication protocols or additional signal pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase controller communicates power state information by dynamically changing the impedance parameter of the impedance network. Different power states correspond to different impedance values, allowing the power stage to detect and respond to power state transitions through simple impedance sensing rather than complex signal interpretation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power stage operates in discontinuous conduction mode to reduce power consumption in low-power states, then energy efficiency is improved, but the stability of voltage regulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) based on the detected power state. In high-power states, CCM maintains stable voltage regulation, while in low-power states, DCM reduces power consumption. The system adapts its operating mode dynamically to balance efficiency and stability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system adjusts key operating parameters such as switching frequency and duty cycle when transitioning between CCM and DCM. These parameter changes enable the power stage to maintain acceptable voltage regulation performance across different conduction modes and power states, mitigating the stability deterioration that would otherwise occur in DCM.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a power supply to drive a consumer component, which is operable in any one of multiple power states in a specified duration. The power supply contains a phase controller and power stage, to together drive the consumer component to a desired power state in a corresponding duration. According to an aspect, the phase controller includes a pin, an impedance network and an internal controller. The impedance network is configurable by the internal controller to provide a first impedance at the pin when the desired power state is a first power state and a second impedance when the desired power state is a second power state. Accordingly, the power stage may source an electrical signal to the pin and sense the response to determine whether the desired power state is the first or the second power state.