Power Converter Charge Injection Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern computer systems face voltage drops in power supply nodes due to increased current demand, which existing buck converter circuits inadequately address, leading to inefficiencies in regulating power supply voltages across multiple circuit blocks.
Innovation Solution
A power converter circuit that includes a boost converter coupled to a regulated power supply node via a capacitor, injecting charge in response to a control signal asserted during regulation events to maintain voltage levels, thereby improving voltage response and reducing drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional buck converter circuit is used to regulate power supply voltage, then the circuit structure is simple, but the voltage drops during increased current demand cannot be effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a buck converter circuit with a charge injection circuit to form an integrated power conversion system. The charge injection circuit is coupled to the output of the buck converter and injects charge into the output capacitor during regulation events, thereby maintaining voltage stability during high current demand without requiring a complete redesign of the power supply architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The charge injection circuit acts as an intermediary component that supplements the output of the buck converter. During regulation events when voltage drops are detected, the charge injection circuit provides additional current to the output capacitor, effectively bridging the gap between the buck converter's limited response capability and the load's high current demand
2Power
If the power supply node experiences increased current demand, then more power can be delivered to circuit blocks, but voltage drops occur that existing converters inadequately address
Solution Approach 1:
The charge injection circuit is designed to activate in advance during regulation events. The control circuit detects when the output voltage begins to drop and immediately asserts the charge injection control signal, injecting charge into the output capacitor before the voltage drop becomes severe, thereby maintaining stable voltage levels during high current demand
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously monitors the output voltage of the buck converter and uses this feedback to control the charge injection circuit. When the output voltage drops below a threshold or a regulation event is detected, the control circuit asserts the charge injection control signal to inject additional charge, thereby maintaining voltage stability during increased current demand
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 solution effectively stabilizes voltage levels during increased current demand by injecting additional charge, enhancing the overall efficiency and responsiveness of the power converter circuit.
Implementation Method 1
a second converter circuit coupled to the regulated power supply node via a capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A converter circuit, included in a power converter circuit, may generate a given voltage level on a regulated power supply node of a computer system. A control circuit may monitor a voltage level and assert a control signal in response to a determination that a regulation event has occurred. A boost converter circuit, included in the power converter circuit, may inject charge into to the regulated power supply node via a capacitor, in response to an assertion of the control signal.