Multi-Phase Power Source Device with Dynamic Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-phase power source devices face challenges in reducing size and improving power conversion efficiency due to increased mounting area requirements and limited dynamic phase changes, especially when handling varying load currents and frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A power source device configuration that allows for easy adjustment of the number of phases using semiconductor devices with high side and low side transistors, charge and discharge circuits, clock signal generation, pulse signal generation, and PWM control, enabling automatic frequency adjustment and dynamic phase changes without a control unit, optimizing power conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the number of phases in a multi-phase POL converter is increased to handle higher currents, then the current handling capability is improved, but the mounting area required on the wiring board increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple semiconductor devices (first to fourth semiconductor devices) into a single integrated module, merging their functions while sharing common structures such as the insulating substrate and electrode patterns. This allows multi-phase power conversion with reduced mounting area compared to discrete implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the semiconductor device module to perform multiple functions: power conversion across multiple phases, current distribution through shared electrode patterns, and integrated mounting on a single insulating substrate. This multi-functionality reduces the overall mounting area required on the wiring board.
2Loss of energy
If the number of phases is increased to improve power conversion efficiency at high currents, then the efficiency at high load is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple semiconductor devices are arranged in phases around a central insulating substrate, with electrode patterns and conductive connections organized in concentric or layered fashion. This nesting allows compact integration of multi-phase circuits, reducing device volume while maintaining efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-phase configuration is used to handle varying current loads, then the current handling range is improved, but the complexity of phase control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic phase selection and current distribution mechanisms. The semiconductor devices and control circuits automatically adjust which phases are active based on the current load requirements, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while maintaining adaptability to varying load conditions.
4Area of stationary object
If the mounting area is reduced to fit diverse systems, then the system integration density is improved, but the number of phases that can be implemented is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar arrangement to three-dimensional integration by stacking semiconductor devices and organizing electrode patterns in multiple layers and dimensions. This allows more phases to be packed into a smaller footprint by utilizing vertical space and complex spatial arrangements rather than only horizontal expansion.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-phase power source device capable of easily changing the number of phases is realized. For example, a plurality of drive units POL[1]-POL[4] corresponding to the number of phases are provided, wherein each POL[n] receives a phase input signal PHI[n] serving as a pulse signal, and generates a phase output signal PHO[n] by delaying PHI[n] by a predetermined cycles of a clock signal CLK. PHI[n] and PHO[n] of each POL[n] are coupled in a ring, wherein each POL[n] performs a switching operation with PHI[n] or PHO[n] as a starting point. In this case, each POL[n] charges and discharges a capacitor Cct commonly coupled to each POL[n] with an equal current, and a frequency of CLK is determined based on this charge and discharge rate. That is, if the number of phases increases n times, the frequency of CLK will be automatically controlled to n times.