Switching Power Supply Clock Cascading for Multiphase Channel Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-phase DC/DC converter systems face challenges in synchronizing switching control among multiple channels, leading to inefficiencies in load current management and channel operation control, particularly when the number of operating channels needs to be adjusted based on load current demands.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a switching power supply system where clock signals for synchronization are transmitted cascadingly among power supply controllers, allowing for phase shifting and synchronization control without the need for additional dedicated terminals, enabling dynamic adjustment of channel operation based on load current through internal clock signals and level detection circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clock signals for synchronization are transmitted using dedicated terminals, then synchronization reliability is improved, but device complexity and component size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronous input/output terminals are designed to serve dual purposes: they function as general-purpose signal terminals and simultaneously transmit clock signals for synchronization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated clock terminals, reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Existing communication circuits are utilized to perform both data communication and clock signal transmission. By making these circuits multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated synchronization hardware, thereby reducing component size without compromising synchronization reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the number of operating channels is increased to handle higher load current, then current distribution capability is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent distribution capabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply controller incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor load current and automatically adjust the number of operating channels. This feedback-based dynamic adjustment simplifies control complexity while maintaining optimal current distribution capability across multiple channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active channels based on real-time load current demands. This dynamic operation allows the system to scale current distribution capability without permanent increases in control complexity, as channels can be activated or deactivated as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If additional dedicated terminals are added for clock signal transmission, then synchronization precision is improved, but ease of operation and device simplicity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoiddevice simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If cascading clock signal transmission is implemented among power supply controllers, then adaptability for load current adjustment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload current adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clock signal transmission is segmented and distributed cascadingly among power supply controllers rather than requiring a centralized control structure. Each controller can independently receive and transmit clock signals, enabling flexible adaptation to load current changes while distributing control complexity across multiple independent units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250023451A1Power supply controller and switching power supply

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 ROHM CO LTD

AI summary

A power supply controller provided in a switching power supply configured to generate an output voltage from an input voltage includes: a synchronous input terminal; a synchronous output terminal; an output stage configured to power-convert the input voltage to the output voltage; a switching control circuit configured to power-convert the input voltage to the output voltage by performing switching control of the output stage in synchronization with a reference clock signal; a synchronous output circuit configured to set a state of the synchronous output terminal to any one of a plurality of output states including first, second, and third output states; and a synchronous input circuit configured to set a state of the synchronous input terminal to any one of a plurality of input states including first and second input states.