Power Switching Voltage Regulator Gate Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power switching voltage regulators face instability in output voltage due to changes in load current, affecting the stability of the power supply for microprocessors and memory devices.
Innovation Solution
A power switching voltage regulator design that includes a high-side and low-side PMOS switch, a PWM generator, detection circuit, gate voltage adjusting unit, and voltage booster, dynamically adjusting gate voltages to control the on-resistances of the switches and stabilize the output voltage by using a voltage stabilizer and capacitors to manage reference voltages and switching signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the power switching voltage regulator supplies power for a load by turning on the high-side switch or the low-side switch, then the power supply can deliver current to the load, but the output voltage swings due to changes of current applied to the load, reducing the stability of the power switching voltage regulator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the on-resistance of the switches adjustable rather than fixed. The gate voltage adjusting unit dynamically changes the gate voltage of the high-side and low-side switches based on detected output voltage conditions, which in turn dynamically adjusts the on-resistance to compensate for voltage swings during different operating states (load application and load removal).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (gate voltage) of the switches to control their on-resistance. By adjusting the gate voltage through the gate voltage adjusting unit, the on-resistance parameter of the switches is modified to optimize voltage stability during load transitions, thereby resolving the contradiction between power delivery and voltage stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the on-resistance of the switches is reduced to improve voltage stability during load current changes, then the output voltage stability improves, but the switching losses and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic adjustment of gate voltage to optimize the on-resistance at different operating moments. Rather than using a fixed low on-resistance that would cause continuous high current and heating, the system dynamically adjusts resistance only when needed (during load transitions) to minimize energy loss while maintaining voltage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic PWM switching control where the switches are turned on and off in controlled cycles. This periodic action allows the system to deliver power in pulses rather than continuous conduction, reducing average current and associated energy losses while maintaining output voltage stability through proper timing and duty cycle control.
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 the output voltage by dynamically adjusting the gate voltages of the switches, reducing oscillations and maintaining stability both when a load is applied and removed, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the power switching voltage regulator.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage stabilizer outputs a predetermined voltage according to the detection signals
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitor coupled between the power output terminal and the ground
Data Source
AI summary
A power switching voltage regulator includes a high-side switch, a low-side switch, an inductor, a detection circuit, and a gate voltage adjusting unit. The high-side switch is coupled to a voltage source; the low-side switch is coupled between the high-side switch and a ground. A connection node is located between the high-side switch and the low-side switch. The inductor is coupled between the connection node and a power output terminal of the power switching voltage regulator. The detection circuit detects an output voltage of the power output terminal, when the output voltage swings out of a predetermined range. The gate voltage adjusting unit dynamically adjusts a gate voltage on-resistances of the high-side switch and the low-side switch.