PWM Controller with Three Comparators for Compact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PWM controllers for switching voltage regulators require multiple pins to implement functions like over-current protection, under-voltage lockout, and power sensing, which increases the chip size and cost, and lacks flexibility in adapting to different switches and load circuits.
Innovation Solution
A PWM controller design utilizing three comparators to detect voltages at specific nodes, generating signals for lock and protection, power sensing, and disable functions, packaged with exactly eight pins, allowing for efficient implementation of over-current protection, under-voltage lockout, and power sensing, with adjustable over-current thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pins are used to implement over-current protection, under-voltage lockout, and power sensing functions, then the PWM controller can provide comprehensive protection and control functions, but the chip size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protection and control functions (over-current protection, under-voltage lockout, power sensing, enable/disable control) into a single PWM controller chip with a standardized eight-pin configuration. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components and external pins, thereby reducing chip size and cost while maintaining comprehensive protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The PWM controller is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can perform over-current protection, under-voltage lockout, power sensing, and enable/disable control all within a single chip. This multi-functionality allows the controller to replace multiple separate components, reducing the overall chip size and material costs while providing reliable protection functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pins are used to implement various control functions, then the PWM controller can provide comprehensive control capabilities, but the material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single PWM controller chip with exactly eight pins, eliminating the need for additional pins and external components. This consolidation reduces material usage and manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities for switching voltage regulators.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller provides universal multi-functional capabilities including over-current protection, under-voltage lockout, power sensing, and enable/disable control within a single eight-pin chip. This multi-functionality reduces the quantity of materials needed compared to implementing each function with separate components, thereby reducing overall material cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If the PWM controller is designed with fixed parameters, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the flexibility to adapt to different switches and load circuits is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The PWM controller incorporates adjustable parameters such as over-current thresholds that can be dynamically configured to adapt to different switching applications. This dynamic adjustability allows the same eight-pin chip design to be manufactured once and then adapted to various switches and load circuits through software or hardware configuration, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing flexibility.
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 enables compact and cost-effective PWM controller implementation with flexible over-current threshold adjustment, reducing material costs and adapting to various high and low side switches and load circuits while maintaining essential regulatory functions.
Implementation Method 1
The first comparator is configured to detect voltages of a first node and a second node so as to determine when to stop the PWM controller. The PWM controller is stopped if a first potential is lower than a threshold, and the first potential derives from the voltage of the first node by a level shift of a first voltage difference.
Implementation Method 2
The second comparator is configured to detect the voltage of the first node and then to compare the voltage with a power reference voltage so as to determine whether the PWM controller receives necessary power.
Implementation Method 3
The third comparator is configured to compare the voltage of the second node with an enable reference voltage so as to determine when to disable the PWN controller.
Data Source
AI summary
A PWM controller for controlling a switching voltage regulator comprises a first comparator, a second comparator and a third comparator. The first comparator is configured to detect voltages of a first node and a second node so as to determine whether to stop the PWM controller. The PWM controller is stopped if a first potential is lower than a threshold, and the first potential derives from the voltage of the first node by a level shift of a first voltage difference. The second comparator is configured to detect the voltage of the first node and then to compare the voltage with a power reference voltage so as to determine whether the PWM controller receives necessary power. The third comparator is configured to compare the voltage of the second node with an enable reference voltage so as to determine whether to disable the PWN controller.