PWM Controller Synchronization via Mediator Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple phase switching power supplies require complex circuitry and additional connections to synchronize slave controllers with a master controller, limiting efficiency and flexibility in power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase power system using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controllers where a master controller generates a clock signal with a synchronizing pulse, allowing slave controllers to synchronize their output signals and maintain a predetermined phase relationship, simplifying circuitry and reducing connections between controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple phase clocks controlling respective multiple controllers are used to provide high current and fast response time, then power delivery performance is improved, but circuit complexity and connections between controllers increase
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronizing signal is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the master controller and slave controllers. This signal carries timing information that enables slave controllers to synchronize their operation without requiring complex inter-controller connections. The synchronizing signal acts as a mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the benefits of multiple phase operation for high current and fast response time power delivery.
2Speed
If multiple phase clocks controlling respective multiple controllers are used, then fast response time is achieved, but the number of connections between controllers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronizing signal serves as a mediator that transmits timing information from the master controller to slave controllers through a simplified connection structure. This allows slave controllers to maintain fast response times by synchronizing their switching operations with the master controller, while reducing the number of direct connections required between controllers compared to traditional master-slave architectures.
3Reliability
If complex circuitry is used to synchronize slave controllers with master controller, then synchronization is achieved, but efficiency and flexibility in power delivery are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs parameter changes in the synchronizing signal to encode timing information that enables flexible power delivery. By varying parameters such as pulse width, frequency, or amplitude of the synchronizing signal, the system can dynamically adjust the operation of slave controllers to match different power delivery requirements, thereby improving both efficiency and flexibility while maintaining reliable synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-phase power system including a plurality of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controllers is provided, including a first PWM controller and at least one second PWM controller. The first PWM controller is configured to generate at least one first output signal based on a first clock signal, and to insert at least one synchronizing pulse into the first clock signal, the synchronizing pulse having a predetermined characteristic differing from pulses of the first clock signal, and to provide the first clock signal including the synchronizing pulse to the second PWM controller. The second PWM controller is configured to generate at least one second output signal based on the first clock signal, and to synchronize the generation of the first and second output signals using the synchronizing pulse within the first clock signal, thereby maintaining a predetermined phase relationship between the first and second output signals. The synchronizing pulse may be, for example, a skinny pulse or a pulse having a magnitude larger than the pulses of the first clock signal.