Method for measuring quiescent current in a switching voltage regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring quiescent current in switching voltage regulators is challenging due to inaccuracies when the regulator is not switching and time-consuming when switching, as existing methods require coupling with external components like inductors and capacitors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving generating a mathematical model of the circuit design with measurable parameters, fabricating the circuit, and using a circuit test fixture to measure and apply these parameters to calculate the quiescent current without requiring external components like inductors and capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used with external inductors and capacitors, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but measurement time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the traditional external component-based approach and integrates it directly into the switching voltage regulator circuit. By removing the requirement for external inductors and capacitors, the measurement process becomes self-contained within the regulator, eliminating setup time and external component constraints while maintaining measurement accuracy through direct circuit parameter measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mathematical model that copies the electrical behavior of the switching voltage regulator circuit. This model uses measurable parameters (voltages and currents at accessible nodes) to represent the complex internal switching behavior, allowing accurate quiescent current calculation without physically measuring difficult-to-access internal parameters during switching operation.
2Ease of operation
If the switching voltage regulator is not switching, then measurement setup is simpler, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to capture switching behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary setup by establishing the mathematical model and identifying the specific voltage and current measurement points within the circuit before actual measurement begins. This preliminary configuration allows the measurement system to be ready to capture switching behavior immediately when the regulator operates, combining simple setup with accurate dynamic measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mathematical relationships as intermediaries between the easily measurable external voltages/currents and the internal switching parameters. These mathematical models act as mediators that translate simple external measurements into accurate representations of complex internal switching behavior, bridging the gap between measurement simplicity and accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If internal operational currents are measured directly, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and measurement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement of internal operational currents from direct physical measurement and replaces it with calculation based on the mathematical model. By taking out the direct measurement requirement, the system avoids the complexity of accessing internal circuit nodes while maintaining accuracy through model-based derivation from external measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes direct electrical measurement (physical contact with circuit nodes) with mathematical calculation. Instead of using physical measurement probes on internal switching nodes, the system uses mathematical relationships to compute internal currents from external voltage and current measurements, replacing a complex physical measurement system with a simpler computational approach.
Data Source
AI summary
One example includes a method for measuring a quiescent current in a switching voltage regulator. The method includes generating a mathematical model of a circuit design associated with the switching voltage regulator. The mathematical model includes measurable parameters to describe a switching current of a power switch of the switching voltage regulator. The method also includes fabricating a circuit comprising the switching voltage regulator based on the circuit design. The fabricated circuit includes the power switch and conductive I/O. The method also includes coupling the conductive I/O of the fabricated circuit to a circuit test fixture and providing electrical signals to the conductive I/O via the circuit test fixture. The method also includes measuring the measurable parameters in response to the electrical signals and applying the measurable parameters to the mathematical model to calculate the switching current. The method further includes calculating the quiescent current based on the switching current.