Regulator Device Two-Slope Switch Turn-Off Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Regulator devices with multi-stage amplifiers face issues with sudden high voltage levels during heavy load situations, leading to reduced lifecycle of integrated circuits due to frequent voltage spikes.
Innovation Solution
A regulator device and control method that utilize a controlling circuit to output control signals with varying slopes during different periods to manage switch turn-off, preventing sudden high voltage levels by quickly turning off the first switch with a larger slope initially and then slowing down the turn-off with a smaller slope to prevent overvoltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the first switch is turned off quickly during heavy load status, then the response speed is improved, but sudden high voltage levels occur reducing integrated circuit lifecycle
Solution Approach 1:
The turn-off process of the first switch is divided into two distinct periods: a first period with a first slope for rapid voltage reduction, and a second period with a second slope for controlled voltage reduction. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both fast response and voltage spike prevention by applying different control strategies at different stages of the switch turn-off process
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts the slope of the control signal based on the current operating phase. During the first period, a larger slope is applied for rapid switching, while during the second period, a smaller slope is applied to prevent overvoltage. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both switching speed and voltage control throughout the turn-off process
2Use of energy by moving object
If multi-stage amplifiers are used to drive output switches, then efficiency is improved, but sudden high voltage levels are generated during heavy load
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit prepares for potential voltage spikes by implementing a two-slope control strategy in advance. When heavy load status is detected, the circuit first applies a rapid voltage reduction (first slope) to prepare the system for the upcoming high voltage event, then transitions to a controlled reduction (second slope) to prevent the voltage spike before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful rapid switch turn-off that causes voltage spikes into a beneficial controlled process. By using a two-slope approach, the rapid switching action is tamed and transformed into a controlled voltage reduction that maintains efficiency while preventing harmful overvoltage conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator device includes a first switch, a second switch, and a controlling circuit. A control terminal of the first switch is configured to receive a first control signal. A first terminal of the second switch is coupled with a second terminal of the first switch at a node. A control terminal of the second switch is configured to receive a second control signal. The controlling circuit is coupled to the control terminal of the first switch, the control terminal of the second switch, and the node. The controlling circuit outputs the first control signal with a first slope to the first switch during a first period, and outputs the first control signal with a second slope to the first switch during a second period. The first period is less than the second period, and the first slope is larger than the second slope.