Scalable Switched-Capacitor Regulators With Phase-Shifted Ripple Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators, such as switch capacitor voltage regulators (SCVR), require redesign for each specific application due to varying voltage levels and power preferences, leading to complexity, cost, and inefficiency. Additionally, placing voltage regulators around the perimeter of circuitries can be challenging due to limited space.
Innovation Solution
A scalable switch capacitor voltage regulator design that accommodates a broad range of circuitries by connecting to the circuitry from beneath the dies, thereby utilizing the available space more efficiently. This design includes a system of multiple circuits with switches and capacitors, arranged in parallel, where each circuit operates at a different phase to reduce voltage ripple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voltage regulators are redesigned for each specific application to accommodate varying voltage levels and power preferences, then the voltage regulator can meet specific circuitry requirements, but the complexity, cost, and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is designed with a scalable architecture that can serve multiple different circuitry applications with varying voltage and power requirements through a single unified design. The regulator uses an array of switch capacitor circuits that can be selectively activated to accommodate different output voltage levels and current demands, eliminating the need for separate custom designs for each application while maintaining adaptability to specific circuitry requirements
2Ease of operation
If voltage regulators are placed around the outer perimeter of the circuitry to power it, then the circuitry can receive regulated voltage, but the limited space around the perimeter makes placement challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator architecture transitions from a two-dimensional planar layout around the circuitry perimeter to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The switch capacitor circuits are arranged in multiple layers or levels, allowing the regulator to be positioned in the vertical dimension rather than competing for horizontal perimeter space. This enables the regulator to power the circuitry effectively while utilizing previously unused vertical space within the device package
3Reliability
If multiple switch capacitor circuits operate at different phases, then the output voltage ripple is reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch capacitor circuits operate in periodic phases, with each circuit activated at different time intervals within a repeating cycle. This periodic operation allows multiple circuits to contribute to the output voltage in a coordinated manner, reducing ripple through constructive interference while maintaining relatively simple control logic based on timing signals rather than complex real-time adjustments
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 scalable design provides a single solution for various IC designs and applications, reducing complexity and cost while improving efficiency by minimizing the need for redesign and optimizing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of switches of each circuit can be configured to be switched on and off at a phase that is different from a phase of at least one another plurality of switches of another circuit of the plurality of circuits. A ripple of the output voltage is configured to be reduced according to a number of phases at which the plurality of switches from one or more circuits of the plurality of circuits is turned on or off.
Data Source
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AI summary
A solution for regulating a voltage for a broad range of integrated circuits (132), ICs, using a plurality of switch capacitor voltage regulator circuits (112) is disclosed. A system (100) can include a plurality of circuits (112) configured to provide a voltage output (106) responsive to a voltage input (104). Each circuit (112) can include a plurality of switches (116) and one or more capacitors (114) and can be coupled in parallel with each of other circuits (112) of the plurality of circuits (112), so that an input of each circuit (112) is coupled to the voltage input (104) and an output of each circuit (112) is coupled to the voltage output (106). The plurality of switches (116) of each circuit (112) can be configured to switch on and off at a phase (308) that is different from a phase (308) of at least one another plurality of switches (116) of another circuit (112) of the plurality of circuits (112).