SCVR Controller Using di/dt Threshold for Transient Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronic devices face challenges in providing precise, fast, and stable power supply, leading to system lockouts under high load demands due to slow response times in existing switch capacitor voltage regulator (SCVR) designs.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit with a controller that senses current and time differences (Δi/Δt) to trigger simultaneous or sequential activation of SCVR phases, allowing rapid power delivery and preventing lockouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If switch capacitor voltage regulators are activated sequentially to manage power delivery, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but response speed to high load demands deteriorates causing system lockouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of SCVR phases by transitioning from fixed sequential activation to adaptive activation based on real-time load conditions. The controller dynamically determines whether to activate phases sequentially or simultaneously based on the calculated di/dt value, allowing the system to adapt its response strategy to match the urgency of power demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring current values and time information through sensors, calculating the rate of change (di/dt), and using this feedback to adjust the activation strategy of SCVR phases. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond appropriately to varying load conditions, preventing lockouts while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Productivity
If all SCVR phases are activated simultaneously to meet high load demands, then response speed and power delivery capability are improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from simple sequential timing to di/dt-based dynamic control. By monitoring the rate of current change and comparing it against a threshold, the system intelligently selects between sequential and simultaneous activation modes, optimizing power delivery capability while keeping control complexity manageable through parameter-based decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static control (fixed sequential activation) to dynamic control (adaptive activation based on real-time di/dt measurements). This dynamic approach allows the system to activate all phases simultaneously when high power delivery is needed, while maintaining simpler sequential operation during normal conditions, thus balancing productivity and control complexity.
3Reliability
If sequential activation of SCVR phases is used to simplify control, then device complexity is reduced, but transient response to sudden load changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from current sensors and time information to calculate di/dt, providing real-time information about load change urgency. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain stability through sequential activation during normal conditions while rapidly switching to simultaneous activation when transient response is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its activation strategy based on real-time conditions, transitioning from stable sequential operation to rapid simultaneous activation when di/dt exceeds the threshold. This dynamic behavior ensures both system stability during normal operation and fast transient response when needed, preventing lockouts without sacrificing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit includes a power circuit, switch capacitor voltage regulators, a controller, a current sensor, and a time sensor. Each of the switch capacitor voltage regulators is coupled in series with the power circuit. The controller is coupled to each of the switch capacitor voltage regulators. The current sensor is configured to sense a current from the switch capacitor voltage regulators to the power circuit. The time sensor is configured to sense a time at which the current sensor senses the current. The controller is configured to receive current values and time information from the current sensor and the time sensor, and simultaneously turn on the switch capacitor voltage regulators when determining that the Δi/Δt value is equal to or greater than a threshold.