Switched Capacitor Voltage Regulator Feedback Feed Forward Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switched capacitor voltage regulators (SCVRs) face limitations in maintaining output voltage regulation and reducing ripple amplitude when load current increases beyond their capability, leading to DC shifts and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a feedback/feed forward control mechanism that adjusts the topology factor and loop delay in SCVRs to maintain average output voltage and reduce ripple amplitude, allowing for increased load current without degrading performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single capacitive element is used to implement the flying capacitor function, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power conversion capability is lost and efficiency remains equal to linear series voltage regulators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single capacitive element into multiple capacitive elements (first and second capacitive elements) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables differential switching control, allowing charge to be transferred selectively between input and output ports, thereby achieving power conversion capability while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms including a delay circuit that adjusts timing parameters and a feedback circuit that monitors output voltage and dynamically modifies switching signals. This dynamic control enables the capacitive elements to adapt their switching behavior based on load conditions, achieving efficient power conversion and voltage regulation
2Measurement precision
If the switching rate of the flying capacitor is increased to improve output voltage regulation, then the voltage regulation precision is improved, but the ripple amplitude increases and loop stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching control where the capacitive elements are switched at controlled intervals rather than continuously at high frequency. The delay circuit introduces controlled time delays between switching events, creating a periodic action pattern that maintains voltage regulation precision while allowing ripple to settle between switching cycles, thereby reducing peak ripple amplitude
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback circuit that continuously monitors the output voltage and dynamically adjusts the switching signals sent to the capacitive elements. This feedback mechanism detects voltage deviations and ripple conditions, then modifies the switching rate and timing accordingly, maintaining precise voltage regulation while adapting to reduce ripple amplitude under varying load conditions
3Productivity
If the voltage regulator operates at higher power levels to meet increased load current requirements, then the productivity is improved, but the power dissipation increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional inductor-based switching regulator mechanics with a capacitor-based switching architecture. Capacitive switching inherently dissipates less energy than inductive switching because capacitors can charge and discharge without the resistive losses associated with inductor windings. This substitution enables higher power levels and increased load current capacity while maintaining lower power dissipation and higher efficiency
4Speed
If the loop delay is reduced to improve response time, then the speed of voltage regulation is improved, but the ripple amplitude increases and stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic delay adjustment where the delay circuit modifies its timing parameters based on operating conditions rather than using a fixed delay. The delay circuit can shorten delay periods during transient conditions to improve response speed, then extend delays during steady-state operation to reduce ripple amplitude and maintain stability, providing adaptive optimization of both speed and ripple control
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a switched capacitor voltage regulator includes modifying a topology factor associated with the switched capacitor voltage regulator in response to a change in output voltage associated with the switched capacitor voltage regulator, thereby maintaining an average output voltage associated with the switched capacitor voltage regulator. The method also includes modifying a loop delay associated with the switched capacitor voltage regulator in response to a change in operational frequency associated with the switched capacitor voltage regulator, thereby reducing ripple amplitude associated with the switched capacitor voltage regulator. A corresponding feedback/feed forward switched capacitor voltage regulator, controller, computer-readable medium, and voltage regulation system are also disclosed.