SIMO Power Converter On-Time Control for Low Ripple Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Single Inductor Multiple Output (SIMO) power converters face challenges in maintaining low voltage ripple on light-load channels while handling heavy-load transients, leading to increased ripple noise and potential interference in sensitive frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controller that adjusts the on-time (Ton) for each load channel independently, monitoring switching frequencies and adjusting Ton to keep them within predefined frequency ranges, thereby reducing voltage ripple and maintaining stable output voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power converter handles heavy-load transients, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the voltage ripple on light-load channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the on-time parameter for each load channel based on real-time switching frequency monitoring. The controller dynamically modifies Ton to maintain switching frequencies within predefined ranges, which suppresses voltage ripple while preserving heavy-load handling capability. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the system behavior to current load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the on-time parameter to control the switching frequency within predefined ranges. By adjusting Ton based on monitored switching frequencies, the system maintains low voltage ripple on light-load channels while preserving the ability to handle heavy-load transients. This parameter change approach directly addresses the technical contradiction.
2Loss of energy
If the switching frequency is increased, then the power conversion efficiency is improved, but the noise and interference in regulated frequency bands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the switching frequency and using this information to adjust the on-time parameter. The controller counts switching events within a measurement period, compares the calculated frequency against predefined ranges, and modifies Ton accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures switching frequencies remain in optimized ranges that balance efficiency with noise reduction in regulated frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the on-time parameter based on monitored switching frequencies to maintain frequencies within predefined ranges. This parameter change strategy optimizes the trade-off between power conversion efficiency and noise generation, resolving the contradiction by keeping switching frequencies in ranges that minimize interference while maintaining acceptable efficiency.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the on-time is adjusted independently for each channel, then the voltage ripple is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller architecture that handles multiple load channels through a single integrated control mechanism. The controller monitors switching frequencies across all channels and adjusts on-time parameters for each channel independently using the same control logic and predefined frequency ranges. This multi-functional approach reduces voltage ripple without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same controller infrastructure serves all channels.
Data Source
AI summary
One example discloses a power converter, including: a power supply input configured to receive electrical power; a controller; an inductance having a first end coupled to the power supply input; a first load channel coupled to a second end of the inductance, and having a first select switch (SEL1) coupled to the controller, and configured to present a first output voltage (Vout1) and a first charge current from the power supply input to a first load; a second load channel coupled to the second end of the inductance, and having a second select switch (SEL2) coupled to the controller, and configured to present a second output voltage (Vout2) and a second charge current from the power supply input to a second load.