SIMO Power Converter Cross-Regulation Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) power converters face cross-regulation problems where changes in power delivery to one load affect other loads, leading to overshoot or undershoot in output voltages, limiting their performance despite their small form factor and efficiency advantages.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cross-regulation switch that dynamically adjusts switch configurations in response to cross-regulation events, allowing energy stored in the inductor to be directed back to the power source, thereby reducing overshoot or undershoot at loads, and utilizing control circuitry to regulate inductor current based on feedback signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single-inductor multiple-output architecture is used, then the power converter size is reduced, but cross-regulation problems occur causing voltage overshoot or undershoot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of the single inductor by introducing multiple switches (first switch, second switch, and cross-regulation switch) that can selectively connect the inductor to different circuits. This allows the inductor to be independently controlled for different output loads, resolving the cross-regulation problem while maintaining the compact single-inductor architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switch configuration control based on real-time detection of cross-regulation events. The controller dynamically adjusts the operational state of switches between different configurations (first configuration for normal operation, second configuration for cross-regulation correction), enabling adaptive response to load changes and preventing voltage overshoot or undershoot.
2Reliability
If cross-regulation events are corrected by adjusting switch configurations, then voltage stability is improved, but efficiency may degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by detecting cross-regulation events and using this information to control the operational state of switches. The controller continuously monitors the system state and adjusts switch configurations in response to detected events, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains voltage stability while minimizing unnecessary switch operations that would reduce efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power converter by switching between different configurations only when cross-regulation events are detected. This event-driven parameter change approach ensures voltage stability is improved only when needed, avoiding continuous parameter adjustments that would degrade efficiency during normal operation.
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
Improves cross-regulation performance by reducing voltage overshoot or undershoot without significantly degrading efficiency, enabling SIMO power converters to maintain performance and efficiency comparable to other configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor coupled between a first node and a second node
Implementation Method 2
a first switch coupled between an input node and the first node, a second switch coupled between the first node and a ground node
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed for a single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) power converter with a cross-regulation switch. An example apparatus includes a power source and a SIMO power converter. The SIMO power converter includes an input node coupled to the power source, a first node, a second node, a ground node, and an inductor coupled between the first node and the second node. The single-inductor multiple-output power converter also includes a first switch coupled between the input node and the first node, a second switch coupled between the first node and the ground node, and a cross-regulation switch coupled between the input node and the second node.