SIMO DCDC Converter Current Sharing for Variable SoC Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DCDC converters for SoCs face inefficiencies due to the need to dimension for high-load scenarios, leading to increased cost and power consumption, especially in SIMO implementations where loads vary significantly.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising a DCDC converter, channel logic circuitry, and a voltage regulator that dynamically adjusts current distribution among multiple loads by detecting voltage thresholds and supplementing with a voltage regulator when necessary, ensuring efficient power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the DCDC converter is dimensioned for the highest-load scenario, then the power delivery capability is sufficient for all loads, but the converter operates inefficiently during low-load scenarios leading to increased power consumption and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two DCDC converter configurations based on load conditions. During high-load scenarios, both converters operate to provide sufficient power delivery capability. During low-load scenarios, only one converter operates while the other is disabled, reducing power consumption and improving efficiency. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its power delivery capacity to match actual demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery system is segmented into two separate DCDC converter paths that can be independently controlled. Each converter can be enabled or disabled based on the current load requirements. This segmentation allows the system to provide full power capability when needed while consuming less power during lighter loads, resolving the contradiction between having sufficient power capacity and minimizing energy waste.
2Device complexity
If a single DCDC converter serves multiple loads, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but the converter cannot efficiently handle varying load requirements leading to power inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The single DCDC converter is segmented into two independent converter paths, each capable of serving different load combinations. This allows the system to efficiently handle varying load requirements by enabling only the necessary converter paths, reducing power inefficiency while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures which DCDC converter paths are active based on the specific load requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows efficient power delivery to multiple loads with varying demands without requiring a permanently oversized single converter, thereby reducing power losses while maintaining circuit simplicity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the DCDC converter operates at reduced capacity during low-load scenarios, then power consumption is reduced, but the converter cannot meet the power demands during high-load scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational configuration based on load demands. During low-load scenarios, only one DCDC converter operates at reduced capacity, minimizing power consumption. When high-load scenarios are detected, the system dynamically enables both converters to operate simultaneously, providing sufficient power delivery capability to meet peak demands. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between reduced power consumption and adequate power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with redundant converter capacity available but not continuously active. The unused converter remains in a low-power standby state, ready to be quickly activated when high-load conditions arise. This preliminary preparation ensures that power delivery capability can be rapidly increased when needed without continuously consuming full power, resolving the contradiction between operational efficiency and peak performance capability.
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 solution ensures efficient power delivery to multiple loads, minimizing inefficiencies and reducing the need for oversized converters, thereby improving system efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
A Buck converter circuit utilises an inductor-capacitor or 'LC' circuit which is periodically connected to and disconnected from the power supply
Implementation Method 2
A Buck converter circuit utilises an inductor-capacitor or 'LC' circuit which is periodically connected to and disconnected from the power supply
Implementation Method 3
This can be seen as an electrical equivalent to a mechanical flywheel, wherein energy is periodically input to the system to keep it outputting energy at a steady rate. The ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage can be adjusted by altering the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated (PWM) or pulse frequency modulated (PFM) drive signal produced by the driver that is applied to the gate of the high-side transistor in order to turn the transistor on or off.
Implementation Method 4
A synchronous buck converter circuit replaces what is known as the 'freewheeling' or 'flyback' diode with a second transistor, often referred to as the 'low-side' (LS) transistor. The driver then turns on the low-side transistor when turning on the high-side transistor and vice versa by applying appropriate PWM or PFM drive signals to the high- and low-side transistors to control them so as to intermittently couple the LC circuit to the input voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit portion comprises a DCDC converter that provides current to one of a plurality of loads at a time. A controller detects when a voltage across an under-supplied load of the plurality of loads is below a first threshold. Channel logic circuitry provides current from the converter to the under-supplied load in response to the controller detecting that the voltage is below the first threshold. A voltage regulator provides current to the under-supplied load when the voltage is below a second threshold.