SIMO Regulator Current Sensing via Multiplexer State Transition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Switching regulators implementing average current mode (ACM) face inaccuracies in current sensing due to loss of current information during state transitions, as traditional current sense circuits can only measure current when switches are on and have settling times, making them unsuitable for single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) converters.
Innovation Solution
A SIMO regulation circuit with a multiplexer that selectively outputs a sense current from current sense circuits based on switching state transitions, ensuring continuous and accurate current sensing by identifying which switches remain closed during state changes and using their settled sense currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional current sense circuits are used in SIMO regulators, then the circuit structure is simple, but current sensing accuracy is lost during switching state transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the current sensing function into multiple independent current sense circuits, each dedicated to sensing current for specific switches. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific switching state, ensuring accurate current measurement during transitions between different output modes without requiring a single complex sensing circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal current sensing architecture where multiple current sense circuits can serve different switching states and output configurations. The system universally handles current sensing across all possible switching states (single-output, dual-output, buck, boost modes) through a coordinated multiplexer system that selects the appropriate sense circuit based on the current operating state.
2Measurement precision
If multiple current sense circuits are used to maintain accurate sensing during transitions, then current sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multiplexer as an intermediary component that manages the outputs of multiple current sense circuits. This intermediary selectively connects the appropriate sense circuit output to the control logic based on the current switching state, allowing the system to use multiple sense circuits without requiring complex direct connections from each circuit to all control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of current sense circuits based on the real-time switching state of the regulator. The system transitions between different sense circuits smoothly as switching states change, ensuring that the most appropriate sense circuit is always active. This dynamic approach allows the system to use multiple circuits only when necessary while maintaining simplicity during steady-state operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and apparatus for continuous current sensing for a single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) regulator. One example method includes operating a plurality of switches of the SIMO regulator, via a plurality of control signals, according to a plurality of switching states using a switching controller, sensing currents associated with at least a portion of the plurality of switches of the SIMO regulator using a plurality of current sense circuits, and selectively outputting a sense current from one of the plurality of current sense circuits based on a change in the plurality of controls signals occurring between a transition from a first switching state to a second switching state of the plurality of switching states.