SIMO Switching Regulator Dynamic Time Slot Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single inductor multiple output (SIMO) switching regulators face cross-regulation issues when operating in Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM), limiting the asymmetry of output loads they can support without disturbances.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with time division multiplexing (TDM) switches, an error calculation circuit, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) control circuit to dynamically control time slots and inductor current, minimizing cross-regulation by varying time slots based on PWM errors across outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed time slots are used for multiple outputs in SIMO switching regulator operating in CCM, then the regulator can maintain continuous conduction mode, but cross-regulation occurs when load current changes on one sub-converter affect other sub-converters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the time slot allocation variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the time slot duration for each sub-converter based on real-time load current detection. When load current changes are detected on any sub-converter, the controller modifies the time slot allocation to compensate, preventing cross-regulation disturbances while maintaining continuous conduction mode operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If time slots are adjusted to eliminate cross-regulation, then cross-regulation is minimized, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously detecting load current changes on each sub-converter and using this information to adjust time slot allocation. The controller monitors the operational status of all sub-converters and dynamically modifies the time slot duration based on detected load variations, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates cross-regulation without requiring overly complex external control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Single inductor multiple output (SIMO) switching devices with efficient regulating circuits. The SIMO switching device includes a plurality of time division multiplexing (TDM) switches for switching current through an inductor of the SIMO switching device. The plurality of TDM switches produces a plurality of outputs. The SIMO switching device further includes an error calculation circuit operatively coupled to the plurality of outputs for determining a calculated error from the plurality of outputs; a time slot generation circuit for controlling the plurality of TDM switches according to the calculated error; and a pulse width modulation (PWM) control circuit operatively coupled to the time slot generation circuit for controlling a plurality of PWM switches of a switching stage of the SIMO switching device in a continuous conduction mode (CCM) of operation. The PWM switches are controlled according to the time slots generated by the time slot generation circuit.