Single Feedback Pin Voltage Regulator for Boost and Inverting Modes

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for implementing a single integrated circuit chip for both boost and inverting voltage converters require multiple pin reconfigurations, which is inefficient and complicates the operation between different voltage conversion modes.

Innovation Solution

A voltage regulator with a single feedback pin that uses a feedback signal derived from an impedance element within the integrated circuit to generate a control signal proportional to load current, allowing for both positive and inverted voltage level regulation without internal changes or extensive pin reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pin reconfigurations are used to implement both boost and inverting voltage converters on a single chip, then the converter can support multiple voltage conversion modes, but the operation becomes inefficient and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion mode supportVSAvoidoperation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback pin is designed to serve multiple functions by processing both positive and negative feedback voltages through different internal circuit paths. The error amplifier and associated circuitry can handle both polarities of feedback signals, allowing a single pin to support both boost and inverting converter modes without requiring separate feedback pins for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs opposite feedback processing paths for positive and negative feedback voltages. When a negative feedback voltage is applied, the circuit processes it through one path, and when a positive feedback voltage is applied, it processes through another path, effectively using inversion logic to handle different voltage polarities with the same physical pin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pin reconfigurations are used to implement both boost and inverting voltage converters on a single chip, then the converter can support multiple voltage conversion modes, but the hardware changes become extensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion mode supportVSAvoidhardware configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback pin is designed to serve multiple functions by processing both positive and negative feedback voltages through different internal circuit paths. The error amplifier and associated circuitry can handle both polarities of feedback signals, allowing a single pin to support both boost and inverting converter modes without requiring separate feedback pins for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The internal circuitry automatically detects the polarity of the feedback voltage and routes it through the appropriate processing path without requiring external reconfiguration. The circuit self-adapts to the operating mode based on the feedback signal polarity, eliminating the need for manual hardware changes or complex external configuration circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traditional feedback configurations are used for both positive and negative voltage levels, then the feedback circuit can be simplified, but the feedback signal polarity becomes ambiguous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback circuit structureVSAvoidfeedback signal polarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs opposite feedback processing paths for positive and negative feedback voltages. When a negative feedback voltage is applied, the circuit processes it through one path, and when a positive feedback voltage is applied, it processes through another path, effectively using inversion logic to handle different voltage polarities with the same physical pin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the feedback circuit are designed with different characteristics to handle different signal polarities. The error amplifier and associated circuitry have localized functional differences that enable them to process positive and negative feedback voltages differently, preserving polarity information while using a unified feedback pin structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7579816B2Single feedback input for regulation at both positive and negative voltage levels

Publication Date: 2009.08.25 ANALOG DEVICES INT UNLTD CO

AI summary

A voltage regulator provides a regulated output load voltage at either a positive level or an inverted level relative to an input supply voltage. A switching circuit and control circuit are formed on an integrated circuit having a single pin for coupling to regulator feedback signal. The feedback signal is applied directly to the feedback pin during both positive voltage level regulation and inverted voltage level regulation. The feedback signal may be produced by a feedback circuit comprising an impedance element formed in the integrated circuit.