Single-Inductor Multi-Output Converter Using Unified Control Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) voltage converters require multiple operational amplifiers, leading to high power consumption due to increased bandwidth demands, making them unsuitable for low-power applications.
Innovation Solution
A single-inductor multiple-output voltage converter design that utilizes an energy generation circuit, energy distribution circuit, peak-inductor-current detection circuit, zero-inductor-current detection circuit, and control logic circuit, eliminating the need for multiple operational amplifiers by controlling the charging and discharging of a single inductor to provide multiple output voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple operational amplifiers are used in conventional SIMO voltage converters to provide multiple output voltages, then the loop transient response capability is improved, but the power consumption increases due to increased bandwidth demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple operational amplifiers into a single control unit that manages all output channels. Instead of using separate operational amplifiers for each output voltage channel, the invention implements a unified control mechanism that coordinates the charging and discharging phases for all outputs simultaneously, thereby eliminating the need for multiple high-bandwidth operational amplifiers and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining transient response performance
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit in the patent performs multiple functions that were previously distributed across several operational amplifiers. It simultaneously controls the charging switches, discharging switches, and output switches for all M output channels, and manages the transient response for multiple output voltages. This multi-functional approach allows a single control unit to replace multiple operational amplifiers, reducing bandwidth requirements and power consumption
2Speed
If bandwidth of operational amplifiers is increased to improve transient response, then the loop transient response capability is improved, but power consumption increases since bandwidth is proportional to power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic charging and discharging phases to achieve transient response without requiring continuous high-bandwidth operation. The control unit switches between charging mode (where the single inductor stores energy) and discharging mode (where energy is distributed to multiple outputs) in periodic cycles. This periodic action allows the system to respond to transient load changes efficiently without maintaining continuously high bandwidth, thereby reducing power consumption compared to conventional approaches that require operational amplifiers to operate at high bandwidth continuously
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 reduces power consumption by avoiding excessive bandwidth demand, enabling efficient operation in low-power applications while providing multiple output voltages using a single inductor.
Implementation Method 1
an energy generation circuit including an inductor L, a charging switch SP, and a discharging switch SN
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a single-inductor multiple-output voltage converter, a power supply chip, and an electronic device, where the single-inductor multiple-output voltage converter comprises an energy generation circuit, an energy distribution circuit, a peak-inductor-current detection circuit, a zero-inductor-current detection circuit, and a control logic circuit. The aforementioned converter can provide multiple different output voltages using a single inductor without multiple operational amplifiers, thereby avoiding excessive bandwidth demand associated with multiple operational amplifiers, thus reducing power consumption.