Single Pin Multi-VID Interface Circuit for DC/DC Converter Voltage Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional DC/DC converters require multiple pins for voltage control, which increases cost and complexity, as they need to accommodate different voltage requirements based on operating modes through voltage identification (VID) signals.

Innovation Solution

A programmable DC/DC converter apparatus with an error circuit, control logic, high and low side drivers, and an interface circuit that includes voltage sources, comparators, and an OR gate, allowing for voltage control through a single pin using VID signals, enabling efficient mode switching between Continuous Current Mode and Discontinuous Current Mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pins are used for voltage control in conventional DC/DC converters, then different voltage requirements based on operating modes can be accommodated, but the pin count increases leading to higher cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage control capabilityVSAvoidpin count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple voltage control functions into a single pin interface. The interface circuit receives VID signals through one pin and uses internal comparators and logic circuits to decode multiple voltage level selections, effectively merging what would traditionally require multiple separate control pins into a single integrated interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single pin interface is designed to universally handle multiple voltage control functions. The interface circuit can interpret VID signals to select among multiple voltage levels and operating modes (continuous current mode, discontinuous current mode), making the single pin perform what would traditionally require multiple dedicated pins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pins are used for voltage control, then different operating modes can be controlled, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating mode controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a single pin interface, reducing the total pin count of the device. Fewer pins mean reduced packaging complexity and lower manufacturing costs, while the internal interface circuit maintains the capability to control multiple operating modes through signal decoding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8058860B2Single pin multi-VID bit interface circuit for dynamic voltage change of a DC/DC converter

Publication Date: 2011.11.15 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A controller for a DC/DC converter is provided. The controller comprises an error circuit, control logic, a high side driver, a low side driver, and an interface circuit. The error circuit is coupled to a feedback terminal so as to receives a feedback signal and is coupled to the control logic. The high side driver is coupled to the control logic and to a first output terminal so as to provide a first actuation signal, and the low side driver is coupled to the control logic and to a second output terminal so as to provide a second actuation signal. The interface circuit is also coupled to the control logic, including a first, second, and third voltage source, interface comparators, and current limited amplifier.