Smart Power Switch Bank With Remote Sensing for Shared Voltage Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing systems, especially in smartphones and mixed reality devices, the limited space poses a challenge for accommodating multiple voltage regulators needed for various power domains, leading to insufficient voltage supply to power domains due to the large size of individual voltage regulators and the lack of sufficient SMPS channels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a smart power switch bank with multiple inputs and remote sensing, utilizing a multiplexor to select the lowest voltage from power domains sharing a common voltage regulator, which dynamically adjusts voltage levels to ensure each power domain receives the required minimum voltage, thereby reducing the number of needed voltage regulators and optimizing power switch sizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple individual voltage regulators are used for each power domain, then voltage regulation accuracy is improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power domains sharing the same voltage requirement are grouped together and served by a single voltage regulator through a power switch bank. The regulator outputs voltage to a common rail, and individual power switches connect this rail to specific power domains as needed, reducing the total number of voltage regulators required while maintaining regulation accuracy through selective switching.
Solution Approach 2:
A single voltage regulator is designed to serve multiple power domains through the power switch bank infrastructure. The regulator performs the function of voltage regulation for multiple domains simultaneously by controlling the power switches, which act as universal interfaces between the common voltage rail and individual power domains.
2Area of stationary object
If voltage regulators are reduced to save space, then device area is reduced, but voltage supply reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Remote sensing circuits are implemented to provide feedback from each power domain back to the voltage regulator. These circuits monitor the actual voltage received at each power domain and feed this information back to the regulator, enabling the regulator to adjust its output to ensure each power domain receives the minimum required voltage, thus maintaining reliability even with fewer regulators.
Solution Approach 2:
The power switch bank acts as an intermediary between the single voltage regulator and multiple power domains. The switches provide controlled connection paths that allow the regulator to serve multiple domains while maintaining the ability to individually manage power delivery to each domain, preserving reliability through selective power distribution.
3Device complexity
If power domains are grouped to share voltage regulators, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage regulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Remote sensing circuits are implemented to provide feedback from each power domain back to the voltage regulator. These circuits monitor the actual voltage received at each power domain and feed this information back to the regulator, enabling the regulator to adjust its output to ensure each power domain receives the minimum required voltage, thus maintaining reliability even with fewer regulators.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system includes several voltage regulators configured to output several voltage levels. Each voltage regulator may correspond to a respective voltage level. The system includes a power switch bank that includes several power switches and several multiplexors. A set of power switches are coupled to each of the voltage regulators. Each power switch is coupled to at least one of the multiplexors. Each multiplexor is coupled to a respective voltage regulator. The system includes one or more loads coupled to a respective one or more power switch.