Switch Mode Power Supply Control Multiplexor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch mode power supply control systems face challenges in achieving high energy efficiency and minimizing component cost, as they often require continuous operation of feedback and feed-forward loops, leading to increased power consumption and heat dissipation, especially during steady-state operations and power state transitions.
Innovation Solution
A novel control system that alternates between open and closed loop topologies, utilizing a semiconductor die with multiple power supply voltage domains and a switch mode DC-to-DC converter to optimize power savings and minimize heat dissipation, allowing for periodic closed loop operation and reuse of closed loop circuits across multiple voltage domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If closed loop control topology is used for steady state operation, then precise voltage regulation is achieved, but power consumption increases due to continuous operation of feedback and feed-forward loops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic closed-loop operation where the feedback and feed-forward loops are activated only during specific intervals (such as during load transients or at scheduled times) rather than continuously. This allows the system to maintain precise voltage regulation when needed while reducing power consumption during steady-state operation by powering down or disabling these loops periodically.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically switches between open-loop and closed-loop topologies based on operating conditions. During steady-state operation, the system operates in open-loop mode to minimize power consumption. When disturbances or transients are detected, the system transitions to closed-loop mode to restore precise voltage regulation, thus adapting the control topology to current system needs.
2Measurement precision
If closed loop control components are continuously operated, then precise voltage regulation is maintained, but heat dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback and feed-forward loops are operated periodically rather than continuously. The system activates these loops only when precise voltage regulation is critically needed, such as during load transients or at scheduled intervals, and powers them down during steady-state operation. This periodic operation significantly reduces heat dissipation from these components while maintaining adequate voltage regulation precision when required.
3Use of energy by moving object
If open loop control is used, then power efficiency is improved, but response time during power state transitions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically transitions between open-loop and closed-loop topologies based on system state. During normal operation, the system uses open-loop control for high power efficiency. Upon detecting power state transitions or load changes, the system rapidly switches to closed-loop mode to provide fast response and precise regulation, thus combining the advantages of both control approaches adaptively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential transitions by maintaining the capability to quickly switch from open-loop to closed-loop control. Detection circuits monitor for transition conditions, and when detected, the closed-loop components are activated immediately to ensure fast response time during critical moments, while spending most time in power-efficient open-loop mode.
4Measurement precision
If feedback and feed-forward loops are continuously active, then voltage regulation precision is maintained, but component cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback and feed-forward loops are activated periodically rather than continuously. During steady-state operation, these loops are disabled or powered down, reducing the active component count and simplifying the control system architecture. When voltage regulation precision is needed, the loops are activated temporarily, thus reducing overall system complexity and component requirements while maintaining precision when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital circuit directs operation of a pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation controller varying its control between closed loop and open loop topology. An exemplary control plant could embody a step-down switch mode power supply providing a precise sequence of voltages or currents to any of a variety of loads such as the core voltage of a semiconductor unique compared to its input/output ring voltage. A state machine monitors pulse width or pulse frequency from the pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation controller, respectively, while either type of controller operates in its closed loop topology, to determine if the present power state of the system matches the predicted load as characterized from a predetermined model used in conjunction with design automation tools. The state machine averages pulse widths or pulse frequencies monitored in the closed loop topology. If the average deviates from the predicted pulse width or pulse frequency for the present power state, the state machine updates a corresponding value in a table of pulse width or pulse frequency values from which an open loop controller applying pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation, respectively, generates a near critical damped step response during system power state transitions or maintains a maximally flat voltage during system current transients.