Configurable SMPS Topology for Missing Inductor Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting missing inductive elements in a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) is difficult, leading to inefficiencies and potential overcurrent conditions that can cause system crashes, which are hard to diagnose.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit with a detector circuit and controller that dynamically configures the SMPS to operate with a number of converter phases based on the presence of inductive elements, allowing for adaptive regulator configuration and communication of defects to the system-on-chip (SOC).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the SMPS operates with a fixed number of converter phases, then the circuit design is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to missing inductive elements leading to overcurrent conditions and system crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active converter phases based on real-time detection of inductive element presence. The controller monitors each phase and automatically reconfigures the SMPS to operate with fewer phases when inductive elements are missing, transforming a static fixed-phase design into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains stability without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the presence of inductive elements in each converter phase and uses this information to adjust the operating configuration. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to detect missing components and automatically adapt the power conversion topology to prevent overcurrent conditions while maintaining efficient operation
2Reliability
If the SMPS operates without detecting missing inductive elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but efficiency decreases and overcurrent conditions occur causing system crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting the presence or absence of inductive elements through its existing control circuitry. The controller monitors the converter phases and identifies missing components without requiring external intervention or complex additional detection hardware, enabling the system to self-adjust and maintain reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit serves multiple functions: it regulates the converter phases during normal operation and simultaneously detects missing inductive elements. By making the control circuit multi-functional, the system achieves reliable defect detection and adaptation without adding separate complex detection hardware, thus improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity
3Power
If all converter phases are activated regardless of inductive element presence, then power output is maximized, but overcurrent conditions occur causing system crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active converter phases based on detected inductive element presence. When inductive elements are missing, the controller automatically reduces the number of active phases to match the available components, preventing overcurrent conditions while maximizing power output within the system's actual capabilities rather than operating with a fixed phase configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit generally includes: a switched-mode power supply (SMPS); a detector circuit coupled to the SMPS and configured to detect a presence of one or more circuit elements of the SMPS; and a controller coupled to the detector circuit and configured to configure the SMPS to operate with a number of converter phases based on a number of the one or more circuit elements that are present.