Overvoltage Protection via Switch Signal Peak Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power regulation systems face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for dedicated pins and electrostatic discharge structures to monitor output voltage for overvoltage protection, which can result in power loss and require additional components.
Innovation Solution
A power regulation system that monitors the peak voltage magnitude of a switch signal instead of the output voltage, using an overvoltage protection circuit to generate an indication signal when the peak voltage exceeds a predetermined limit, thereby conserving power and eliminating the need for additional pins and electrostatic discharge devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If output voltage is monitored directly for overvoltage protection, then overvoltage detection accuracy is improved, but power loss increases and additional pins are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the switch signal as an intermediary to indirectly monitor output voltage. Instead of directly sampling the output voltage which would require dedicated pins and draw power, the circuit monitors the switch signal that already exists in the system. The peak voltage of the switch signal correlates with output voltage conditions, providing overvoltage detection without the drawbacks of direct monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing switch signal, which is already present in the power regulation system for its primary function, is repurposed to provide overvoltage protection. This self-service approach means the system uses its own internal signals for protection without requiring external monitoring components, thereby eliminating additional power consumption and pin requirements while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If dedicated pins are added for output voltage monitoring, then overvoltage protection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switch signal serves multiple functions: its primary function in power regulation and its secondary function as a monitoring signal for overvoltage protection. By making the switch signal multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated monitoring pins and reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable overvoltage protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power regulation function and overvoltage monitoring function into a single integrated approach using the switch signal. Instead of having separate dedicated pins and circuits for monitoring, the system combines these functions by utilizing the existing switch signal for both its original purpose and for overvoltage detection, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrostatic discharge structures are implemented for output voltage pins, then protection against high voltage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the overvoltage monitoring function from the output voltage pin and relocates it to the switch signal. By taking out the monitoring function from the external pin interface, the patent eliminates the need for expensive electrostatic discharge structures on I/O pins, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining protection against high voltage conditions through internal monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention includes a power regulation system. The system comprises a power regulator configured to periodically generate a switch signal that regulates a current flow through an inductor to set a magnitude of an output voltage. The system further comprises an overvoltage protection circuit configured to monitor a peak voltage magnitude of the switch signal and to generate an overvoltage indication signal in response to the peak voltage magnitude of the switch signal exceeding a predetermined limit.