Switching Regulator Dynamic Capacitance Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply circuits struggle to dynamically change output voltage levels quickly while maintaining reduced noise, which is essential for efficient power management in electronic components with varying performance and power consumption requirements.
Innovation Solution
A switching regulator with a capacitor circuit that varies load capacitance based on a control signal, allowing for rapid changes in output voltage levels by switching between high and low capacitance values, thereby reducing ripple and improving operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a fixed capacitance value is used in the power supply circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but the output voltage cannot be dynamically changed quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the capacitance value variable rather than fixed. The capacitor circuit includes multiple capacitors that can be dynamically connected or disconnected based on control signals, allowing the total capacitance to change from a first capacitance value to a second capacitance value. This dynamic adjustment enables fast voltage changes when needed while maintaining circuit simplicity through controlled switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the capacitor circuit into multiple independent capacitors (first capacitor, second capacitor, third capacitor) that can be individually controlled. Each capacitor can be connected or disconnected based on operational requirements, allowing the circuit to adjust total capacitance in discrete steps. This segmentation enables flexible voltage adjustment without requiring a completely complex circuit redesign.
2Speed
If a variable capacitance circuit is used to enable quick voltage changes, then the voltage can be dynamically adjusted, but the noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts capacitance based on operational phase. During voltage transitions, the capacitance is reduced to enable fast response. During steady-state operation, the capacitance is increased to filter noise and maintain stable output. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and noise by optimizing capacitance for each operational condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the capacitance parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that can switch between at least two different capacitance values. This parameter change allows the circuit to optimize performance for different operating conditions - using lower capacitance for fast voltage changes and higher capacitance for noise reduction during stable operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If high capacitance is used to reduce noise, then the output voltage is stable, but the voltage change response is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the capacitance value dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the circuit to switch between high capacitance (for stability) and low capacitance (for fast response) based on operational needs. The control circuit receives indicators about voltage change requirements and adjusts capacitance accordingly, resolving the contradiction between stability and response speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the capacitor circuit in advance by pre-charging or pre-discharging capacitors based on anticipated voltage changes. When a voltage change is required, the capacitors are already in the appropriate charge state, enabling faster response while maintaining stability during normal operation. This preliminary preparation reduces the time penalty associated with high capacitance values.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables quick and efficient dynamic voltage adjustment with reduced noise, enhancing the reliability and performance of electronic components by optimizing power consumption based on performance demands.
Implementation Method 1
A switching regulator with a capacitor circuit that varies load capacitance based on a control signal, allowing for rapid changes in output voltage levels by switching between high and low capacitance values
Implementation Method 2
A switching regulator with a capacitor circuit that varies load capacitance based on a control signal, allowing for rapid changes in output voltage levels by switching between high and low capacitance values, thereby reducing ripple
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~4
AI summary
A switching regulator configured to generate an output voltage based on an input voltage is provided. The switching regulator comprises: an inductor; and a capacitor circuit configured to generate the output voltage by charging a load capacitance with an inductor current passing through the inductor from the input voltage, provide a first capacitance as a load capacitance based on the output voltage being a first level or a second level, and provide a second capacitance, which is less than the first capacitance, as the load capacitance based on the output voltage being between the first level and the second level.