Switching Regulator Output Node Stabilizer for Ringing Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
DC-DC switching power converters experience ringing and high-frequency noise at the power stage output node, particularly in discontinuous conduction mode, which can negatively impact power delivery to integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A power stage output node stabilizer is introduced, comprising resistive legs with switches that connect the output node to higher and lower voltage sources when both high side and low side switches are open, progressively activating and deactivating these resistive legs to manage impedance and reduce ringing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the high side switch and low side switch are both opened in discontinuous conduction mode, then power consumption by the load is reduced, but ringing and high frequency noise occur at the output node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary circuit consisting of resistive legs with switches that couples the output node to voltage sources when both main switches are open. This intermediary structure provides a controlled path for energy dissipation and prevents the floating condition that causes ringing, while maintaining the power-saving benefit of having both switches open.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the impedance at the output node by selectively activating resistive legs based on the switching state of the main switches. When both high side and low side switches are open, the resistive legs are activated to provide a defined impedance path, preventing ringing. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain low power consumption during normal operation while eliminating noise during the specific condition when both switches are open.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If resistive legs are added to couple the output node to voltage sources, then ringing is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resistive coupling into multiple independent resistive legs, each with its own switch. This segmentation allows selective activation of only the necessary resistive paths when both main switches are open, rather than permanently connecting resistors that would increase complexity and power consumption continuously. The segmented structure reduces ringing while minimizing the impact on device complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the output node is left floating with high impedance when both switches are open, then power consumption is minimized, but power delivery stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the impedance state of the output node based on the switching conditions. When both high side and low side switches are open, the system transitions from a high-impedance floating state to a controlled impedance state by activating resistive legs. This dynamic transition maintains power consumption minimization during normal operation while ensuring voltage stability during the specific condition when both switches are open, preventing ringing and noise.
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 effectively reduces ringing and noise at the power stage output node, stabilizing the voltage and improving power delivery by controlling impedance over time, as demonstrated by reduced oscillation amplitude and duration.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of selectively enabled resistances between the higher voltage and the first node; and a second plurality of selectively enabled resistances between the lower voltage and the first node
Implementation Method 2
each high side portion of each resistive leg including a first switch for activating that high side portion, and each low side portion of each resistive leg including a second switch for activating that low side portion, each of the high side portions and each of the low side portions having an associated resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A power stage output node stabilizer may be used to reduce ringing of a power stage output node of a switching DC-DC power converter. The power stage output node stabilizer may be a network of resistors and switches coupling the power stage output node to a higher voltage level and a lower voltage level.