Switching Regulator Voltage Difference Detection Without Output Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switching regulators face challenges in monitoring output voltage without a terminal, leading to the inability to generate a comparison result signal for input and output voltage differences.
Innovation Solution
A switching regulator is designed with a voltage difference detector that includes an integrator circuit to time-integrate the switching voltage, generating a pseudo-output voltage, and a comparator circuit to compare this voltage with a threshold value dependent on the power supply voltage, allowing for the generation of a comparison result signal without requiring an output voltage monitoring terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional voltage detection circuit is used to monitor input and output voltage, then voltage monitoring is achieved, but an output voltage monitoring terminal is required which increases device complexity and cannot be implemented in external adjustment circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the output voltage monitoring function from the external terminal and implements it internally by time-integrating the switching voltage to generate a pseudo-output voltage that substantially equals the actual output voltage. This eliminates the need for an external output voltage monitoring terminal while maintaining voltage monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the output voltage signal by time-integrating the switching voltage through an integrator circuit. This pseudo-output voltage copy is then used for comparison with the input voltage to generate the comparison result signal, replacing the need for direct output voltage monitoring.
2Device complexity
If the switching voltage is directly compared with a threshold value, then the circuit structure is simple, but the comparison result does not accurately reflect the input and output voltage difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by time-integrating the switching voltage before comparison to generate a pseudo-output voltage that reflects the cumulative effect of switching operations. This preliminary integration ensures that the subsequent comparison accurately represents the input and output voltage difference rather than just instantaneous switching voltage.
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
This configuration enables the generation of a comparison result signal for input and output voltage differences even without a terminal for monitoring the output voltage, optimizing circuit area and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The integrator circuit is configured to generate and output a pseudo-output voltage that is obtained by time-integrating the switching voltage and is substantially equal to the output voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching regulator includes: a switching circuit that switches an input voltage based on a gate control signal, and outputs a switching voltage; a voltage difference detector that compares the switching voltage with a threshold value depending on the input voltage, and outputs a comparison result signal; and a control circuit that generates a gate control signal based on an output voltage to which the switching voltage is fed back after smoothed and the comparison result signal, and outputs the gate control signal to the switching circuit. The voltage difference detector includes: an integration circuit that generates a pseudo-output voltage obtained by integrating the switching voltage on time and substantially equal to the output voltage; and a comparator circuit that compares the pseudo-output voltage with a threshold value depending on a power supply voltage, and outputs the comparison result signal.