Synchronously Sampled Switch Mode Power Supply Frequency Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply systems for computing devices, especially those with complex processors, face challenges in providing a regulated power supply voltage while minimizing die area and avoiding unwanted frequencies that can interfere with device operations.

Innovation Solution

A synchronously sampled single bit switch mode power supply system that includes a synchronous sampled comparator, power field effect transistors (FETs), and an inductor, which generates a direct current (DC) power supply voltage by comparing a reference voltage and feedback signal at a sampling frequency, adjusting the current provided to the inductor, and introducing a programmable delay to reduce switching frequency and avoid interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a regulated power supply voltage is provided using conventional power supply systems, then the power supply voltage can be stabilized, but the die area occupied by the power supply increases and unwanted frequencies are generated that can interfere with device operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply voltage stabilityVSAvoiddie area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into functional blocks: synchronous sampled comparator, gate drive circuitry, power FETs, and inductor. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall die area while maintaining voltage regulation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic frequency tuning through a programmable delay line that adjusts the sampling frequency of the synchronous sampled comparator. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to operate at optimal frequencies that minimize die area while avoiding unwanted frequency interference with other device operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a regulated power supply voltage is provided using conventional power supply systems, then the power supply voltage can be stabilized, but unwanted frequencies are generated that can interfere with device operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply voltage stabilityVSAvoidunwanted frequencies
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the power supply by implementing a programmable delay line that dynamically adjusts the sampling frequency. This parameter adjustment allows the system to operate at frequencies that avoid interference with other device operations while maintaining stable voltage regulation through feedback control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the sampling frequency is increased to improve voltage regulation response, then the power supply voltage can be regulated more accurately, but the switching frequency increases generating more frequency interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation accuracyVSAvoidfrequency interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the sampling frequency using a programmable delay line based on operating conditions. This allows the voltage regulation accuracy to be optimized at different frequency points, achieving high precision while avoiding fixed high-frequency interference with other device operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2617125B1Synchronously sampled single bit switch mode power supply
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2617125B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2617125B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2617125B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply is described. The power supply includes a synchronous sampled comparator. The synchronous sampled comparator includes a first input that receives a reference voltage. The synchronous sampled comparator also includes a second input that receives a feedback signal. The power supply also includes power field effect transistors (FETs). The power supply further includes an inductor coupled to the power FETs and coupled to the second input. The power FETs generate a power supply voltage using the inductor. The power supply voltage is a direct current (DC) power supply voltage.