Synchronous Voltage Regulators Ripple Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switching voltage regulators in computing systems introduce ripple voltage, leading to reduced battery cycle life and capacity due to ohmic heating losses, and adding capacitors to mitigate this increases board space and cost without effectively transferring the power dissipation issue.
Innovation Solution
Synchronizing switching voltage regulators by using a single switching frequency and introducing a phase lag between their clocks to reduce the phase and magnitude of ripple voltage, with phase shifters providing fixed or dynamic phase shifts to optimize ripple reduction without compromising stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If switching voltage regulators are used to convert battery voltage, then voltage levels needed by the system are achieved, but ripple voltage is introduced at the input of the regulators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing multiple voltage regulators to operate at the same switching frequency with specific phase relationships. This coordination transforms the random ripple generation into a controlled periodic process where regulators can be sequenced to minimize cumulative ripple effects on the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple voltage regulator operations into a coordinated system. By combining the switching actions of multiple regulators with synchronized clocks and phase control, the system achieves smoother overall operation where the ripple contributions of individual regulators are balanced and reduced at the battery interface.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If capacitors are added to mitigate ripple voltage, then voltage ripple is reduced, but board space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the voltage regulators, specifically the switching frequency and phase angles, to achieve ripple reduction without adding physical components. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves the same ripple mitigation effect that would otherwise require large capacitors, thereby saving board space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical approach of adding physical capacitors with an electronic control approach using synchronized switching and phase control. This replacement eliminates the need for additional passive components while achieving the desired ripple reduction through intelligent timing and coordination of regulator operations.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If capacitors are added to reduce voltage ripple, then ripple is mitigated, but power dissipation is transferred from the power source to the capacitor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful ripple effect into a beneficial coordination mechanism. By intentionally controlling the phase relationships between regulators, the system uses the switching actions that would normally create ripple to instead produce a balanced operation where ripple is minimized and power dissipation remains in the original location rather than being transferred to capacitors.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage regulators operate independently, then design flexibility is maintained, but net ripple voltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal clock signal that serves multiple functions: it provides the switching timing for all voltage regulators, establishes their synchronization, and enables phase control. This single clock mechanism allows the system to maintain design flexibility through programmable phase settings while simultaneously achieving coordinated operation that reduces net ripple 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 approach reduces net ripple voltage introduced by the power source, enabling higher battery cycles and life, and can be implemented in fully integrated voltage regulators within ICs to efficiently manage workload and load behavior.
Implementation Method 1
Battery voltage can be converted to voltage levels needed by the system using switching regulators
Implementation Method 2
synchronizing switching voltage regulators by using a single switching frequency and introducing a phase lag between their clocks to reduce the phase and magnitude of ripple voltage
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a system includes a battery, a first voltage regulator with an input, and a second voltage regulator with an input. The input of the second voltage regulator is shifted in phase relative to the input of the first voltage regulator.