TLVR Circuit Topology for Faster Load Transient Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for voltage regulators with higher efficiency and power density, particularly in data centers where multi-phase trans-inductance voltage regulators (TLVRs) are used, to improve circuit behavior and transient response.
Innovation Solution
A circuit design incorporating a first inductor connected between equipotential nodes, inductively coupled to a second inductor and a multi-phase trans-inductance voltage regulator (TLVR), with primary and secondary windings, to manage current slope during transient events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a multi-phase trans-inductance voltage regulator (TLVR) is used to improve transient response, then the transient response between phase input and common output is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple windings and phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple TLVR phases into a single integrated circuit structure where multiple primary windings are connected in series and multiple secondary windings are connected in parallel. This merging approach maintains the transient response improvement benefits of multi-phase architecture while reducing overall device complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal TLVR circuit that can function with variable numbers of phases (e.g., 2-phase, 3-phase, 4-phase configurations) using the same basic circuit topology. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to different power requirements without redesigning the fundamental circuit architecture, thereby managing complexity.
2Loss of energy
If higher DC voltages are used to reduce distribution losses, then energy efficiency is improved, but the power conversion requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power conversion process into multiple independent phases, where each phase handles a portion of the total power conversion task. This segmentation allows the system to manage high voltage conversion through multiple smaller, more manageable conversion stages, reducing the complexity of any single conversion stage while maintaining overall energy efficiency.
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
Enhances the transient response and performance of voltage regulators by managing current slope during load transients, improving efficiency and power density.
Implementation Method 1
a second inductor inductively coupled to the first inductor
Implementation Method 2
Each one of the plurality of secondary windings is inductively coupled to a respective one of the plurality of primary windings
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates to a circuit incorporating a trans-inductance voltage regulator (TLVR). The TLVR comprises multiple primary windings connected in series, and secondary windings inductively coupled to respective primary windings and connected between respective phase input nodes and a common output node. A second inductor is connected in series with the primary windings, and is inductively coupled to a first inductor. The first inductor is connected between equipotential nodes. That is, the first inductor is connected between two nodes that are provided with substantially the same voltage during steady state operation. Due to the inductive coupling of the TLVR to the primary inductor, when there is a surge of current between the equipotential nodes, the current slope may be managed by control of the TLVR. For example, the first inductor may be placed before a voltage converter-which may result in an improved transient response of the converter.