Variable Output Capacitance for Stable Voltage Regulator Output

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Increased fluctuation or ripple in the output voltage of voltage regulators can cause malfunction of load devices in electronic devices, leading to degraded performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a variable capacitance circuit that adjusts its capacitance based on the operation state of the electronic device, using capacitance control signals generated by a capacitance controller, to stabilize the output voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed capacitance output capacitor is used in the voltage regulator, then the circuit structure is simple, but the output voltage fluctuation increases under varying operation states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidcapacitance control circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed capacitance output capacitor with a variable capacitance circuit whose capacitance value can be dynamically adjusted based on operation state. The capacitance controller generates control signals that switch between different capacitor configurations (series/parallel connections) according to temperature and load conditions, enabling the output capacitance to adapt dynamically and maintain stable output voltage under varying operation states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the capacitance parameter of the output capacitor based on operation state. The capacitance controller monitors temperature and load conditions, then adjusts the capacitance value by switching capacitor connections (series for low temperature/light load, parallel for high temperature/heavy load), thereby optimizing output voltage stability across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the capacitance of the output node is increased to reduce voltage ripple, then the output voltage stability improves, but the response speed of the voltage regulator decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidvoltage regulation response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by making the capacitance dynamic rather than fixed. During transient states requiring fast response, the controller switches to smaller capacitance configurations (series connection) to enable faster voltage regulation response. During steady-state operation, the controller switches to larger capacitance configurations (parallel connection) to reduce voltage ripple and improve stability, thus optimizing both response speed and stability at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies periodic action through the capacitance controller that continuously monitors operation state and periodically adjusts the capacitance configuration based on temperature and load conditions. This periodic adjustment ensures the capacitance value is optimized for current operating conditions, maintaining both fast response during transients and low ripple during steady-state operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250216876A1Method of stabilizing output voltage of voltage regulator, electronic device and storage device
Publication Date: 2025.07.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20250216876A1 patent drawing
  • US20250216876A1 patent drawing
  • US20250216876A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device includes a voltage regulator configured to generate an output voltage through an output node by converting an input voltage, a load device configured to operate based on the output voltage as a power supply voltage, an output capacitor connected to the output node and having a fixed capacitance, a capacitance controller configured to generate a plurality of capacitance control signals based on a state signal indicating an operation state of the electronic device, and a variable capacitance circuit connected to the output node and having a capacitance that changes based on the plurality of capacitance control signals. Abnormal operations may be prevented and performance of the electronic device including the voltage regulator may be enhanced by changing the capacitance of the output node of the voltage regulator depending on the operation state of the electronic device using the variable capacitance circuit.