VID-Controlled Voltage Regulator Audible Noise Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reducing audible noise from voltage regulators, such as controlling voltage changes or slowing down voltage ramp rates, often result in power loss or reduced duration of lower power states, failing to effectively address the issue.
Innovation Solution
A method and controller for voltage regulators that compare the difference between current and target VID values with a threshold, holding the current VID value if the difference is large and only executing the VID command when a holding duration expires or a new command is received, thereby reducing unnecessary voltage changes and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the VID is controlled to reduce voltage change (set VID higher than target or same as present state), then audible noise is reduced, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic VID control by introducing a holding duration mechanism that adapts the voltage transition behavior based on system state. When a VID command is received, the system holds the current VID value for a predetermined duration before transitioning to the target value, creating a time-based dynamic response that reduces unnecessary rapid transitions and associated power loss while maintaining noise reduction benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a holding period before executing the VID transition. This preliminary holding phase allows the system to evaluate whether the voltage transition is truly necessary, preventing premature voltage changes that would cause both audible noise and power loss, while still allowing necessary transitions to occur after the holding period expires
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the voltage ramp rate is slowed down, then audible noise is reduced, but the duration in lower power state is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by using a holding duration mechanism that pauses VID transitions rather than continuously slowing the ramp rate. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain lower power states for longer durations by selectively delaying transitions only when necessary, rather than permanently extending transition times which would reduce power state duration
3Use of energy by moving object
If frequent VID commands are executed to maintain optimal voltage, then power efficiency is improved, but audible noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting a holding duration pause before executing VID transitions. This preliminary evaluation period filters out unnecessary frequent commands that would cause audible noise, while still allowing genuinely needed voltage adjustments to occur after the holding period, thus maintaining power efficiency without excessive noise
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic holding duration mechanism adapts the timing of VID transitions based on command frequency and system state. By dynamically controlling when transitions occur rather than responding immediately to every VID command, the system reduces noisy frequent transitions while maintaining necessary voltage adjustments for power 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
This approach reduces audible noise while minimizing power loss by optimizing voltage transitions, allowing the system to maintain lower power states more efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
caused by a motherboard flexing at a frequency in the audible range, in response to voltage changes across capacitors, especially ceramic capacitors, on the motherboard due to the inherent Piezoelectric phenomenon of the capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for correcting audible noise from a voltage regulator due to a change of a VID indicated by a series of VID commands. A VID difference between a current value and a target value of the VID is compared with a VID threshold when a VID command for changing the VID from the current value to the target value is received. The VID is held at the current value if the VID difference is larger than the VID threshold. And the VID command is executed if a holding duration for holding the VID at the current value expires and no new VID command for changing the VID is received before the expiration of the holding duration.