Voltage Converter Dynamic Transition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage converters face challenges in rapidly transitioning between different power supply voltages due to slow slew rates and long settling times, primarily attributed to narrow bandwidths and load-line impedance, which fail to meet the timing requirements in high-end electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A voltage converter system that introduces a supplemental voltage step to the reference voltage, enhancing the slew rate and settling time by overdriving the switching regulator, and includes a compensation circuit to address voltage drops and parasitic impedance, allowing for dynamic control of output voltage transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a switching regulator with large LC filter and load-line impedance is used, then the stability and filtering performance are improved, but the bandwidth becomes narrow resulting in slow slew rate and long settling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the output capacitor through a dedicated charge pump circuit before the main voltage transition. This preparatory charging action reduces the burden on the switching regulator during the transition, enabling faster slew rate without compromising the stability provided by the LC filter. The charge pump activates in advance to establish initial voltage conditions that facilitate rapid subsequent transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary charge pump circuit that mediates between the input voltage source and the output capacitor. This intermediary component provides an additional current path for charging the output capacitor, effectively decoupling the slew rate requirement from the main switching regulator's bandwidth limitations. The charge pump acts as a buffer that can rapidly transfer charge without being constrained by the LC filter's natural bandwidth.
2Manufacturing precision
If a switching regulator with large LC filter is used, then the filtering performance is improved, but the transition time and settling time become long
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit performs preliminary charging of the output capacitor before the main voltage transition occurs. By establishing the initial voltage condition in advance, the system reduces the time required for the output voltage to settle at the target level after transition. The LC filter maintains its precision-regulating function while the pre-charged capacitor reduces the settling time burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using the charge pump to provide only the initial charging current needed for rapid transition, while the main switching regulator continues to perform precise voltage regulation. The charge pump delivers excessive current temporarily during the transition phase to overcome the LC filter's inertia, then stops operation once the main regulator takes over, combining fast transition with precise steady-state regulation.
3Speed
If the reference voltage is rapidly changed to achieve fast voltage transition, then the slew rate is improved, but the output voltage may overshoot or oscillate due to the narrow bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump performs preliminary voltage establishment by charging the output capacitor to near the target voltage before the main switching regulator begins its transition. This pre-positioning of the output voltage reduces the magnitude of subsequent adjustments needed, minimizing overshoot and oscillation risks while maintaining fast transition speed. The reference voltage can be changed rapidly because the output is already close to the target due to the charge pump's preparatory action.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump provides beforehand cushioning by pre-charging the output capacitor with sufficient energy to support the upcoming voltage transition. This energy buffer cushions against abrupt voltage changes and reduces the likelihood of overshoot or oscillation when the reference voltage is rapidly changed. The pre-stored energy in the capacitor acts as a cushion that smooths the transition process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a voltage converter based on a switching regulator, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of dynamically controlling an output of the voltage converter to rapidly transition between different power supply voltages as required in many electronic devices. The switching regulator generates an output supply voltage that tracks a voltage originally provided by an internal DAC. During the supply voltage variation, a step control signal is provided to introduce a supplemental voltage step into the reference voltage before the reference voltage is used to generate the output supply voltage. The switching regulator is thereby overdriven under this supplemental voltage step, enhancing the slew rate and the settling time of the output supply voltage to meet stringent requirements imposed by many electronic devices.