Voltage Regulation Circuit with Programmable Resistor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulation systems for motherboards in servers are inefficient in dynamically adjusting output voltages between maximal and minimal settings, requiring manual adjustments and multiple installation tests.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulation circuit comprising a power supply chip, resistors, and switch units that allow for programmable switching configurations to output normal, maximal, and minimal working voltages by serial or parallel combinations of resistors, controlled by a BMC for automated voltage testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual voltage adjustment is used, then voltage settings can be changed, but testing time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of voltage divider resistors with an automated electronic control system. The BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) automatically configures the voltage regulator module by controlling switch units that connect different resistor combinations, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing testing time while improving efficiency.
2Reliability
If multiple installation tests are performed for voltage testing, then comprehensive voltage evaluation is achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional voltage regulation system that can output multiple voltage levels (maximal, minimal, and intermediate voltages) through a single circuit configuration. The voltage regulator module with programmable resistor switching can perform comprehensive voltage evaluation without requiring multiple separate testing installations, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment capability where the BMC can programmatically change resistor connections in real-time based on testing requirements. This dynamic switching allows the system to adaptively configure different voltage divisions during a single testing session, eliminating the need for static manual reconfiguration and multiple installations.
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
Enables efficient and automated adjustment of motherboard output voltages, reducing testing time and improving server evaluation processes by providing precise voltage settings without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage regulation module comprises a first terminal electrically coupled to a power supply, a second terminal electrically coupled to ground through a capacitor, and an output terminal electrically coupled to the voltage output. The voltage regulation module comprises three resistors, R2-R4, and two switch units, 11 and 13... When the switch SW1 is turned off and the switch SW2 is turned on, the resistor R4 is short circuited, and the resistor R1 and the resistor R2 work in series... When the switch SW1 is turned on and the switch SW2 is turned off, the resistor R2 and the resistor R3 work in parallel
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable voltage regulation circuit includes a power supply chip and a voltage regulation module. The voltage regulation module includes first and second resistors and first and second switch units. A first terminal of the first resistor is electrically coupled to a power supply and a first output pin of the power supply chip. A first terminal of the second resistor is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the first resistor. The first switch unit is electrically coupled between the first terminal of the first resistor and the second terminal of the first resistor. The second switch unit is electrically coupled between the first terminal of the second resistor and the voltage output. By manual switching, or by transistors under control of a baseboard management unit, the resistances can be switched in or switched out to regulate the voltage.