Voltage Regulator with Anticipatory Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulators face challenges in managing transient loads due to their output impedance and limited bandwidth, leading to violations of maximum and minimum power supply voltages, which can cause system malfunctions or damage.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method that include a power supply node and a voltage regulator configured to generate control signals anticipating changes in current load, allowing the regulator to preemptively adjust the voltage to mitigate voltage excursions by integrating a boost circuit that selectively connects capacitors to bias voltages or the output node based on calculated preemptive changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the voltage regulator operates with fixed output impedance and limited bandwidth, then the circuit structure remains simple, but voltage transients violate maximum and minimum power supply voltage specifications under transient loads
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator predicts future current load requirements based on historical data and system operation patterns, then preemptively adjusts the output voltage before the actual load change occurs. This preliminary action prevents voltage transients from exceeding specification limits while maintaining a relatively simple circuit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator transitions from a static operating mode with fixed parameters to a dynamic mode where output impedance and bandwidth are continuously adjusted based on predicted load conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the regulator to maintain optimal performance across varying load scenarios without requiring overly complex circuitry.
2Speed
If the voltage regulator increases bandwidth to respond faster to transient loads, then the transient response improves, but the output impedance increases causing larger voltage excursions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reactively increasing bandwidth after a load change is detected, the system predicts upcoming load changes and preemptively adjusts the voltage. This approach achieves fast response without the harmful side effects of increased output impedance that would result from reactive bandwidth enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a prediction mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the load and the voltage regulator. This mediator anticipates load changes and prepares the regulator in advance, eliminating the need for aggressive bandwidth increases that would cause voltage excursions.
3Device complexity
If the voltage regulator uses reactive control to correct voltage transients after they occur, then the control logic remains simple, but the duration and magnitude of voltage violations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system shifts from reactive correction to proactive prevention by predicting future current requirements and adjusting voltage before transients occur. This eliminates the time loss associated with reactive response while keeping the prediction algorithms computationally efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a predictive feedback mechanism that uses historical current data and system state information to forecast future load demands. This feedback loop enables the regulator to anticipate and prepare for voltage transients before they occur, significantly reducing their duration and impact.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a power supply node and a system configured to receive current from the power supply node at a regulated voltage and to generate one or more control signals indicating an anticipated change in the current. The circuit also includes a voltage regulator configured to provide the current to the power supply node and to drive the power supply node with the regulated voltage, where the value of the regulated voltage is based at least in part on the one or more control signals.