Voltage Regulator Charge Burst Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converter techniques either increase dynamic power train losses with multiple small charge bursts or degrade efficiency due to variable voltage deltas with single charge bursts, especially under light load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine an optimal turn-on time for the high-side switch in a voltage regulator to deliver desired voltage ripples, using control logic circuitry and feedback loops to adjust the turn-on time, ensuring efficient charge bursts independent of load conditions and component variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple small charge bursts are used to charge the output filter capacitor, then the capacitor can be charged by a given voltage delta, but dynamic power train losses increase because switching devices must be turned on multiple times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging process into exactly one optimized charge burst per capacitor refresh cycle, rather than using multiple small bursts. This single burst is timed and sized optimally to deliver the required charge while minimizing switching losses, resolving the contradiction between adequate charge delivery and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the charge burst parameters (duration, timing, magnitude) based on real-time monitoring of capacitor voltage and load conditions. By changing these parameters optimally, the system delivers sufficient charge in a single burst while minimizing dynamic power train losses associated with excessive switching.
2Loss of energy
If a single charge burst is used to charge the output filter capacitor, then switching frequency is reduced, but voltage delta at the end of the charge burst varies which degrades regulator efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control that monitors the capacitor voltage throughout the charge burst and uses this information to adjust the burst duration and timing. This feedback mechanism ensures that the single charge burst delivers the precise voltage delta needed, maintaining regulator efficiency while minimizing switching losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the charge burst parameters dynamic rather than fixed, adjusting the burst duration, timing, and magnitude in real-time based on load conditions and capacitor state. This dynamic adaptation allows the single charge burst to maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions, resolving the efficiency degradation issue.
3Manufacturing precision
If higher frequency switching is used, then current ripple in the inductor becomes smaller and filter components can be smaller, but the capacitor must be refreshed more frequently sacrificing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic charge bursts synchronized with the capacitor refresh cycle, delivering optimized charge only when needed. This periodic action maintains small current ripple through controlled charging events while avoiding excessive switching frequency, thereby preserving efficiency despite the beneficial ripple reduction from higher frequency operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method is provided for delivering optimal charge bursts in a voltage regulator under light load conditions. The method includes: in an initial period, determining an optimal turn-on time for a high-side switch of the voltage regulator to produce a desired voltage ripple; and in steady-state operation, turning on the high-side switch for approximately the optimal turn-on time, thereby delivering optimal charge bursts for the desired voltage ripple in the voltage regulator.