Voltage Regulator Charge Pump SLIC Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for generating voltages for subscriber line interface circuits (SLICs) in telecommunications systems are either costly due to per-channel power supplies or inefficient with shared multiple output power supplies, requiring multiple inductors or a high-cost transformer.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator with a switching stage and a charge pump stage that generates two supply voltages (VBL and VBH) based on the operating states of SLICs, using a shared inductor and output capacitors to control voltage levels and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If per-channel power supplies are used to generate battery voltages, then voltage generation capability is improved, but cost and real estate consumption increase due to requiring one inductor per channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power supply functions into a single shared power supply unit that can serve multiple SLIC channels. This is achieved by implementing a single inductor that is shared across all channels, with switching elements that can dynamically allocate power to different channels based on their needs, thereby reducing the total number of inductors and associated components while maintaining the ability to generate required voltages for each channel
Solution Approach 2:
The shared power supply unit is designed with multi-functional switching capability that allows it to perform multiple voltage generation tasks for different channels simultaneously or sequentially. The switching elements can configure the single inductor to serve different channels in different operating modes, making the power supply universal rather than dedicated to a single channel
2Device complexity
If shared multiple output power supplies are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cost increases due to requiring a higher-cost transformer with multiple output taps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive transformer with multiple output taps with a combination of a single inductor and solid-state switching elements. The switching elements act as electronically controlled, low-cost components that can dynamically create multiple output voltages from a single inductor, significantly reducing the bill of materials cost compared to a high-power transformer with multiple taps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses switching elements to dynamically change the electrical parameters (voltage levels, current paths) of the power supply system. By controlling the switching elements, the single inductor can be configured to provide different voltage outputs as needed by different channels, replacing the need for a transformer with fixed multiple output taps
3Adaptability or versatility
If higher voltages are generated continuously to support all operating states, then voltage availability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control where the switching elements continuously monitor the operational state of each SLIC channel and adjust the voltage output in real-time. When a channel transitions between operating states (e.g., from idle to active), the switching elements dynamically reconfigure the power supply to provide the appropriate voltage level, ensuring high voltage availability when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching action where the switching elements cycle through different configuration states based on the operational requirements of the channels. This periodic reconfiguration allows the system to provide high voltages only during the periods when channels require them, rather than maintaining high voltages continuously, thereby reducing average power consumption while maintaining voltage availability when needed
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
The solution decreases the cost and size of the power stage, reduces power consumption by producing higher voltages only when needed, and maintains stable voltage levels across SLICs during different operating states.
Implementation Method 1
a first output capacitor coupled to a first node defined between the switch and the energy storage element
Implementation Method 2
a charge pump portion for generating a second supply voltage based on the first supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator includes a switch coupled between an input voltage terminal and an energy storage element, a first output capacitor coupled to a first node defined between the switch and the energy storage element, the first capacitor being coupled to a first output voltage terminal, a charge pump circuit coupled to the first node and comprising a second output capacitor coupled between a second output voltage terminal and the first output voltage terminal, and a controller operable to selectively enable the switch to control voltages generated at the first and second output terminals.