Voltage Regulator Overshoot Reduction via Inter-Domain Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulators face transient voltage overshoot issues due to rapid decreases in load current, which can cause damage to components and lead to failure, as existing capacitors may not have sufficient capacity to suppress the overshoot effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of inter-domain switching between adjacent voltage domains allows excess energy from one voltage regulator to be dissipated through capacitors in adjacent domains, reducing transient voltage overshoot by providing additional paths for energy discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing capacitors are used to suppress voltage overshoot, then voltage regulation is maintained, but the capacitors do not have sufficient capacity to suppress rapid transient overshoot effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage domains by temporarily coupling a first voltage domain to a second voltage domain through a switch. This merging allows the capacitors in the second voltage domain to be used for suppressing transient overshoot in the first voltage domain, effectively increasing the total capacitor capacity available for overshoot suppression without adding more capacitors to the first domain.
2Reliability
If capacitor capacity is increased to suppress transient overshoot, then voltage stability improves, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary component that temporarily couples the first voltage domain to the second voltage domain during transient overshoot events. This switch acts as a mediator that allows the second voltage domain's capacitors to assist in suppressing overshoot in the first domain, providing enhanced suppression capability without permanently increasing the complexity of the first voltage domain's capacitor configuration.
3Productivity
If voltage overshoot is not suppressed, then device operation continues, but component damage and failure may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by detecting when transient overshoot occurs in the first voltage domain and immediately coupling it to the second voltage domain through the switch. This preemptive coupling allows the second voltage domain's capacitors to counteract the harmful voltage overshoot before it can cause damage to components in the first voltage domain, thus protecting components while maintaining continuous operation.
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
This approach significantly reduces voltage overshoot, preventing component damage and improving energy efficiency by utilizing adjacent domains' capacitance to absorb excess energy, thereby maintaining stable voltage levels.
Implementation Method 1
a first output node of the first voltage regulator is temporarily coupled to a second output node of the second voltage regulator via the switch... allowing excess energy from one voltage regulator to be dissipated through capacitors in adjacent domains
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided which comprises: a first voltage regulator; a second voltage regulator; and a switch to selectively couple the first voltage regulator to the second voltage regulator, such that a first output node of the first voltage regulator is temporarily coupled to a second output node of the second voltage regulator via the switch.