Voltage Regulator Merging ADC Feedback for Multiple Outputs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switched mode power supplies require additional components and may destabilize output voltage due to the need for multiple comparators and interpolators to regulate multiple DC output voltages, increasing power consumption and cost.

Innovation Solution

A voltage regulator system utilizing two analog-to-digital converters to generate data for each output voltage, a voltage adjustment device to create control signals, and a switching module to adjust voltage based on these signals, allowing for flexible regulation of multiple output voltages using a single voltage control mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple comparators and interpolators are used to regulate multiple DC output voltages, then voltage regulation capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple voltage regulation functions into a single interpolator by merging the feedback paths from multiple output voltages. The interpolator receives digital signals from multiple ADCs (each converting a different output voltage) and generates appropriate control signals for multiple loads, eliminating the need for separate comparators and interpolators for each voltage rail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single interpolator is designed to perform multiple functions by processing feedback from multiple output voltages simultaneously. It can regulate different output voltages (e.g., 5V, 12V, 19V) using the same control logic, making the device universal across multiple voltage regulation tasks without requiring dedicated control circuitry for each voltage level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are added to regulate multiple output voltages, then voltage regulation capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple voltage sensing and control functions into shared components. The single interpolator processes feedback from multiple ADCs and generates control signals for multiple loads, eliminating redundant control logic. The ADCs are configured to sequentially or simultaneously sample different output voltages, and the interpolator integrates this information to regulate all outputs, reducing the total power consumption compared to having separate control circuits for each voltage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple comparators and interpolators are used to regulate multiple DC output voltages, then voltage regulation capability is improved, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation capabilityVSAvoidoutput voltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a unified feedback mechanism where multiple ADCs continuously monitor different output voltages and convert them to digital signals. These digital signals are fed into the single interpolator, which processes all feedback information and generates coordinated control signals for the loads. This centralized feedback approach ensures that all output voltages are regulated in a coordinated manner, preventing the instability that can arise from multiple independent control loops interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are added to regulate multiple output voltages, then cost increases, but voltage regulation capability is improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple voltage regulation control functions into a single interpolator and uses shared ADCs to sense multiple output voltages. This consolidation reduces the total component count, particularly eliminating redundant comparators and interpolators, which directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to regulate multiple output voltages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7355371B2Voltage regulator and method thereof

Publication Date: 2008.04.08 ALI CORP

AI summary

A voltage regulator. A first analog to digital converter generates first data according to a first output voltage. A second analog to digital converter generates second data according to a second output voltage. A voltage adjustment device generates a voltage control signal according to the first data and the second data. A switching module respectively provides the first output voltage and the second output voltage to a first load and a second load according to the voltage control signal.