Voltage Regulator Noise Suppression via Differential Current Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulator circuits in computer systems face inaccuracies in measuring discharge current due to noise on the ground supply node, leading to premature or prolonged termination of discharge cycles, affecting power management efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator circuit configuration that includes a sense circuit to modify the discharge current by subtracting ground noise current from the discharge current, generating a control current to accurately determine when to halt the discharge cycle, thereby improving measurement accuracy and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ground noise current is present on the ground supply node, then the voltage regulator circuit can operate with standard grounding, but the measurement precision of discharge current deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a differential sensing mechanism that uses a second sense node connected to the ground supply node as an intermediary reference point. This mediator node captures the ground noise current, allowing the sensing circuit to differentiate between actual discharge current and noise current, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite the presence of ground noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensing circuit continuously monitors the ground supply node for noise current and adjusts the discharge current measurement accordingly. The control circuit receives feedback about the ground noise level and compensates for its effect on the measurement, ensuring accurate discharge current detection even when ground noise is present.
2Device complexity
If discharge cycle termination is controlled without noise compensation, then the control circuit operation is simple, but the reliability of power management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a differential sensing mechanism that uses a second sense node connected to the ground supply node as an intermediary reference point. This mediator node captures the ground noise current, allowing the sensing circuit to differentiate between actual discharge current and noise current, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite the presence of ground noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensing circuit continuously monitors the ground supply node for noise current and adjusts the discharge current measurement accordingly. The control circuit receives feedback about the ground noise level and compensates for its effect on the measurement, ensuring accurate discharge current detection even when ground noise is present.
3Ease of manufacture
If ground noise current affects discharge current measurement, then the voltage regulator circuit uses standard components, but the productivity of power conversion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a differential sensing mechanism that uses a second sense node connected to the ground supply node as an intermediary reference point. This mediator node captures the ground noise current, allowing the sensing circuit to differentiate between actual discharge current and noise current, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite the presence of ground noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensing circuit continuously monitors the ground supply node for noise current and adjusts the discharge current measurement accordingly. The control circuit receives feedback about the ground noise level and compensates for its effect on the measurement, ensuring accurate discharge current detection even when ground noise is present.
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 enhances the accuracy of discharge current measurement, leading to improved power management and regulated voltage levels, reducing the impact of ground noise on voltage regulator circuit operation.
Implementation Method 1
A sense circuit may be configured to sense a discharge current flowing from the switch node to the ground supply node
Implementation Method 2
a switch node coupled to a regulated power supply node via an inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter circuit included in a computer system may charge and discharge a switch node coupled to a regulated power supply node via an inductor. During a discharge cycle, the power converter circuit may sense a current being discharge from the regulated power supply node through the inductor into a ground supply node. The power converter circuit may also sense a noise current flowing in the ground supply node, and generate a control current using both the current being discharge and the noise current. Using the control current, the power converter circuit may halt the discharge cycle.