Voltage Regulator OCP Trip Point Control via Dynamic Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators experience significant variations in over current protection (OCP) trip points due to temperature, input voltage, and gate voltage, leading to thermal overstress and increased costs from designing for higher current levels to avoid failures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses control logic and a digital to analog converter to dynamically adjust the OCP trip point based on monitored operating parameters such as temperature, input voltage, and gate voltage, ensuring a constant OCP threshold across varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed current source through a fixed resistor is used to program the OCP limit, then the circuit is simple, but the OCP trip point varies significantly with temperature and input voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed resistors with programmable resistors whose resistance values can be dynamically adjusted based on temperature and input voltage conditions. The control logic monitors these parameters and adjusts the resistor values in real-time to compensate for variations in the OCP trip point, transforming a static circuit into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter of the programmable resistors based on monitored temperature and input voltage. By adjusting the resistance values dynamically, the system compensates for the temperature and voltage dependencies of the current source, maintaining a stable OCP trip point despite varying operating conditions.
2Measurement precision
If external thermistors are used to compensate OCP trip point variations, then temperature compensation is improved, but cost increases and temperature characteristics do not perfectly match OCP trip point variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature compensation function from external thermistors and implements it using internal programmable resistors controlled by on-chip temperature sensors. This eliminates the need for expensive external components while maintaining compensation accuracy through integrated control logic that directly adjusts resistor values based on measured temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable resistors serve multiple functions: they provide both the bias current for the OCP detection circuitry and the temperature compensation mechanism. By making the resistors programmable, the same component adapts to different operating conditions without requiring separate compensation circuits, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If the OCP trip point is designed for higher current levels to avoid thermal failure, then reliability improves, but cost increases due to extra margin requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring temperature and input voltage with onboard sensors and using this information to dynamically adjust the OCP trip point through programmable resistors. This closed-loop control ensures the regulator protects against thermal failure at the actual safe current level rather than requiring excessive margin, optimizing both reliability and cost.
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 OCP trip point variations, enhancing accuracy and reducing costs by maintaining a consistent trip point, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of voltage regulators.
Implementation Method 1
A digital to analog controller generates an analog control signal from the digital control signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling an over current protection trip point for a voltage regulator includes an input for receiving a monitored operating parameter of the voltage regulator. Control logic responsive to this input generates a digital current control signal. A digital to analog controller converts the digital current control signal to an analog current control signal and this analog current control signal is used for controlling a current source for generating a current that establishes the over current protection trip point of the voltage regulator.