Voltage Regulator Load-Release Detection for Overshoot Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage regulating power supplies face challenges in quickly responding to sudden changes in load, leading to voltage overshoot or undershoot, which can cause system shutdowns, and require additional capacitors to absorb excess energy, increasing costs and board space.
Innovation Solution
The system senses local and remote voltages to distinguish between load release events and dynamic voltage changes, using estimated printed circuit board impedance to generate a control signal that enables a resistance to absorb energy and reduce overshoot without additional capacitance, by selectively enabling a resistive path in the power stage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional capacitors are added to absorb excess energy during load release events, then voltage overshoot is reduced, but board area and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current detector and controller as intermediary components that monitor inductor current and selectively connect resistance to the output node. This intermediary mechanism enables dynamic energy dissipation without requiring additional capacitors, thus reducing board area while maintaining voltage overshoot protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by selectively connecting resistance to the output node based on real-time inductor current detection. The controller activates the resistive path only when load release events are detected, creating a dynamic response that reduces voltage overshoot without the need for static additional capacitance
2Productivity
If conventional voltage regulation is used, then the system operates normally, but voltage overshoot or undershoot occurs during sudden load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting inductor current and using this information to control the selective connection of resistance to the output node. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond to load changes and maintain voltage stability, preventing overshoot and undershoot while preserving normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively detecting inductor current changes and preemptively activating the resistive path before significant voltage overshoot occurs. The controller monitors current and prepares the resistive dissipation path in advance, addressing voltage instability before it manifests
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pulse width modulator is turned off in response to load current falling below a threshold, then power consumption is reduced, but response time to reduce overshoot is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring inductor current through the current detector and preparing the resistive path for immediate activation. This preliminary monitoring and preparation enable the system to respond rapidly to load release events without the delay associated with threshold-based PWM shutdown detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a current detector and controller as intermediary components that provide rapid detection and response to inductor current changes. This intermediary mechanism enables faster response time compared to direct PWM shutdown detection, as the current detector continuously monitors and can immediately trigger the resistive path activation
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 effectively reduces or eliminates voltage overshoot during load release events without increasing output capacitance, thereby maintaining stable voltage and reducing system costs and board space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
inductor 104 absorbs energy from voltage source VIN and stores the energy in the form of a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
selectively enabling a resistive path in the power stage
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a system including a voltage regulating power supply includes sensing a local voltage on a first node of the system and a remote voltage on a second node of the system. The first node and the second node are in a conductive path coupled to a load of the system. The first node is closer to a power stage of the voltage regulating power supply than the second node. The second node is closer to the load than the first node. The method includes detecting a load release event based on the local voltage, the remote voltage, and at least one predetermined threshold value.