Voltage Regulator Stepwise Reference Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional power converters face inefficiencies in energy conversion and slow voltage adjusting speed due to linear reduction and increase of internal reference voltage, leading to energy wastage and prolonged calibration times.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator controller with a reference voltage generator, comparison circuit, and control circuit that stepwise adjusts the reference voltage in response to power saving commands, enabling more efficient voltage regulation by disabling PWM operations and adjusting the digital control signal to lower the reference voltage in a controlled manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the power converter linearly reduces the internal reference voltage to the target voltage level, then the output voltage gradually reduces to the target level, but the voltage adjusting speed is limited and energy is wasted during the gradual reduction process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage adjustment process into discrete steps by using a stepwise voltage regulator that adjusts the reference voltage in predetermined increments rather than linearly. This segmentation allows the system to reach target voltage levels faster while minimizing energy wastage during transitions, as the voltage changes occur in controlled steps rather than continuous linear reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by enabling the voltage regulator to adaptively change the reference voltage based on load conditions and target voltage requirements. The controller dynamically selects adjustment steps and timing to optimize both speed and energy efficiency, transitioning from static linear reduction to dynamic stepwise adjustment that responds to real-time system state.
2Reliability
If the power converter waits for the internal reference voltage to reach the current output voltage level before resuming regulation operations, then the voltage can be maintained at the target level, but the total calibration time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the reference voltage to anticipated target levels based on predicted load changes or control commands. Instead of waiting passively for voltage to naturally settle, the controller proactively adjusts the reference voltage in steps that anticipate future voltage requirements, reducing calibration time while maintaining stability through controlled stepwise transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the relationship between the reference voltage and output voltage, allowing the controller to dynamically adjust the timing and magnitude of voltage steps. This feedback ensures that voltage regulation resumes at optimal moments, balancing the need for rapid calibration with the requirement for stable voltage maintenance at target levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator controller is disclosed including: a reference voltage generator for generating a reference voltage; a comparison circuit, coupled with the reference voltage generator, for comparing the reference voltage with an output voltage of a voltage regulator; and a control circuit, coupled with the reference voltage generator and the comparison circuit, for controlling the reference voltage generator to stepwise lower the reference voltage when a power saving command is received by the voltage regulator controller.