Voltage Regulator Current Sense Calibration Using VSA Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for calibrating current sense circuitry in multi-phase voltage regulators are inaccurate, leading to under-sensing or over-sensing of CPU Vcore current, which affects system reliability and performance, and require additional components or external loads, increasing costs and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves coupling a Vcore phase as a current source to a VSA phase using a resistive element during in-circuit testing, allowing the VR controller to calibrate the current sense circuitry of each Vcore phase individually without additional components, by controlling the output voltages to calculate and record current values and apply gain and offset corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods using passive loads or external loads are used, then calibration can be performed, but additional components are required which increases cost and device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator uses its own VSA phase as a calibrated current source to calibrate the current sense circuitry of Vcore phases, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or additional passive load components. The system calibrates itself using existing functional blocks within the regulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The VSA phase serves dual functionality: it provides power to non-core CPU circuitry during normal operation and acts as a calibrated current source during calibration of Vcore phase current sense circuitry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated calibration components.
2Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed, but external loads or additional components are required which increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator uses its own VSA phase as a calibrated current source to calibrate the current sense circuitry of Vcore phases, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or additional passive load components. The system calibrates itself using existing functional blocks within the regulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration method uses temporary test mode activation where the VSA phase briefly serves as a current source during calibration, then returns to its normal power delivery function. This avoids permanent additional hardware costs.
3Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods with external loads are used, then calibration can be performed, but safety risks arise due to open loop operation during calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator uses its own VSA phase as a calibrated current source to calibrate the current sense circuitry of Vcore phases, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or additional passive load components. The system calibrates itself using existing functional blocks within the regulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The VSA phase acts as an intermediary calibrated current source between the test equipment and the Vcore phase current sense circuitry, providing a safe and controlled calibration current without requiring the Vcore phase to operate in an unsafe open-loop state.
4Ease of manufacture
If inductor DCR tolerance is +/â7%, then standard inductors can be used, but current sense accuracy deteriorates leading to over-sensing or under-sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process measures the actual current through the inductor using the VSA phase as a reference and adjusts the current sense circuitry scaling factors to compensate for DCR variations. This feedback mechanism corrects for inductor tolerance variations without requiring tighter tolerance components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the scaling parameters of the current sense circuitry based on measured conditions during calibration, changing the electrical characteristics of the sense circuit to compensate for component variations including inductor DCR tolerance.
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 improves the accuracy of current sense calibration, enabling the CPU to utilize its full power capability without additional costs or complex circuitry, enhancing CPU performance and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
coupling an individual Vcore phase of a multi-phase voltage regulator (VR) as a current source to a VSA (auxiliary power supply) phase of the same VR so that the Vcore phase acts as a current source or sink for the coupled Vcore phase
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed that may be employed to calibrate current sense circuitry of CPU core voltage (Vcore) DC/DC voltage regulation circuitry by coupling an individual Vcore phase of a VR as a current source to a VSA phase of the same VR so that the Vcore phase acts as a current sink for the coupled Vcore phase during calibration of the current sense circuitry of the individual Vcore phase.