Patent US3231653A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US7005835B2
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Method and apparatus for load sharing in a multiphase switching power converter
Assignee: Microsemi Corp
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Filing: 2003-04-25
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Granted: 2006-02-28
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Expires: 2023-04-25
Abstract
Abstract A plurality of single-phase synchronizing converter automatically synchronize on a peer-to-peer basis. Each synchronizing converter is configured as a DC-to-DC converter. The synchronizing converters operate in parallel as a multi-phase converter. A common bus between the synchronizing converters includes a sync line and a common phase control line. Proper phasing automatically occurs when power is applied, and the phasing changes automatically as converters are added or removed. When the system powers up, the converters arbitrate for phase position. The phasing positions are random, but the phasing is relatively symmetrical regardless of the number of phases. In one embodiment, a hot-swappable converter module can be plugged into any location of a parallel multiphase bus to produce a common output voltage. When an additional module is plugged in, the converters readjust their phases to maintain phase symmetry. In one embodiment, each module shares a substantially equal portion of the output load.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven W. Brooks
- 👤 Paul Pickle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 19:42
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02M; H02M3/00; H02M3/02; H02M3/04; H02M3/10; H02M3/145; H02M3/155; H02M3/156; H02M3/158; H02M3/1584
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A power supply system comprising a first single-phase synchronizing converter that produces output power having a first phase, said single-phase synchronizing converter comprising: a voltage reference; a voltage feedback loop to control a duty cycle of said single-phase synchronizing converter to produce an output voltage level according to said voltage reference; a loadshare bus configured to provide an offset voltage to said feedback loop to offset said duty cycle according to a respective portion of an output current provided by said first single-phase synchronizing converter to a load; and a common phase control bus, wherein the first single-phase synchronizing converter provides a channel pulse to the common phase control bus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A power supply system comprising a first single-phase synchronizing converter that produces output power having a first phase, said single-phase synchronizing converter comprising: a voltage reference; a voltage feedback loop to control a duty cycle of said single-phase synchronizing converter to produce an output voltage level according to said voltage reference; a loadshare bus configured to provide an offset voltage to said feedback loop to offset said duty cycle according to a respective portion of an output current provided by said first single-phase synchronizing converter to a load; and a common phase control bus, wherein the first single-phase synchronizing converter provides a channel pulse to the common phase control bus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
120 words
The A power supply system comprising a first single-phase synchronizing converter that produces output power having a first phase, said single-phase synchronizing converter comprising: a voltage reference; a voltage feedback loop to control a duty cycle of said single-phase synchronizing converter to produce an output voltage level according to said voltage reference; a loadshare bus configured to provide an offset voltage to said feedback loop to offset said duty cycle according to a respective portion of an output current provided by said first single-chase synchronizing converter to a load; and a common phase control bus, wherein the first single-phase synchronizing converter provides a pulse to the common phase control bus, the pulse indicating a phase of the single-phase synchronizing converter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
120 words
The A power supply system comprising a first single-phase synchronizing converter that produces output power having a first phase, said single-phase synchronizing converter comprising: a voltage reference; a voltage feedback loop to control a duty cycle of said single-phase synchronizing converter to produce an output voltage level according to said voltage reference; a loadshare bus configured to provide an offset voltage to said feedback loop to offset said duty cycle according to a respective portion of an output current provided by said first single-chase synchronizing converter to a load; and a common phase control bus, wherein the first single-phase synchronizing converter provides a pulse to the common phase control bus, the pulse indicating a phase of the single-phase synchronizing converter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The power supply system of claim 2 , wherein the single-phase synchronizing converter uses a tri-state driver to provide the pulse to the common phase control bus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The power supply system of claim 2 , wherein the common phase control bus carries time and amplitude information.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
114 words
A power supply system comprising a first single-phase synchronizing converter that produces output power having a first phase, said single-phase synchronizing converter comprising: a voltage reference; a voltage feedback loop to control a duty cycle of said single-phase synchronizing converter to produce an output voltage level according to said voltage reference; and a loadshare bus configured to provide an offset voltage to said feedback loop to offset said duty cycle according to a respective portion of an output current provided by said first single-phase synchronizing converter to a load, wherein the single-phase synchronizing converter provides a sync pulse to a synchronization bus to indicate a start of a cycle of the power supply system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
114 words
A power supply system comprising a first single-phase synchronizing converter that produces output power having a first phase, said single-phase synchronizing converter comprising: a voltage reference; a voltage feedback loop to control a duty cycle of said single-phase synchronizing converter to produce an output voltage level according to said voltage reference; and a loadshare bus configured to provide an offset voltage to said feedback loop to offset said duty cycle according to a respective portion of an output current provided by said first single-phase synchronizing converter to a load, wherein the single-phase synchronizing converter provides a sync pulse to a synchronization bus to indicate a start of a cycle of the power supply system.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
227 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter; and a common phase control bus, wherein the first converter provides a first channel pulse to the common phase control bus and the second converter provides a second channel pulse to the common phase control bus.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
227 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter; and a common phase control bus, wherein the first converter provides a first channel pulse to the common phase control bus and the second converter provides a second channel pulse to the common phase control bus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The power supply system of claim 6 , wherein the first converter uses a tri-state driver to provide the first channel pulse to the common phase control bus.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
226 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback boy configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter; and a sync bus, wherein a faster of the first converter and the second converter provides a sync pulse to the sync bus to indicate a start of a cycle of the power supply system.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
226 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback boy configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter; and a sync bus, wherein a faster of the first converter and the second converter provides a sync pulse to the sync bus to indicate a start of a cycle of the power supply system.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
215 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter; and a shutdown bus, wherein the first converter provides a signal to the shutdown bus to shutdown the first converter and the second converter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
215 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter; and a shutdown bus, wherein the first converter provides a signal to the shutdown bus to shutdown the first converter and the second converter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
291 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; and a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter, wherein the first converter is configured to start a first timer at the end of a first second-channel pulse produced by the second converter, the first converter further configured to end the first timer and start a second timer at a start of a first-channel pulse produced by the first converter, the first converter further configured to stop the second timer at a start of a second second-channel pulse produced by the second converter, the first converter configured to adjust a timing of the first-channel pulse to approximately equalize times measured by the first timer and the second timer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
291 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; and a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter, wherein the first converter is configured to start a first timer at the end of a first second-channel pulse produced by the second converter, the first converter further configured to end the first timer and start a second timer at a start of a first-channel pulse produced by the first converter, the first converter further configured to stop the second timer at a start of a second second-channel pulse produced by the second converter, the first converter configured to adjust a timing of the first-channel pulse to approximately equalize times measured by the first timer and the second timer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
224 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; and a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter, wherein the first converter produces first-channel pulses and the second channel produces second-channel pulses, the first channel configured to adjust a phase of the first-channel pulses to fall between the second-channel pulses.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
224 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; and a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter, wherein the first converter produces first-channel pulses and the second channel produces second-channel pulses, the first channel configured to adjust a phase of the first-channel pulses to fall between the second-channel pulses.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
241 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; and a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loon offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter, wherein the first converter produces first-channel pulses and the second channel produces second-channel pulses, the first channel configured to adjust a phase of the first-channel pulses to fall between the second-channel pulses, the second-channel configured to adjust a phase of the second-channel pulses to fall between the first-channel pulses.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
241 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; and a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loon offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter, wherein the first converter produces first-channel pulses and the second channel produces second-channel pulses, the first channel configured to adjust a phase of the first-channel pulses to fall between the second-channel pulses, the second-channel configured to adjust a phase of the second-channel pulses to fall between the first-channel pulses.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
228 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; and a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter wherein the first converter produces first-channel pulses and the second channel produces second-channel pulses, the first channel configured to adjust a phase of the first-channel pulses to produce phase symmetry with respect to the second-channel pulses.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
228 words
A power supply system comprising: a loadshare bus configured to sum a first filtered voltage and a second filtered voltage to produce a sum voltage; a first converter comprising: a first output inductor, said first output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a first filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said first output inductor to produce said first filtered voltage; and a first feedback loop configured to control an output current of said first converter, said first feedback loop offset by a first offset amount according to said sum voltage; and a second converter comprising: a second output inductor, said second output inductor comprising an input side and a load side; a second filter configured to sense a voltage on said input side of said second output inductor to produce said second filtered voltage; and a second feedback loop configured to control an output current of said second converter, said second feedback loop offset by a second offset amount according to said sum voltage, said first and second offset amounts configured to balance output current provided by said first converter and said second converter wherein the first converter produces first-channel pulses and the second channel produces second-channel pulses, the first channel configured to adjust a phase of the first-channel pulses to produce phase symmetry with respect to the second-channel pulses.
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