Advanced control features of hybrid current-programmed digital controller in multiphase VRM applications

Bar Halivni, Tom Urkin, Mor Mordechai Peretz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper introduces advanced digital control features intended for high-end multiphase VRM controllers. These features are incorporated in state-of- the-art digital hybrid Average Current Mode (ACM) control architecture to facilitate a through and comprehensive solution required in voltage regulation of high-performance loads. Particularly, two main architectures are detailed. A phase shedding (and adding) scheme to determine the optimal phase-count according to the per-phase maximum efficiency region and the current provided to the load, and an Active Voltage Positioning (AVP) modifies the output voltage to limit instantaneous heat dissipation of the load according to a programmable piecewise linear load-line profile. In addition, the voltage regulation scheme is based on a control scheme that hybrids two control laws: a linear ACM and non-linear acceleration for optimized transient response. The hand-off procedure, presented in this study, achieves seamless transitioning between controller operations, reducing post-transient output voltage deviations and current spikes. The mixed-signal platform (digital controller, analog interfaces, acquisition periphery) have been tested and successfully validated experimentally on Intel-certified hardware and test protocols. The experimental prototype features a 4-phase 12V to 1.xV multiphase buck VRM that drives an array of 7 DDR4 load modules, accommodating 100A load transients with transition rate of 2000A/us, demonstrating minimum-deviation load recovery as well as ace steady-state target tracking.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2021 IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2021
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pages2472-2479
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781728189499
DOIs
StatePublished - 14 Jun 2021
Event36th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2021 - Virtual, Online, United States
Duration: 14 Jun 202117 Jun 2021

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings - IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition - APEC

Conference

Conference36th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, APEC 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityVirtual, Online
Period14/06/2117/06/21

Keywords

  • Buck
  • DDR
  • Digital control
  • Hybrid control
  • Multiphase
  • VRM

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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