Software-defined SIMO step-up/down power converter with adaptive global/local power allocation scheme for DVS-enabled multicore systems

摘要

This paper presents a software-defined integrated single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) converter, tailored for DVS-enabled multicore systems. In this design, each power output employs a step-up/down voltage conversion, thereby enabling a wide range of variable output voltage. This is beneficial to dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) techniques that are in high demand by low-power multicore systems. With an adaptive global/local power allocation control algorithm, DVS tracking speed and line/load regulation are significantly improved, while the converter still retains low cross regulation. Designed with a 180-nm digital CMOS process, the converter precisely provides three independently variable power outputs from 0.9 to 3.0 V, with a total power range from 33 to 900 mW. A very fast load transient response of 3.25 µs is achieved, in response to a 67.5-mA full-step load current change. The design provides a cost-effective solution to robust, fast-transient, DVS-compatible, on-chip power supplies.