CN114070026A

CN114070026A - Power transfer circuit, electronic device and system

Info

Publication number: CN114070026A
Application number: CN202010750993.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 严明
Original assignee: Nvidia Corp
Current assignee: Nvidia Corp
Priority date: 2020-07-30
Filing date: 2020-07-30
Publication date: 2022-02-18

Abstract

The present application provides a power transfer circuit, an electronic device and a system, the power transfer circuit comprising at least two power sources, a controller and a power conversion unit, wherein: the controller is configured to receive a control command, and control the operation of the power conversion unit based on the control command, so that the at least two power sources transfer power from one power source to another power source of the at least two power sources through the power conversion unit. According to the power transfer circuit, the electronic equipment and the system, any power can be transferred between two or more power rails, so that the input power supply on each power rail can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multi-input power supply is improved.

Description

Power transfer circuit, electronic device and system

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of multiple-input power supply technologies, and in particular, to a power transfer circuit, an electronic device, and a system.

Background

For some high power motherboards/devices/systems, there are multiple input power supplies, although some of them have the same voltage, but are completely separate from each other within the power supply unit. Based on this situation, multiple power rails have to be used and kept isolated from each other during the circuit board design. Since each power rail/supply has its own maximum power limit, it is difficult or even impossible to maximize all supply power on the board/device/system running different applications. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a solution to the above problems.

Disclosure of Invention

The present application is proposed to solve the above problems. According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a power transfer circuit comprising at least two power sources, a controller, and a power conversion unit, wherein: the controller is configured to receive a control command, and control the operation of the power conversion unit based on the control command, so that the at least two power sources transfer power from one power source to another power source of the at least two power sources through the power conversion unit.

In one embodiment of the application, the control command is determined based on a power margin of the one power source and a power requirement of the other power source.

In one embodiment of the present application, each of the at least two power sources is located on a different power rail.

In one embodiment of the present application, the voltage of each of the at least two power supplies is different.

In one embodiment of the present application, the voltage of each of the at least two power supplies is the same.

In one embodiment of the present application, the power conversion unit includes at least two switches and a power conversion element, wherein one of the at least two switches is connected between the power conversion element and one of the at least two power sources, and the other of the at least two switches is connected between the power conversion element and ground, and the controller is configured to control opening and closing of the at least two switches based on the control command.

In one embodiment of the present application, the at least two power sources include a first power source and a second power source, the at least two switches include a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch, wherein: the first power supply is connected to the power conversion element via the first switch; the second power source is connected to the power conversion element via the fourth switch; the third switch is connected between the first switch and ground; the second switch is connected between the fourth switch and ground.

In one embodiment of the present application, the at least two power supplies include a first power supply and a second power supply, a voltage of the first power supply is greater than a voltage of the second power supply, the at least two switches include a first switch and a third switch, wherein: the first power supply is connected to the power conversion element via the first switch; the second power source is directly connected to the power conversion element; the third switch is connected between the first switch and ground.

In one embodiment of the present application, the at least two power supplies include a first power supply and a second power supply, a voltage of the second power supply is greater than a voltage of the first power supply, the at least two switches include a second switch and a fourth switch, wherein: the first power source is directly connected to the power conversion element; the second power source is connected to the power conversion element via the fourth switch; the second switch is connected between the fourth switch and ground.

In one embodiment of the present application, each of the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch is any one of: triodes, insulated gate bipolar transistors and metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors.

In one embodiment of the present application, the power transfer circuit further comprises a diode, and at least one of the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch is connected in parallel with one diode.

In one embodiment of the application, the power transfer circuit is configured to transfer power from the first power source to the second power source, each of the first switch and the second switch being any one of: the third switch and/or the fourth switch are/is a diode.

In one embodiment of the present application, the power transfer circuit is configured to transfer power from the second power source to the first power source, and each of the third switch and the fourth switch is any one of: the first switch and/or the second switch are/is a diode.

In one embodiment of the present application, the power conversion element is an inductor.

In one embodiment of the present application, the power transfer circuit further includes a current sensor for detecting a current in the power conversion unit and feeding back to the controller, and the controller controls the opening and closing of the at least two switches based on the current.

In one embodiment of the present application, the power transfer circuit further comprises a first capacitor and/or a second capacitor, wherein the first capacitor is connected between the first power source and ground and the second capacitor is connected between the second power source and ground.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided an electronic device including the above power transfer circuit.

According to yet another aspect of the present application, there is provided a system comprising: a memory storing a software application; and a processor, which when executing the software application, is configured to perform the steps of: receiving a control command; controlling operation of a power conversion unit based on the control command such that at least two power sources transfer power from one power source to another power source of the at least two power sources through the power conversion unit.

According to the power transfer circuit, the electronic equipment and the system, any power can be transferred between two or more power rails, so that the input power supply on each power rail can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multi-input power supply is improved.

Drawings

The following drawings of the present application are included to provide an understanding of the present application. Embodiments of the present application and their description are illustrated in the accompanying drawings to explain the principles of the application.

In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows an exemplary block diagram of a power transfer circuit according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit according to one embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit according to another embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit according to yet another embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit according to yet another embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit according to yet another embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit according to yet another embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit according to yet another embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit according to yet another embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system configured to implement one or more aspects of various embodiments.

Detailed Description

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present application. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present application may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features of the art have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the present application.

It is to be understood that the present application is capable of implementation in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

In order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application, detailed steps and detailed structures will be provided in the following description in order to explain the technical solutions proposed in the present application. The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present application, however, will suggest that the present application may have other embodiments in addition to these detailed descriptions.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary block diagram of a power transfer circuit 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 1, the power transfer circuit 100 includes at least two power supplies, shown as a first power supply 110 and a second power supply 120, respectively. The power transfer circuit 100 further comprises a controller 130 and a power conversion unit 140, the controller 130 being configured to receive a control command, and to control the operation of the power conversion unit 140 based on the control command, such that the at least two power sources transfer power from one power source to another power source of the at least two power sources through the power conversion unit 140, for example, transfer power from the first power source 110 to the second power source 120, or transfer power from the second power source 120 to the first power source 110.

Wherein the control command may be determined based on a power margin of one of the at least two power sources and a power requirement of the other power source. For example, the first power source 110 may still have a power margin, while the power consumer to which the second power source 120 is connected requires more power, but the power of the second power source 120 has reached a limit, in which case a control command may be generated based on the power margin of the first power source 110 and the power demand of the second power source 120, which may indicate how much power needs to be transferred from the first power source 110 to the second power source 120. The controller 130 may control the operation of the power conversion unit 140 based on the control command so that the corresponding power is transferred from the first power supply 110 to the second power supply 120. Similarly, a control command may also be generated in the same manner according to the power margin of the second power source 120 and the power demand of the first power source 110, and the controller 130 may control the operation of the power conversion unit 140 based on the control command so as to transfer the corresponding power from the second power source 120 to the first power source 110.

In fig. 1, only two power sources are shown, but it is understood that this is merely exemplary and that in practical applications, more power sources may be included, and the power transfer between each two of these power sources may be implemented by the controller 130 through the operation of one or more power conversion units 140 based on control commands. In some scenarios, power may also be transferred from two or more power sources to one power source if the power margin of the power source is insufficient to provide the power requirements of another power source based on the teachings of the power transfer circuit 100 of embodiments of the present application. In other scenarios, power may also be transferred from one power source to two or more power sources based on the teachings of the power transfer circuit 100 of embodiments of the present application if the power margin of the power source may satisfy the power requirements of more than one other power source.

In an embodiment of the present application, the power conversion unit 140 may include at least two switches and a power conversion element, wherein one of the at least two switches is connected between the power conversion element and one of the at least two power sources, and the other of the at least two switches is connected between the power conversion element and the ground, and the controller 130 is configured to control the opening and closing of the at least two switches based on the control command to realize the power transfer between the at least two power sources, which will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in conjunction with the specific embodiment.

In embodiments of the present application, each of the at least two power sources may be located on a different power rail, i.e., the power transfer circuit 100 of the present application may enable power transfer between different power rails. In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the voltage of each of the at least two power supplies may be the same or different, that is, the power transfer circuit of the present application may achieve power transfer without being limited by the respective voltages of the transferring party and the transferred party.

Based on the above description, the power transfer circuit according to the embodiment of the present application may implement any power transfer between two or more power rails, so that the input power source on each power rail can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multiple input power source is improved.

A power transfer circuit according to various embodiments of the present application is described below with reference to fig. 2 through 9.

Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit 200 according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 2, the power transfer circuit 200 includes a first power source V1, a second power source V2, a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, a fourth switch SW4, a controller CT, and a power conversion element L. Wherein the first power source V1 is connected to the power conversion element L via the first switch SW 1; the second power source V2 is connected to the power conversion element L via the fourth switch SW 4; the third switch SW3 is connected between the first switch SW1 and ground; the second switch SW2 is connected between the fourth switch SW4 and ground. Further, in the embodiment of the present application, the power conversion element L may be an inductor.

In the embodiment of the present application, the power transfer circuit 200 can realize the bidirectional transfer of power between the first power source V1 and the second power source V2 regardless of the magnitude relation of the voltages of the first power source V1 and the second power source V2 with respect to each other. The working principle is as follows: when the controller CT receives a control command CM to transfer a target power from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2 or from the second power source V2 to the first power source V1 via the control command interface, the controller CT determines control logic such as how the operations of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, and the fourth switch SW4 should be controlled according to the control command CM, and performs control according to the determined control logic.

Specifically, when it is necessary to transfer the target power from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2, the controller CT first controls the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to be opened, and the first power source V1 charges the inductor L (the inductor current increases); when the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are opened for a period of time or the inductor current increases to a certain value (determined according to the control logic), the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are closed, and the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 are opened, the inductor L discharges the second power source V2 (the inductor current decreases). In this manner, power transfer from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2 is achieved.

When it is necessary to transfer the target power from the second power source V2 to the first power source V1, the controller CT first controls the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 to be turned on, and the second power source V2 charges the inductor L (the inductor current increases); when the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 are opened for a period of time or the inductor current increases to a certain value (determined according to the control logic), the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 are closed, and the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are opened, the inductor L discharges the first power source V1 (the inductor current decreases). In this manner, the transfer of power from the second power source V2 to the first power source V1 is achieved.

In an embodiment of the present application, the power transfer circuit 200 may further include a current sensor IS, which may be used to detect a current in the power transfer circuit 200, such as a current on the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, or the inductor L, and feed back to the controller CT. Based on the feedback of the current sensor IS, the controller CT can better monitor the power transfer situation, and achieve more accurate power transfer. In a practical implementation, the current sensor IS may be disposed at any position in the power conversion unit (i.e., the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, and the inductor L) of the power transfer circuit 200.

In an embodiment of the present application, the power transfer circuit 200 may further include a first capacitor C1 and/or a second capacitor C2, the first capacitor C1 being connected between the first power source V1 and ground, the second capacitor C2 being connected between the second power source V2 and ground. When the power transfer circuit 200 transfers power from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2, the first capacitor C1 as the capacitor of the power supply terminal can provide the energy required at the instant when the first switch SW1 is switched on and after the first switch SW1 is fully turned on, and the second capacitor C2 as the capacitor of the power receiving terminal can filter the current with ripple output by the inductor L, so as to reduce the ripple voltage additionally generated by the power receiving terminal due to the circuit. Similarly, when the power transfer circuit 200 transfers power from the second power source V2 to the first power source V1, the second capacitor C2 as the capacitor of the power supply terminal can provide the energy required at the instant when the fourth switch SW4 is switched on and after being fully turned on, and the first capacitor C1 as the capacitor of the power receiving terminal can filter the current with ripple output by the inductor L, so as to reduce the ripple voltage additionally generated by the power receiving terminal due to the circuit. It should be understood that the power transfer circuit 200 may not include the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2.

In an embodiment of the present application, each of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, and the fourth switch SW4 may be any one of: triodes, insulated gate bipolar transistors and metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors.

Based on the above description, the power transfer circuit 200 according to the embodiment of the present application can implement bidirectional arbitrary power transfer between two power rails, so that the input power sources on the power rails can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multiple input power sources is improved.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit 300 according to another embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 3, the power transfer circuit 300 includes a first power source V1, a second power source V2, a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, a fourth switch SW4, a controller CT, and a power conversion element L. Wherein the first power source V1 is connected to the power conversion element L via the first switch SW 1; the second power source V2 is connected to the power conversion element L via the fourth switch SW 4; the third switch SW3 is connected between the first switch SW1 and ground; the second switch SW2 is connected between the fourth switch SW4 and ground. Further, in the embodiment of the present application, the power conversion element L may be an inductor.

The power transfer circuit 300 shown in fig. 3 is substantially similar to the power transfer circuit 200 shown in fig. 2, except that the power transfer circuit 300 further includes a diode, and at least one of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, and the fourth switch SW4 may be connected in parallel with the diode. In fig. 3, four diodes are shown as being included, D1, D2, D3, and D4, respectively. Wherein the diode D1 is connected in parallel with the first switch SW 1; the diode D2 is connected in parallel with the second switch SW 2; a diode D3 is connected in parallel with the third switch SW 3; the diode D4 is connected in parallel with the fourth switch SW 4. The parallel connection of the diode at both ends of at least one of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 may reduce heat generation loss at least one of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 during power transfer, increasing power conversion efficiency.

Based on the above description, the power transfer circuit 300 according to the embodiment of the present application can realize bidirectional and efficient arbitrary power transfer between two power rails, so that the input power sources on the power rails can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multiple input power sources is improved.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit 400 according to yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 4, the power transfer circuit 400 includes a first power source V1, a second power source V2, a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a diode D3, a diode D4, a controller CT, and a power conversion element L. Wherein the first power source V1 is connected to the power conversion element L via the first switch SW 1; the second power source V2 is connected to the power conversion element L via a diode D4; the diode D3 is connected between the first switch SW1 and ground; the second switch SW2 is connected between the diode D4 and ground. Further, in the embodiment of the present application, the power conversion element L may be an inductor.

The power transfer circuit 400 shown in fig. 4 is substantially similar to the power transfer circuit 200 shown in fig. 2, except that the power transfer circuit 400 replaces the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 in the power transfer circuit 200 for diode D3 and diode D4, respectively. Replacing the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 in the power transfer circuit 200 with the diode D3 and the diode D4, respectively, can achieve power transfer from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2, while heat generation loss can be reduced, and power conversion efficiency can be increased.

Here, although it is shown in fig. 4 that the diode D3 and the diode D4 are used instead of the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 in the power transfer circuit 200, respectively, it is to be understood that only one of the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 in the power transfer circuit 200 may be replaced by a diode, for example, only the diode D3 is used instead of the third switch SW3, or only the diode D4 is used instead of the fourth switch SW4, and the power transfer from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2 may be realized, and at the same time, the heat generation loss may be reduced and the power conversion efficiency may be increased.

Based on the above description, the power transfer circuit 400 according to the embodiment of the present application can realize unidirectional and efficient arbitrary power transfer between two power rails, so that the input power sources on the power rails can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multiple input power sources is improved.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit 500 according to yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 5, the power transfer circuit 500 includes a first power source V1, a second power source V2, a diode D1, a diode D2, a third switch SW3, a fourth switch SW4, a controller CT, and a power conversion element L. Wherein the first power source V1 is connected to the power conversion element L via a diode D1; the second power source V2 is connected to the power conversion element L via the fourth switch SW 4; the third switch SW3 is connected between the diode D1 and ground; the diode D2 is connected between the fourth switch SW4 and ground. Further, in the embodiment of the present application, the power conversion element L may be an inductor.

The power transfer circuit 500 shown in fig. 5 is substantially similar to the power transfer circuit 200 shown in fig. 2, except that the power transfer circuit 500 replaces the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 in the power transfer circuit 200 with a diode D1 and a diode D2, respectively. Replacing the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 in the power transfer circuit 200 with the diode D1 and the diode D2, respectively, can achieve power transfer from the second power supply V2 to the first power supply V1, while heat generation loss can be reduced, and power conversion efficiency can be increased.

Here, although it is shown in fig. 5 that the diode D1 and the diode D2 are used instead of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 in the power transfer circuit 200, respectively, it should be understood that both the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 in the power transfer circuit 200 may be replaced by diodes, for example, only the diode D1 is used instead of the first switch SW1, or only the diode D2 is used instead of the second switch SW2, and the power transfer from the second power source V2 to the first power source V1 may be realized, and at the same time, the heat generation loss may be reduced and the power conversion efficiency may be increased.

Based on the above description, the power transfer circuit 500 according to the embodiment of the present application may implement unidirectional and efficient arbitrary power transfer between two power rails, so that the input power sources on the power rails can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multiple input power sources is improved.

Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit 600 according to yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 6, the power transfer circuit 600 includes a first power source V1, a second power source V2, a first switch SW1, a third switch SW3, a controller CT, and a power conversion element L. Wherein the first power source V1 is connected to the power conversion element L via the first switch SW 1; the second power source V2 is directly connected to the power conversion element L; the third switch SW3 is connected between the first switch SW1 and ground.

In an embodiment of the present application, the power transfer circuit 600 may enable bidirectional transfer of power between the first power source V1 and the second power source V2, wherein the voltage of the first power source V1 is greater than the voltage of the second power source V2. The working principle is as follows: when the controller CT receives a control command CM to transfer a target power from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2 or from the second power source V2 to the first power source V1 via the control command interface, the controller CT determines control logic, such as how the operations of the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 should be controlled, according to the control command CM, and performs control according to the determined control logic.

Specifically, when it is necessary to transfer the target power from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2, the controller CT first controls the first switch SW1 to be opened, and the first power source V1 charges the inductor L (the inductor current increases); when the first switch SW1 is turned on for a period of time or the inductor current increases to a certain value (determined by the control logic), the first switch SW1 is turned off and the third switch SW3 is turned on, and the inductor L discharges the second power source V2 (the inductor current decreases). In this manner, power transfer from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2 is achieved.

When it is necessary to transfer the target power from the second power source V2 to the first power source V1, the controller CT first controls the third switch SW3 to be turned on, and the second power source V2 charges the inductor L (the inductor current increases); when the third switch SW3 is turned on for a period of time or the inductor current increases to a certain value (determined by the control logic), the third switch SW3 is turned off and the first switch SW1 is turned on, and the inductor L discharges the first power source V1 (the inductor current decreases). In this manner, the transfer of power from the second power source V2 to the first power source V1 is achieved.

In embodiments of the present application, the power transfer circuit 600 may further include a current sensor IS, which may be used to detect a current in the power transfer circuit 600, such as a current on the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, or the inductor L, and feed back to the controller CT. Based on the feedback of the current sensor IS, the controller CT can better monitor the power transfer situation, and achieve more accurate power transfer. In practical implementations, the current sensor IS may be disposed at any position in the power conversion unit (i.e., the first switch SW1, the third switch SW3, and the inductor L) of the power transfer circuit 600.

In the embodiment of the present application, similar to the power transfer circuit 200 shown in fig. 2, the power transfer circuit 600 may further include a first capacitor C1 and/or a second capacitor C2, the first capacitor C1 being connected between the first power source V1 and ground, and the second capacitor C2 being connected between the second power source V2 and ground. It should be understood that the power transfer circuit 600 may not include the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2.

In an embodiment of the present application, each of the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 may be any one of: triodes, insulated gate bipolar transistors and metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors.

Based on the above description, the power transfer circuit 600 according to the embodiment of the present application can implement bidirectional arbitrary power transfer between two power rails, so that the input power sources on the power rails can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multiple input power sources is improved.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit 700 according to yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 7, the power transfer circuit 700 includes a first power source V1, a second power source V2, a first switch SW1, a third switch SW3, a controller CT, and a power conversion element L. Wherein the first power source V1 is connected to the power conversion element L via the first switch SW 1; the second power source V2 is directly connected to the power conversion element L; the third switch SW3 is connected between the first switch SW1 and ground.

The power transfer circuit 700 shown in fig. 7 is substantially similar to the power transfer circuit 600 shown in fig. 6, except that the power transfer circuit 700 further includes a diode, and at least one of the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 may be connected in parallel with the diode. In fig. 7, it is shown to include two diodes, D1 and D3, respectively. Wherein the diode D1 is connected in parallel with the first switch SW 1; the diode D3 is connected in parallel with the third switch SW 3. The parallel connection of the diode at both ends of at least one of the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 may reduce heat generation loss at least one of the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 during power transfer, increasing power conversion efficiency.

Based on the above description, the power transfer circuit 700 according to the embodiment of the present application can realize bidirectional and efficient arbitrary power transfer between two power rails, so that the input power sources on the power rails can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multiple input power sources is improved.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit 800 according to yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 8, the power transfer circuit 800 includes a first power source V1, a second power source V2, a second switch SW2, a fourth switch SW4, a controller CT, and a power conversion element L. Wherein the first power source V1 is directly connected to the power conversion element L; the second power source V2 is connected to the power conversion element L via the fourth switch SW 4; the second switch SW2 is connected between the fourth switch SW4 and ground.

In an embodiment of the present application, the power transfer circuit 800 may enable bidirectional transfer of power between the first power source V1 and the second power source V2, wherein the voltage of the second power source V2 is greater than the voltage of the first power source V2. The working principle is as follows: when the controller CT receives a control command CM to transfer a target power from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2 or from the second power source V2 to the first power source V1 via the control command interface, the controller CT determines control logic, such as how the operations of the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 should be controlled, according to the control command CM, and performs control according to the determined control logic.

Specifically, when it is necessary to transfer the target power from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2, the controller CT first controls the second switch SW2 to be opened, and the first power source V1 charges the inductor L (the inductor current increases); when the second switch SW2 is turned on for a period of time or the inductor current increases to a certain value (determined according to the control logic), the second switch SW2 is turned off and the fourth switch SW4 is turned on, and the inductor L discharges the second power source V2 (the inductor current decreases). In this manner, power transfer from the first power source V1 to the second power source V2 is achieved.

When it is required to transfer the target power from the second power source V2 to the first power source V1, the controller CT first controls the fourth switch SW4 to be turned on, and the second power source V2 charges the inductor L (inductor current increases); when the fourth switch SW4 is turned on for a period of time or the inductor current increases to a certain value (determined according to the control logic), the fourth switch SW4 is turned off and the second switch SW2 is turned on, and the inductor L discharges the first power source V1 (the inductor current decreases). In this manner, the transfer of power from the second power source V2 to the first power source V1 is achieved.

In embodiments of the present application, the power transfer circuit 800 may further include a current sensor IS, which may be used to detect a current in the power transfer circuit 800, such as a current on the second switch SW2, the fourth switch SW4, or the inductor L, and feed back to the controller CT. Based on the feedback of the current sensor IS, the controller CT can better monitor the power transfer situation, and achieve more accurate power transfer. In practical implementations, the current sensor IS may be disposed at any position in the power conversion unit (i.e., the second switch SW2, the fourth switch SW4, and the inductor L) of the power transfer circuit 800.

In the embodiment of the present application, similar to the power transfer circuit 200 shown in fig. 2, the power transfer circuit 800 may further include a first capacitor C1 and/or a second capacitor C2, the first capacitor C1 being connected between the first power source V1 and ground, and the second capacitor C2 being connected between the second power source V2 and ground. It should be understood that the power transfer circuit 800 may not include the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2.

In an embodiment of the present application, each of the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 may be any one of: triodes, insulated gate bipolar transistors and metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors.

Based on the above description, the power transfer circuit 800 according to the embodiment of the present application can implement bidirectional arbitrary power transfer between two power rails, so that the input power sources on the power rails can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multiple input power sources is improved.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power transfer circuit 900 according to yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 9, the power transfer circuit 900 includes a first power source V1, a second power source V2, a second switch SW2, a fourth switch SW4, a controller CT, and a power conversion element L. Wherein the first power source V1 is directly connected to the power conversion element L; the second power source V2 is connected to the power conversion element L via the fourth switch SW 4; the second switch SW2 is connected between the fourth switch SW4 and ground.

The power transfer circuit 900 shown in fig. 9 is substantially similar to the power transfer circuit 800 shown in fig. 8, except that the power transfer circuit 900 further includes a diode, and at least one of the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 may be connected in parallel with the diode. In fig. 9, it is shown to include two diodes, D2 and D4, respectively. Wherein the diode D2 is connected in parallel with the second switch SW 2; the diode D4 is connected in parallel with the fourth switch SW 4. The parallel connection of the diode at both ends of at least one of the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 may reduce heat generation loss at least one of the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 during power transfer, increasing power conversion efficiency.

Based on the above description, the power transfer circuit 900 according to the embodiment of the present application can implement bidirectional and efficient arbitrary power transfer between two power rails, so that the input power sources on the power rails can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multiple input power sources is improved.

The above exemplarily illustrates a power transfer circuit according to an embodiment of the present application.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present application, there is also provided an electronic device, which may include the power transfer circuit according to the embodiment of the present application described above. The structure and operation of the electronic device according to the embodiments of the present application can be understood by those skilled in the art based on the power transfer circuit according to the embodiments of the present application described above, and for brevity, no further description is provided here.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present application, there is also provided a system, which may include a memory storing a software application; and a processor, which when executing the software application, is configured to perform the steps of: receiving a control command; controlling operation of a power conversion unit based on the control command such that at least two power sources transfer power from one power source to another power source of the at least two power sources through the power conversion unit. In one embodiment, the control command is determined based on a power margin of the one power source and a power requirement of the other power source. In one embodiment, each of the at least two power sources is located on a different power rail. The operation of the processor of the system according to the embodiments of the present application may be understood by those skilled in the art based on the operation of the power transfer circuit according to the embodiments of the present application described above, and for brevity, will not be described again here. In one embodiment, the structure of a system according to embodiments of the present application may be as shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system configured to implement one or more aspects of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, computer system 1000 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU)1010, a system memory 1020, and a parallel processing subsystem 1030 coupled together via a memory bridge 1032. Parallel processing subsystem 1030 is coupled to memory bridge 1032 via communication path 1034. One or more display devices 1036 may be coupled to parallel processing subsystem 1030. Computer system 1000 also includes a system disk 1040, one or more add-in cards 1050 (such as add-in cards 1050(0) and 1050(1) in FIG. 10), and a network adapter 1060. System disk 1040 is coupled to I/O bridge 1042. I/O bridge 1042 is coupled to memory bridge 1032 via a communication path 1038 and is also coupled to an input device 1044. One or more add-in cards 1050 and a network adapter 1060 are coupled together via a switch 1046, which switch 1046 is in turn coupled to an I/O bridge 1042.

Memory bridge 1032 is a hardware unit that facilitates communication between CPU1010, system memory 1020, and parallel processing subsystem 1030, as well as other components of computer system 1000. For example, memory bridge 1032 may be a north bridge chip. Communication path 1034 is a high speed and/or high bandwidth data connection that facilitates low latency communication between parallel processing subsystem 1030 and memory bridge 1032 across one or more independent channels. For example, communications path 1034 may be a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) link, Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), hypertransport, or any other technically feasible communications bus type.

The I/O bridge 1042 is a hardware unit that facilitates input and/or output operations performed with the system disk 1040, the input device 1044, the one or more add-in cards 1050, the network adapter 1060, and various other components of the computer system 1000. For example, I/O bridge 1042 may be a south bridge chip. Communications path 1038 is a high speed and/or high bandwidth data connection that facilitates low latency communications between memory bridge 1032 and I/O bridge 1042. For example, communications path 1038 may be a PCIe link, AGP, HyperTransport, or any other technically feasible type of communications bus. With the configuration shown, any component coupled to memory bridge 1032 or I/O bridge 1042 can communicate with any other component coupled to memory bridge 1032 or I/O bridge 1042.

CPU1010 is a processor configured to coordinate the overall operation of computer system 1000. As such, CPU1010 executes instructions to issue commands to various other components included in computer system 1000. CPU1010 is also configured to execute instructions to process data generated and/or stored by any other components included in computer system 1000, including system memory 1020 and system disk 1040. System memory 1020 and system disk 1040 are memory devices that include computer-readable media configured to store data and software applications. The system memory 1020 includes device drivers 1022 and a hypervisor 1024. Parallel processing subsystem 1030 includes one or more Parallel Processing Units (PPUs) configured to perform multiple operations simultaneously in a highly parallel processing architecture. Each PPU includes one or more compute engines that perform general purpose compute operations in a parallel manner and/or one or more graphics engines that perform graphics-oriented operations in a parallel manner. A given PPU may be configured to generate pixels for display via display device 1036.

The device drivers 1022 are software applications that, when executed by the CPU1010, operate as an interface between the CPU1010 and the parallel processing subsystem 1030. In particular, device drivers 1022 allow CPU1010 to offload various processing operations into parallel processing subsystem 1030 for highly parallel execution, including general purpose computing operations as well as graphics processing operations. Hypervisor 1024 is a software application that, when executed by CPU1010, partitions the various computing, graphics, and memory resources included in parallel processing subsystem 1030 in order to provide independent use of these resources for individual users.

In various embodiments, some or all of the components of computer system 1000 may be implemented in a cloud-based environment, potentially distributed across a wide geographic area. For example, various components of computer system 1000 may be deployed across geographically disparate data centers. In such embodiments, the various components of computer system 1000 may communicate with one another over one or more networks, including any number of local intranets and/or the internet. In various other embodiments, certain components of computer system 1000 may be implemented via one or more virtualization devices. For example, the CPU1010 may be implemented as a virtual instance of a hardware CPU. In some embodiments, some or all of parallel processing subsystem 1030 may be integrated with one or more other components of computer system 1000 to form a single chip, such as a system on a chip (SoC).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the architecture of computer system 1000 is flexible enough to be implemented across a wide range of potential scenarios and use cases. For example, computer system 1000 may be implemented in a cloud computing center to disclose general-purpose computing power and/or general-purpose graphics processing power to one or more users. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the various components of the computer system 1000 and the connection topology between these components may be modified in any technically feasible manner without departing from the overall scope and spirit of the present embodiments. In an embodiment of the present application, the power transfer circuit and the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present application described above may be implemented in the computer system 1000.

Based on the above description, the power transfer circuit, the electronic device and the system according to the embodiments of the present application may implement any power transfer between two or more power rails, so that the input power source on each power rail can supply power to the maximum extent, and the power supply efficiency of the multiple input power source is improved.

Although the foregoing example embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the foregoing example embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application thereto. Various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art without departing from the scope or spirit of the present application. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application as claimed in the appended claims.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative elements and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware or combinations of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the implementation. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present application.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the application may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the present application, various features of the present application are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the application and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. However, the method of the present application should not be construed to reflect the intent: this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this application.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and all of the processes or elements of any method or apparatus so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where such features are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, rather than other features, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the application and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

The above description is only for the specific embodiments of the present application or the description thereof, and the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of the changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, and shall be covered by the protection scope of the present application. The protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A power transfer circuit, comprising at least two power sources, a controller, and a power conversion unit, wherein:

the controller is configured to receive a control command, and control the operation of the power conversion unit based on the control command, so that the at least two power sources transfer power from one power source to another power source of the at least two power sources through the power conversion unit.

2. The power transfer circuit of claim 1, wherein the control command is determined based on a power margin of the one power source and a power requirement of the other power source.

3. The power transfer circuit of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two power sources is located on a different power rail.

4. The power transfer circuit of claim 1, wherein the voltage of each of the at least two power supplies is different.

5. The power transfer circuit of claim 1, wherein the voltage of each of the at least two power supplies is the same.

6. The power transfer circuit of claim 1, wherein the power conversion unit comprises at least two switches and a power conversion element, wherein one of the at least two switches is connected between the power conversion element and one of the at least two power sources, and another of the at least two switches is connected between the power conversion element and ground, and wherein the controller is configured to control the opening and closing of the at least two switches based on the control command.

7. The power transfer circuit of claim 6, wherein the at least two power sources comprise a first power source and a second power source, and the at least two switches comprise a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch, wherein:

the first power supply is connected to the power conversion element via the first switch;

the second power source is connected to the power conversion element via the fourth switch;

the third switch is connected between the first switch and ground;

the second switch is connected between the fourth switch and ground.

8. The power transfer circuit of claim 6, wherein the at least two power supplies comprise a first power supply and a second power supply, the first power supply having a voltage greater than a voltage of the second power supply, and the at least two switches comprise a first switch and a third switch, wherein:

the second power source is directly connected to the power conversion element;

the third switch is connected between the first switch and ground.

9. The power transfer circuit of claim 6, wherein the at least two power supplies comprise a first power supply and a second power supply, wherein a voltage of the second power supply is greater than a voltage of the first power supply, wherein the at least two switches comprise a second switch and a fourth switch, and wherein:

the first power source is directly connected to the power conversion element;

the second switch is connected between the fourth switch and ground.

10. The power transfer circuit of any of claims 7-9, wherein each of the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch is any of: triodes, insulated gate bipolar transistors and metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors.

11. The power transfer circuit of claim 10, further comprising a diode, at least one of the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch being connected in parallel with one diode.

12. The power transfer circuit of claim 7, wherein the power transfer circuit is configured to transfer power from the first power source to the second power source, and wherein each of the first switch and the second switch is any one of: the third switch and/or the fourth switch are/is a diode.

13. The power transfer circuit of claim 7, wherein the power transfer circuit is configured to transfer power from the second power source to the first power source, and wherein each of the third switch and the fourth switch is any one of: the first switch and/or the second switch are/is a diode.

14. The power transfer circuit of any of claims 6-9, wherein the power conversion element is an inductor.

15. The power transfer circuit according to any of claims 6-9, further comprising a current sensor for detecting a current in the power conversion unit and feeding back to the controller, the controller controlling the opening and closing of the at least two switches further based on the current.

16. The power transfer circuit according to any of claims 6-9, further comprising a first capacitor and/or a second capacitor, wherein the first capacitor is connected between the first power source and ground and the second capacitor is connected between the second power source and ground.

17. An electronic device, characterized in that the electronic device comprises a power transfer circuit according to any of claims 1-16.

18. A system, characterized in that the system comprises:

a memory storing a software application; and

a processor, which when executing the software application, is configured to perform the steps of:

receiving a control command;

controlling operation of a power conversion unit based on the control command such that at least two power sources transfer power from one power source to another power source of the at least two power sources through the power conversion unit.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the control command is determined based on a power margin of the one power source and a power requirement of the other power source.

20. The system of claim 18, each of the at least two power sources being located on a different power rail.