Advanced Multi-Phase Transient Voltage Generator with Improved Efficiency

TO-214 • PT 1.3174 • As of 06/2025
Peter Grünberg Institute
Integrated Computing Architectures (PGI-4)

Technology

Our novel multiphase function generator allows for the creation of complex, transient voltage waveforms across multiple output phases, all from a single, compact circuit. The generator is built around a resistor chain connected to a voltage supply, with strategically placed coupling points between each resistor. Each output phase connects to every coupling point via dedicated switches, enabling precise control over the voltage at each output. A key feature is the integration of a control unit that orchestrates the timing and selection of these switches, as well as additional resistors at certain critical points to optimize signal quality. The generator’s architecture ensures that multiple voltage functions – such as sine, triangle, trapezoid, Gaussian, or sawtooth waveforms – can be generated simultaneously for each phase, without the need for redundant circuits. This approach not only simplifies the overall design but also enhances flexibility and adaptability for a wide range of applications.

Problem addressed

Conventional solutions for generating multiphase transient voltage waveforms rely on multiple, parallel resistive voltage dividers, each dedicated to a single phase. While functional, these approaches come with significant drawbacks. First, the need for several independent resistor chains increases the overall circuit footprint and power consumption, making the solutions less attractive for compact and energy-efficient designs. Second, when multiple phases share a single voltage divider, interference between phases became a critical issue –especially at crossover points where two or more phases required the same voltage level. The presence of output capacitances, intended to smooth out the discrete, step-like voltage transitions, further complicates matters. At these crossover points, the capacitance would be charged and discharged almost symmetrically, resulting in unwanted voltage jumps and a loss of the desired smoothing effect. This leads to uneven signal quality, resulting in poor reliability and performance of the overall system.

Solution

Our solution represents a shared resistor chain for all output phases, eliminating the need for multiple parallel circuits. Each output phase is independently connected to every coupling point on the resistor chain through dedicated switches, allowing for precise control and timing of the voltage at each output. The addition of carefully calculated series resistors at critical points ensures that the output capacitances are charged and discharged in a controlled manner, preventing unwanted voltage jumps and maintaining smooth, high-quality waveforms.
This architecture drastically reduces the required circuit area and power consumption, simplifies system design, and minimizes interference between phases. The technology is highly flexible, capable of generating a wide variety of voltage functions for each phase and is easily adaptable to different numbers of phases. Furthermore, the integration of digital or analogue control units, such as shift registers or multiplexers, enables efficient and reliable operation.

Benefits and Potential Use

The new multiphase function generator allows to generate precise, transient voltage waveforms with minimal footprint and power consumption makes it particularly valuable for integrated circuits, sensors, and signal processing systems. Potential licensees in electronics industry can leverage this technology in fields such as telecommunications, where multiphase signals are essential for modulation and demodulation, or in industrial automation for synchronized control of actuators and sensors. The generator is also well-suited for test and measurement equipment, providing accurate and flexible signal generation for device characterization and validation. Furthermore, its compatibility with CMOS technology allows for seamless integration into advanced semiconductor products, including microcontrollers, mixed-signal ICs, and system-on-chip (SoC) designs.

Development Status and Next Steps

Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) has extensive expertise in this field and holds several patents. Our technology described above is continuously being enhanced. Our Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-4) – Integrated Computing Architectures – already cooperates with numerous national and international companies and scientific partners. Forschungszentrum Jülich focuses on energy and cost-efficient devices suitable for application in various emerging technologies. We are thus constantly seeking cooperation partners and/or licensees in this field and adjacent areas of research and applications.

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