Electronic circuit for outputting a voltage based on a plurality of input voltages

Abstract

Based on a first signal, the first voltage output circuit outputs a first output voltage based on the first voltage, or does not output a first output voltage. Based on a second signal, the second voltage output circuit outputs a second output voltage based on the second voltage, or does not output a second output voltage. When the level of the first voltage is lower than a reference level, the voltage detector circuit outputs a first signal, causing the first voltage output circuit to not output the first output voltage, and the voltage detector circuit outputs a second signal, causing the second voltage output circuit to output the second output voltage. The second voltage output circuit outputs the second output voltage such that the second output voltage has the level of the first output voltage when the level of the first voltage is the reference level.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0111339, filed on September 18, 2018, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The various embodiments of this disclosure described herein relate to an electronic circuit, and more specifically, to an electronic circuit that outputs a voltage based on a plurality of input voltages. Background Technology

[0004] Electronic devices operate by using voltage received from an external power source or voltage supplied by a battery. Typically, portable electronic devices convert the voltage from the battery and supply the converted voltage to the internal circuitry. The internal circuitry then operates using this converted voltage.

[0005] Due to the small size and emphasis on portability of electronic devices, there is a need for technologies to reduce power consumption. In this regard, Dynamic Voltage Frequency Scaling (DVFS) technology is used to reduce power consumption by changing the operating mode of the electronic device according to the workload of its internal circuitry. The voltage supplied to the internal circuitry is adjusted according to the operating mode of the electronic device.

[0006] If the voltage supplied to the internal circuitry changes, the internal circuitry may malfunction momentarily. Therefore, it is important to provide a stable voltage to the internal circuitry. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an electronic device that receives multiple voltages and outputs a stable voltage.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuit may include a first voltage output circuit, a second voltage output circuit, and a voltage detector circuit. Based on a first signal, the first voltage output circuit may output a first output voltage based on the first voltage or may not output a first output voltage. Based on a second signal, the second voltage output circuit may output a second output voltage based on the second voltage or may not output a second output voltage. When the level of the first voltage is lower than a reference level, the voltage detector circuit may output a first signal, causing the first voltage output circuit to not output the first output voltage, and the voltage detector circuit may output a second signal, causing the second voltage output circuit to output the second output voltage. The second voltage output circuit may output the second output voltage such that the second output voltage has a level corresponding to the first output voltage when the level of the first voltage is the reference level.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuit may include a first voltage output circuit and a second voltage output circuit. When the output voltage level of the output voltage line is higher than a first reference level, the first voltage output circuit may output a first output voltage to the output voltage line based on the first voltage, and when the output voltage level is lower than the first reference level, the first voltage output circuit may not output the first output voltage. When the output voltage level is lower than the first reference level, the second voltage output circuit may output a second output voltage having the first reference level to the output voltage line based on a second voltage.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic circuit may include a power switching circuit and a load circuit. When the level of a first voltage is higher than a reference level, the power switching circuit may output a first output voltage based on the first voltage, and when the level of the first voltage is lower than the reference level, it may output a second output voltage based on a second voltage higher than the reference level. The first output voltage or the second output voltage may be supplied to the load circuit. The power switching circuit may operate such that the second output voltage has a minimum level of the first output voltage. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and other objects and features of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic system including power management circuitry according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device including power management circuitry according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power management circuit.

[0015] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a power switching circuit.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a graph showing the voltage level of the output voltage from the power switching circuit, based on the waveforms of voltage and signal.

[0017] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a power switching circuit.

[0018] Figure 7 It shows waveforms based on voltage and signals, from Figure 6 A graph showing the voltage level output by the power switching circuit.

[0019] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a power switching circuit.

[0020] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a power switching circuit.

[0021] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit.

[0022] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a power switching circuit.

[0023] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a power switching circuit.

[0024] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a power switching circuit.

[0025] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a power switching circuit.

[0026] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 13 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a power switching circuit.

[0027] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 13 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a power switching circuit.

[0028] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 13 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a power switching circuit.

[0029] Figure 18 It shows waveforms based on voltage and signals, from Figure 17 A graph showing the voltage level output by the power switching circuit.

[0030] Figure 19 It is shown Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail and clearly, to the extent that those skilled in the art can readily implement this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic system 100 including a power management circuit 130 according to some embodiments.

[0033] Electronic system 100 may include a main processor 110, working memory 120, storage device 140, communication block 150, user interface 160, power management circuitry 130, and bus 170. For example, electronic system 100 may be one of the following electronic devices: desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, wearable device, video game console, server, electric vehicle, home appliance, etc.

[0034] The main processor 110 can control the overall operation of the electronic system 100 and can perform various arithmetic / logical operations. For example, the main processor 110 can be implemented using a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, or an application processor that includes one or more processor cores.

[0035] Working memory 120 can store data to be used in the operation of electronic system 100. For example, working memory 120 can temporarily store data that is processed by or will be processed by main processor 110. For example, working memory 120 may include: volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), or synchronous DRAM (SDRAM); and / or non-volatile memory, such as phase-change RAM (PRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (ReRAM), or ferroelectric RAM (FRAM).

[0036] Storage device 140 can store data. For example, storage device 140 may include non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, PRAM, MRAM, ReRAM, or FRAM. For example, storage device 140 may include storage media such as solid-state drives (SSDs), card storage, or embedded storage.

[0037] Communication block 150 may support at least one of various wireless communication protocols / wired communication protocols for communicating with external devices / systems of electronic system 100. User interface 160 may include various input / output interfaces for arbitrary communication between the user and electronic system 100.

[0038] The power management circuit 130 can supply power to the various components of the electronic system 100. The power management circuit 130 can receive power from an external power source and / or a battery. The power management circuit 130 can appropriately convert the received power and output the converted power for use by the various components of the electronic system 100.

[0039] Bus 170 can provide a communication path between the components of electronic system 100. The components of electronic system 100 can exchange data with each other according to the bus format of bus 170. For example, the bus format may include one or more of various interface protocols such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Peripheral Component Interconnect Fast (PCIe), Mobile PCIe (M-PCIe), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), Non-Volatile Memory Fast (NVMe), Universal Flash (UFS), Double Data Rate (DDR), and Low Power DDR (LPDDR).

[0040] The power management circuit 130 can be implemented according to embodiments of this disclosure. Even when the voltage level received from an external power source and / or battery changes, the power management circuit 130 can stably supply voltage to the components of the electronic system 100. (Refer to...) Figures 2 to 19 An exemplary configuration and operation associated with power management circuitry 130 are described.

[0041] The power management circuitry 130 may be provided in the following description. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Embodiments may be applicable to any type of device that includes semiconductor elements (or devices). For example, embodiments may be applicable to a memory included in working memory 120. The following description is provided for better understanding and not for limiting the disclosure.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device 1000 including a power management circuit 1100 according to some embodiments.

[0043] Electronic device 1000 may include power management circuitry 1100 and electronic circuits 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500. For example, electronic device 1000 may correspond to a memory module such as a single in-line memory module (SIMM), a dual in-line memory module (DIMM), or a Rambus in-line memory module (RIMM). Particularly when electronic device 1000 is included in a fifth-generation DDR (DDR5) DIMM, power management circuitry 1100 may be included in a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) mounted on the DDR5 DIMM. In this case, each of electronic circuits 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 may be a memory mounted on the DDR5 DIMM, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, electronic circuits 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 may be included in… Figure 1 In components 110, 120, 140, 150 and 160.

[0044] The power management circuit 1100 can receive voltages V1 and V2 from an external power source and / or a battery. The power management circuit 1100 can appropriately convert the received voltages V1 and V2 and can output voltages Va, Vb, and Vc. Voltages Va, Vb, and Vc can be supplied to electronic circuits 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500.

[0045] Electronic circuits 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 can be driven based on voltages Va, Vb, and Vc. For example, in the case where electronic circuits 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 are circuits included in memory, voltages Va, Vb, and Vc can be, but are not limited to, core voltage VDD, pump voltage VPP, and word line voltage VDDQ.

[0046] The operating mode of electronic device 1000 can be changed according to the workload of electronic circuits 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500. The levels of voltages Va, Vb, and Vc required to drive electronic circuits 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 can be changed according to the operating mode. Therefore, the levels of voltages V1 and V2 input to power management circuit 1100 can also be changed. The changes in the levels of voltages V1 and V2 will be described in conjunction with the changes in the operating mode of electronic device 1000, but this is only for ease of description and not for limiting the present disclosure. Power management circuit 1100 can be implemented in systems and / or devices driven by using multiple voltages received from an external power source and / or a battery.

[0047] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power management circuit 1100.

[0048] The power management circuit 1100 may include a power switching circuit 1110 and load circuits 1140, 1150 and 1160.

[0049] The power switching circuit 1110 can receive voltages V1 and V2 from an external power source and / or a battery. The power switching circuit 1110 can output a voltage Vout based on the received voltages V1 and V2. The level of the voltage Vout can be changed according to the levels of voltages V1 and V2.

[0050] Load circuits 1140, 1150, and 1160 can receive voltage Vout from power switching circuit 1110. Load circuits 1140, 1150, and 1160 can output voltages Va, Vb, and Vc based on the received voltage Vout. For example, voltages Va, Vb, and Vc can be supplied to electronic circuits 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500.

[0051] The voltage levels V1 and V2 input to the power management circuit 1100 can be changed according to the operating mode of the electronic device 1000. For example, in normal mode, voltages V1 and V2 can have fixed levels, and the level of voltage V2 can be higher than the level of voltage V1. In this case, the power switching circuit 1110 can output voltage Vout based on voltage V1.

[0052] For example, in low-power mode, the level of voltage V1 can be reduced, and voltage V2 can have a fixed level. When the level of voltage V1 is lower than the reference level, the power switching circuit 1110 can output voltage Vout based on voltage V2 instead of voltage V1.

[0053] For example, when the operating mode of electronic device 1000 changes from low-power mode to normal mode, the voltage level V1 in low-power mode can be increased back to the voltage level V1 in normal mode. Voltage V2 can have the same fixed level as in low-power mode. When the voltage level V1 is higher than the reference level, the power switching circuit 1110 can output voltage Vout based on voltage V1 instead of voltage V2.

[0054] In the following description, it is assumed that the voltage level V1 first decreases and then increases, and that voltage V2 has a fixed level; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The voltage level V1 may first increase and then decrease, or the voltage level V1 may remain constant. The voltage level V2 may also increase or decrease.

[0055] The voltage level Vout can change abruptly during the time interval when the power switching circuit 1110 switches the power supply for Vout from voltage V1 to voltage V2, or the voltage level Vout can change abruptly during the time interval when the power switching circuit 1110 switches the power supply for Vout from voltage V2 to voltage V1. In the event of abrupt changes in the voltage level Vout, load circuits 1140, 1150, and 1160 may momentarily malfunction.

[0056] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110.

[0057] In some embodiments, Figure 3 The power switching circuit 1110 may include Figure 4 The power switching circuit 1110a may include a voltage detector circuit 1111 and switching circuits 1112 and 1115.

[0058] Voltage detector circuit 1111 can receive voltage V1 from voltage line 1116. Voltage detector circuit 1111 can compare the level of the received voltage V1 with a reference level. Voltage detector circuit 1111 can output signals S1 and S2 based on the comparison result of the received voltage V1 level and the reference level.

[0059] The voltage detector circuit 1111 can output signals S1 and S2 that selectively have a logic value of "0" or a logic value of "1" based on the comparison result of the voltage level V1 with the reference level Lv0. Each of the signals S1 and S2 can selectively have one of the voltage levels d0 and d1 corresponding to the logic values ​​"0" and "1". For example, signals S1 and S2 with a logic value of "1" can have a voltage level of d1. Signals S1 and S2 with a logic value of "0" can have a voltage level of d0.

[0060] The switching circuit 1112 can receive signal S1 from the voltage detector circuit 1111. Based on signal S1 and voltage V1, the switching circuit 1112 can output the first output voltage to voltage line 1117a or can choose not to output the first output voltage to voltage line 1117a.

[0061] For example, upon receiving a signal S1 with a voltage level d1, the switching circuit 1112 can output a first output voltage from voltage V1. Alternatively, upon receiving a signal S1 with a voltage level d0, the switching circuit 1112 may not output the first output voltage. When outputting the first output voltage, the voltage Vout output to the load circuit 1140 can be the first output voltage. That is, the power source supplying voltage Vout can be voltage V1.

[0062] The switching circuit 1115 can receive signal S2 from the voltage detector circuit 1111. Based on signal S2 and voltage V2, the switching circuit 1115 can output the second output voltage to voltage line 1117b or it can choose not to output the second output voltage to voltage line 1117b.

[0063] For example, when a signal S2 with a voltage level d1 is received, the switching circuit 1115 can output a second output voltage from voltage V2. When outputting the second output voltage, the voltage Vout output to the load circuit 1140 can be the second output voltage. That is, the power supply for voltage Vout can be voltage V2. Alternatively, when a signal S2 with a voltage level d0 is received, the switching circuit 1115 may not output the second output voltage.

[0064] Figure 5This is a graph showing the level of voltage Vout output from power switching circuit 1110a, based on the waveforms of voltages V1 and V2 and signals S1 and S2. (Refer to...) Figure 5 This describes how the power switching circuit 1110a operates when the voltage V1 level changes. For better understanding, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 4 To explain Figure 5 In the following description, it is assumed that the reference level Lv0 is lower than the fixed level Lv2 of the voltage V2.

[0065] During the time interval from time "0" to time "t0", voltage V1 can decrease from level Lv1 to the reference level Lv0. After voltage V2 increases from level 0V to level Lv2, it can remain at level Lv2.

[0066] When the voltage V1 is at or above the reference level Lv0 (or exceeds the reference level Lv0), the voltage detector circuit 1111 can output a signal S1 with a logic value "1" or a voltage level d1. In this case, the voltage detector circuit 1111 can output a signal S2 with a logic value "0" or a voltage level d0. In the following description, signals S1 and S2 with a logic value "1" or a voltage level d1 are represented by signals S1_d1 and S2_d1, and signals S1 and S2 with a logic value "0" or a voltage level d0 are represented by signals S1_d0 and S2_d0.

[0067] Switching circuit 1112 can receive signal S1_d1 from voltage detector circuit 1111. Switching circuit 1112 can output a first output voltage from voltage V1 based on signal S1_d1. Switching circuit 1115 can receive signal S2_d0 from voltage detector circuit 1111. Switching circuit 1115 can not output a second output voltage based on signal S2_d0. In this case, voltage Vout can be the first output voltage and can have the level of voltage V1.

[0068] During the time interval from time "t0" to time "t1", voltage V1 can decrease and then increase between level Lv0 and level "0". Voltage V2 can remain at level Lv2.

[0069] When the voltage V1 level is lower than (or not higher than) the reference level Lv0, the voltage detector circuit 1111 can output signals S1_d0 and S2_d1.

[0070] Switching circuit 1112 can receive signal S1_d0 from voltage detector circuit 1111. Switching circuit 1112 can choose not to output the first output voltage based on signal S1_d0. Switching circuit 1115 can receive signal S2_d1 from voltage detector circuit 1111. Switching circuit 1115 can output a second output voltage from voltage V2 based on signal S2_d1. In this case, voltage Vout can be the second output voltage and can have the level of voltage V2. That is, the level of voltage Vout can be level Lv2.

[0071] At the time (e.g., t0) when power switching circuit 1110a switches the supply voltage Vout from voltage V1 to voltage V2, switching circuit 1112 can disconnect voltage line 1116 from the first output line 1117a. Switching circuit 1115 can connect voltage line 1118 to the second output line 1117b. Current may not flow instantaneously to the load circuit 1140 due to the switching operations of switching circuits 1112 and 1115. Thus, the level of voltage Vout may change drastically. Referring to the waveform of voltage Vout, at the time (e.g., t0) when power switching circuit 1110a switches the supply voltage Vout from voltage V1 to voltage V2, undershooting (indicated by dashed lines) may occur.

[0072] Starting from time "t1", voltage V1 can again have a level higher than the reference level Lv0. Voltage V2 can remain at level Lv2. Starting from time "t1" when voltage V1 is higher than the reference level Lv0, voltage detector circuit 1111 and switching circuits 1112 and 1115 can provide essentially the same operation as between time "0" and time "t0". Therefore, additional descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0073] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when the voltage V1 level is at or above the reference level Lv0 (or exceeds the reference level Lv0), the voltage detector circuit 1111 can output signals S1_d1 and S2_d0. When the voltage V1 level is below (or not above) the reference level Lv0, the voltage detector circuit 1111 can output signals S1_d0 and S2_d1. In this case, the switching circuit 1112 can output a first output voltage when it receives signal S1_d0, and can not output the first output voltage when it receives signal S1_d1. Similarly, the switching circuit 1115 can output a second output voltage when it receives signal S2_d0, and can not output the second output voltage when it receives signal S2_d1.

[0074] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110.

[0075] In some embodiments, Figure 3 The power switching circuit 1110 includes Figure 6 The power switching circuit 1110b. Figure 6 The components 1111, 1112, and 1115 of the power switching circuit 1110b shown can provide substantially the same operation as the components 1111, 1112, and 1115 of the power switching circuit 1110a. The power switching circuit 1110b may differ from the power switching circuit 1110a in that it further includes a voltage regulator circuit 1113.

[0076] Voltage regulator circuit 1113 can receive voltage V2 from voltage line 1119. Voltage regulator circuit 1113 can adjust the level of the received voltage V2 and can output a second output voltage to voltage line 1118. Voltage regulator circuit 1113 can adjust the level of the second output voltage to be lower than the level of the received voltage V2. For example, voltage regulator circuit 1113 can adjust the level of the second output voltage to a reference level Lv0.

[0077] However, Figure 6 The configuration of the power switching circuit 1110b shown is for ease of description only, and the power switching circuit 1110b can be configured as a voltage output circuit including an output voltage. For example, the voltage output circuit may include a switching circuit 1112 that outputs a first output voltage. The voltage output circuit including the switching circuit 1112 may also include a voltage detector circuit 1111. As another example, the voltage output circuit may include a switching circuit 1115 that outputs a second output voltage. The voltage output circuit including the switching circuit 1115 may also include a voltage regulator circuit 1113.

[0078] Reference Figures 7 to 19 A more comprehensive description of the operation of the power switching circuit, including the voltage regulator circuit.

[0079] Figure 7 It shows the waveforms based on voltages V1 and V2 and signals S1 and S2, from Figure 6 A graph showing the voltage level Vout output by the power switching circuit 1110b. The description will focus primarily on... Figure 7 The curve shown is Figure 5 The differences between the curves shown will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0080] During the time interval from time "t0" to time "t1", voltage V1 can decrease and increase between level Lv0 and level "0". Voltage V2 can remain at level Lv2. (Refer to...) Figure 5 As stated, when the voltage V1 level is lower than the reference level Lv0, the voltage detector circuit 1111 can output signals S1_d0 and S2_d1.

[0081] Switching circuit 1112 can not output the first output voltage based on signal S1_d0. Switching circuit 1115 can output a second output voltage from voltage V2 based on signal S2_d1. In this case, compared with reference... Figure 5 The descriptions differ, and the voltage Vout can have a reference level Lv0 lower than level Lv2. Therefore, the power switching circuit 1110b according to embodiments of this disclosure can output a stable voltage Vout even at the time (e.g., t0) when the power supply for voltage Vout is switched from voltage V1 to voltage V2; and at the time (e.g., t1) when the power supply for voltage Vout is switched from voltage V2 to voltage V1. In other words, the power switching circuit 1110b can reduce the level variation of voltage Vout that occurs at the times when the power supply for voltage Vout is switched (e.g., t0 and t1). Therefore, abnormal operation of load circuits 1140, 1150, and 1160 can be reduced.

[0082] In the following description, it is assumed that no voltage drop occurs within the components of the power switching circuit or on the voltage lines of the power switching circuit. Therefore, when voltage V1 has a reference level Lv0, the level of the first output voltage and the level of voltage Vout based on the first output voltage can be the reference level Lv0. For example, voltage regulator circuit 1113 can adjust the level of the second output voltage to the reference level Lv0.

[0083] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when the level of voltage V1 is the reference level Lv0, the voltage regulator circuit 1113 can adjust the level of the second output voltage to the level of the first output voltage. As another example, when the level of voltage V1 is the reference level Lv0, the voltage regulator circuit 1113 can adjust the level of the second output voltage to the level of voltage Vout. As yet another example, the voltage regulator circuit 1113 can adjust the level of the second output voltage such that the voltage Vout between time "t0" and time "t1" has a voltage Vout level corresponding to a time (e.g., t0), wherein at said time (e.g., t0), the power supply for voltage Vout changes from voltage V1 to voltage V2. As yet another example, the voltage regulator circuit 1113 can adjust the level of the second output voltage such that the voltage Vout between time "t0" and time "t1" has a minimum voltage Vout level corresponding to a time, wherein at said time, the power supply for voltage Vout is voltage V1.

[0084] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110b.

[0085] In some embodiments, Figure 6 The power switching circuit 1110b includes Figure 8 The power switching circuit 1110b-1. Figure 8 The components 1111, 1112-1, 1113-1, and 1115-1 of the power switching circuit 1110b-1 shown can provide [the following information:] ... Figure 6 The components 1111, 1112, 1113 and 1115 of the power switching circuit 1110b shown operate in essentially the same way. Figure 8 The detailed configuration of each component 1112-1, 1113-1 and 1115-1 is shown in the figure.

[0086] Based on signal S1, switching circuit 1112-1 may or may not output a first output voltage to voltage line 1117a. For example, switch SW1 included in switching circuit 1112-1 can be implemented using means for opening and closing voltage lines. When signal S1_d1 is received, switch SW1 can connect voltage line 1116 to voltage line 1117a. When signal S1_d0 is received, switch SW1 can disconnect voltage line 1116 from voltage line 1117a. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, switching circuit 1112-1 can be implemented using transistors such as bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) or metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs).

[0087] The voltage regulator circuit 1113-1 may include an amplifier 1113-12 and a transistor TR1. For example, the transistor TR1 may be a PMOS transistor. The voltage regulator circuit 1113-1 may receive a voltage V2 from voltage line 1119. The voltage regulator circuit 1113-1 may adjust the level of the received voltage V2 and may output a second output voltage with the adjusted level to voltage line 1118.

[0088] For reference Figure 7 The power switching circuit 1110b-1 can adjust the level of the second output voltage to the reference level Lv0. The power switching circuit 1110b-1 can receive a voltage Vth having the reference level Lv0 in order to adjust the level of the second output voltage to the reference level Lv0.

[0089] Amplifier 1113-12 can receive voltage V2 and ground voltage through the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal. Amplifier 1113-12 can receive a second output voltage and voltage Vth from the feedback voltage line. The feedback voltage line can be connected to node 1113-11 on voltage line 1118. Amplifier 1113-12 can receive voltage Vth and the second output voltage through the inverting terminal and the non-inverting terminal, respectively.

[0090] Amplifier 1113-12 can amplify the difference between the voltage level Lv0 of voltage Vth and the level of the second output voltage, and can output voltage Vs. The level of voltage Vs can be changed by the difference between the voltage level Lv0 of voltage Vth and the level of the second output voltage.

[0091] Transistor TR1 can receive voltage V2 from voltage line 1119 and can output a second output voltage to voltage line 1118. Transistor TR1 can receive voltage Vs through a control terminal. Depending on the level of the voltage Vs input to transistor TR1, current may or may not flow through transistor TR1.

[0092] When the level of the second output voltage is lower than level Lv0, a voltage Vs with a first level can be output. When the voltage Vs with the first level is input to transistor TR1, current can flow through transistor TR1 from voltage line 1119 to voltage line 1118. For example, the first level can be the level of the ground voltage (e.g., 0V) input to the second power supply terminal.

[0093] When the level of the second output voltage is higher than level Lv0, a voltage Vs with the second level can be output. When the voltage Vs with the second level is input to transistor TR1, current may not flow through transistor TR1. For example, the second level can be the level Lv2 of the voltage V2 input to the first power supply terminal.

[0094] In other words, when the level of the second output voltage is lower than the level of voltage Vth (Lv0), current can flow from voltage line 1119 to voltage line 1118 through amplifiers 1113-12 and transistor TR1. Therefore, the level of the second output voltage can be increased. When the level of the second output voltage is higher than the level of voltage Vth (Lv0), current can be prevented from flowing from voltage line 1119 to voltage line 1118 through amplifiers 1113-12 and transistor TR1. When the level of the second output voltage is again lower than the level of voltage Vth (Lv0), amplifiers 1113-12 and transistor TR1 can repeat the above operation to adjust the level of the second output voltage to the level of voltage Vth (Lv0).

[0095] Based on signal S2, switching circuit 1115-1 may or may not output a second output voltage to voltage line 1117b. For example, switch SW2 included in switching circuit 1115-1 can be implemented using means for opening and closing voltage lines. When signal S2_d1 is received, switch SW2 can connect voltage line 1118 to voltage line 1117b. When signal S2_d0 is received, switch SW2 can disconnect voltage line 1118 from voltage line 1117b. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, switching circuit 1115-1 can be implemented using transistors such as BJTs or MOSFETs.

[0096] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110b.

[0097] In some embodiments, Figure 6 The power switching circuit 1110b may include Figure 9 The power switching circuit 1110b-2. Figure 9 The components 1111, 1112-1, 1113-2, and 1115-1 of the power switching circuit 1110b-2 shown can provide [the following information:] [The following information:] [Components 1111, 1112-1, 1113-2, and 1115-1] can provide [the following information:] [The ... Figure 8 The components 1111, 1113-1, 1112-1, and 1115-1 of the power switching circuit 1110b-1 shown operate substantially the same. However, unlike voltage regulator circuit 1113-1, voltage regulator circuit 1113-2 may include an NMOS transistor. The following description will primarily focus on the differences between voltage regulator circuit 1113-2 and voltage regulator circuit 1113-1; therefore, further descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0098] The voltage regulator circuit 1113-2 may include an amplifier 1113-12 and a transistor TR2. For example, the transistor TR2 may be an NMOS transistor.

[0099] Amplifier 1113-12 can receive voltage V2 and ground voltage through the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal. Amplifier 1113-12 can receive voltage Vth and the second output voltage through the non-inverting terminal and the inverting terminal, respectively.

[0100] Amplifier 1113-12 can amplify the difference between the voltage level Lv0 of voltage Vth and the level of the second output voltage, and can output voltage Vs. The level of voltage Vs can be changed by the difference between the voltage level Lv0 of voltage Vth and the level of the second output voltage.

[0101] Transistor TR2 can receive voltage V2 from voltage line 1119 and can output a second output voltage to voltage line 1118. Transistor TR2 can receive voltage Vs through a control terminal. Depending on the level of the voltage Vs input to transistor TR2, current may or may not flow through transistor TR2.

[0102] When the level of the second output voltage is lower than level Lv0, a voltage Vs with a first level can be output. When the voltage Vs with the first level is input to transistor TR2, current can flow through transistor TR2 from voltage line 1119 to voltage line 1118. For example, the first level can be the level Lv2 of the voltage V2 input to the first power supply terminal.

[0103] When the level of the second output voltage is higher than level Lv0, a voltage Vs with the second level can be output. When a voltage Vs with the second level is input to transistor TR2, current may not flow through transistor TR2. For example, the second level can be the level of the ground voltage (e.g., 0V) input to the second power supply terminal.

[0104] In other words, when the level of the second output voltage is lower than the level of voltage Vth (Lv0), current can flow from voltage line 1119 to voltage line 1118 through amplifiers 1113-12 and transistor TR2. Therefore, the level of the second output voltage can be increased. When the level of the second output voltage is higher than the level of voltage Vth (Lv0), current can prevent the flow from voltage line 1119 to voltage line 1118 through amplifiers 1113-12 and transistor TR2. When the level of the second output voltage is again lower than the level of voltage Vth (Lv0), amplifiers 1113-12 and transistor TR2 can repeat the above operation to adjust the level of the second output voltage to the level of voltage Vth (Lv0).

[0105] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 A flowchart of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110b-1.

[0106] In operation S110, the power switching circuit 1110b-1 can receive voltages V1 and V2. The voltage detector circuit 1111 can receive voltage V1.

[0107] In operation S120, the voltage detector circuit 1111 can compare the level of the received voltage V1 with the reference level Lv0.

[0108] In operation S130, the voltage detector circuit 1111 can selectively output signal S1_d0 or signal S1_d1 based on the comparison result of the voltage V1 level and the reference level Lv0. Furthermore, the voltage detector circuit 1111 can selectively output signal S2_d0 or signal S2_d1 based on the comparison result of the voltage V1 level and the reference level Lv0.

[0109] When the voltage V1 is lower than the reference level Lv0, in operation S140, the voltage detector circuit 1111 can output signals S1_d0 and S2_d1. In this case, switch SW1 can disconnect voltage line 1116 from voltage line 1117a based on signal S1_d0. Switch SW2 can connect voltage line 1118 to voltage line 1117b based on signal S2_d1.

[0110] Therefore, in operation S150, a second output voltage can be output to voltage line 1117b. Voltage regulator circuit 1113-1 can receive voltage V2 and can output the second output voltage. The second output voltage can be adjusted by voltage regulator circuit 1113-1 to have a reference level Lv0. Voltage Vout can be the second output voltage. That is, voltage Vout can be output based on voltage V2.

[0111] When the voltage V1 is at or above the reference level Lv0, in operation S160, the voltage detector circuit 1111 can output signals S1_d1 and S2_d0. In this case, switch SW1 can connect voltage lines 1116 and 1117a based on signal S1_d1. Switch SW2 can disconnect voltage lines 1118 and 1117b based on signal S2_d0.

[0112] Therefore, in operation S170, a first output voltage can be output to voltage line 1117a. Voltage Vout can be the first output voltage. That is, voltage Vout can be output based on voltage V1.

[0113] Reference Figure 10 Operations S110 to S170 described herein correspond to an interval of operation of the power switching circuit 1110b-1 based on the comparison result of the voltage level V1 and the reference level Lv0, outputting voltage Vout. The power switching circuit 1110b-1 may repeatedly execute operations S110 to S170 when receiving voltages V1 and V2.

[0114] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110b.

[0115] In some embodiments, Figure 6 The power switching circuit 1110b may include Figure 11 The power switching circuit is 1110b-3. Figure 11 The components 1111, 1112-1, 1113-3, and 1115-1 of the power switching circuit 1110b-3 shown can provide [the following information:] [The following information:] [Components 1111, 1112-1, 1113-3, and 1115-1] can provide [the following information:] [The ...Components 1111 Figure 8 The components 1111, 1112-1, 1113-1, and 1115-1 of the power switching circuit 1110b-1 shown operate essentially the same. However, compared to voltage regulator circuit 1113-1, voltage regulator circuit 1113-3 may also include resistors R1 and R2. The following description will primarily focus on the differences between voltage regulator circuit 1113-3 and voltage regulator circuit 1113-1; therefore, further descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0116] The voltage regulator circuit 1113-3 may include an amplifier 1113-12, a transistor TR1, and resistors R1 and R2. Resistors R1 and R2 may be connected in series between voltage line 1118 and the voltage line supplying ground voltage.

[0117] Amplifier 1113-12 can receive voltage V2 and ground voltage through the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal. Amplifier 1113-12 can receive voltage Vth' and the voltage at node 1113-15. Amplifier 1113-12 can receive the voltage at node 1113-15 and voltage Vth' through the non-inverting and inverting inputs, respectively. Node 1113-15 can be located between resistors R1 and R2 connected in series. The voltage at node 1113-15 can be obtained by dividing the voltage at node 1113-11 according to the resistance ratio of resistors R1 and R2.

[0118] In this case, the voltage level Lv0' of voltage Vth' can be determined based on the reference level Lv0 and the resistance values ​​of resistors R1 and R2. The level Lv0' can be represented by Equation 1.

[0119] [Equation 1]

[0120]

[0121] (Lv0 = reference voltage level, R1 = resistance value of resistor R1, R2 = resistance value of resistor R2).

[0122] In other words, with Figure 8 The amplifiers 1113-12 shown are different. Figure 11 The amplifier 1113-12 shown can receive a voltage Vth' with level Lv0' through the inverting terminal.

[0123] Since the voltage at node 1113-11 is the second output voltage, it can be regulated to have a reference level Lv0. Therefore, the voltage level at node 1113-11 can be higher than the ground voltage level (0V). The voltage difference between node 1113-11 and ground allows current to flow through resistors R1 and R2 to the line supplying ground. With current flowing through resistors R1 and R2, resistors R1 and R2 dissipate power, thus reducing the voltage level at node 1113-11.

[0124] For reference Figure 8 As stated above, when the voltage at nodes 1113-11 (i.e., the second output voltage) decreases, current can flow through transistor TR1. That is, current can flow through transistor TR1 even if voltage line 1118 is not connected to voltage line 1117b. Compared to the case where current begins to flow through transistor TR1 after receiving signal S2_d1 and voltage line 1118 is connected to voltage line 1117b, the voltage Vout level can be adjusted to the reference level Lv0 more quickly when current can flow through transistor TR1 even if voltage line 1118 is not connected to voltage line 1117b.

[0125] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110b.

[0126] In some embodiments, Figure 6 The power switching circuit 1110b may include Figure 12 The power switching circuit is 1110b-4. Figure 12 The components 1111, 1112-1, 1113-4, and 1115-1 of the power switching circuit 1110b-4 shown can provide [the following information:] [The following information:] [Components 1111, 1112-1, 1113-4, and 1115-1] can provide [the following information:] [The following information:] [Components 1111, 1112- Figure 9 The components 1111, 1112-1, 1113-2, and 1115-1 of the power switching circuit 1110b-2 shown operate essentially the same. However, compared to voltage regulator circuit 1113-2, voltage regulator circuit 1113-4 may also include resistors R1 and R2. The following will focus primarily on the differences between voltage regulator circuit 1113-4 and voltage regulator circuit 1113-2; therefore, additional descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0127] The voltage regulator circuit 1113-4 may include amplifier 1113-12, transistor TR2, and resistors R1 and R2. (See reference...) Figure 11 The resistors R1 and R2 can be connected in series between the voltage line 1118 and the voltage line supplying ground voltage.

[0128] Amplifier 1113-12 can receive voltage V2 and ground voltage through the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal. Amplifier 1113-12 can receive voltage and voltage Vth' from the feedback voltage line. The feedback voltage line can be connected to node 1113-15 located between resistors R1 and R2. That is, with Figure 9 The amplifiers 1113-12 shown are different. Figure 12 The amplifier 1113-12 shown can receive the voltage from node 1113-15 via the inverting terminal. In this case, with Figure 9 The amplifiers 1113-12 shown are different. Figure 12 The amplifier 1113-12 shown can receive voltage Vth' through the non-inverting terminal. (See reference...) Figure 11 The voltage Vth' can have a level Lv0'.

[0129] For reference Figure 11 As described above, through resistors R1 and R2, current can flow through transistor TR2 even if voltage line 1118 is not connected to voltage line 1117b. Compared to the case where current begins to flow through transistor TR2 after receiving signal S2_d1 and voltage line 1118 is connected to voltage line 1117b, the voltage Vout level can be adjusted to the reference level Lv0 more quickly when current can flow through transistor TR2 even if voltage line 1118 is not connected to voltage line 1117b.

[0130] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110. For better understanding, refer together with... Figure 3 and Figure 6 To explain Figure 13 .

[0131] In some embodiments, Figure 3 The power switching circuit 1110 may include Figure 13 The power switching circuit 1110c. Figure 13 The components 1111c, 1112, 1113, and 1115 of the power switching circuit 1110c shown can provide [the following information:] [The following information:] [The following information:] [Components 1111c, 1112, 1113, and 1115 of the power switching circuit 1110c shown can provide [the following information:] [The ...Component Figure 6 The components 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1115 of the power switching circuit 1110b shown operate in essentially the same way. The following will focus primarily on the differences between power switching circuits 1110c and 1110b; therefore, additional descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0132] The power switching circuit 1110c may include voltage detector circuits 1111c and 1115-5, a voltage regulator circuit 1113, and switching circuits 1112 and 1115. Figure 6 Compared to the power switching circuit 1110b, the power switching circuit 1110c may further include a voltage detector circuit 1115-5. Figure 6 Unlike voltage detector circuit 1111, voltage detector circuit 1111c may not output signal S2. Figure 6 Unlike the switching circuit 1115, the switching circuit 1115 can output a second output voltage to the voltage line 1117b based on the signal S3.

[0133] Voltage detector circuit 1115-5 can receive voltage V2 from voltage line 1119. Voltage detector circuit 1115-5 can output signal S3 based on the comparison result of voltage V2 level and reference level Lv3. Reference level Lv3 can be higher (or lower than) reference level Lv0, and can be lower (or lower than) reference level Lv2.

[0134] When the voltage V2 level is at or above the reference level Lv3 (or exceeds the reference level Lv3), the voltage detector circuit 1115-5 can output a signal with a logic value "1" or a voltage level d1 (hereinafter referred to as "S3_d1"). When the voltage V2 level is below (or not above) the reference level Lv3, the voltage detector circuit 1115-5 can output a signal with a logic value "0" or a voltage level d0 (hereinafter referred to as "S3_d0").

[0135] The switching circuit 1115 can receive signal S3 from the voltage detector circuit 1115-5. Based on signal S3, the switching circuit 1115 can output the second output voltage to voltage line 1117b, or it can choose not to output the second output voltage to voltage line 1117b. For example, when signal S3_d1 is received, the switching circuit 1115 can output the second output voltage to voltage line 1117b. When signal S3_d0 is received, the switching circuit 1115 can choose not to output the second output voltage.

[0136] However, Figure 13The configuration of the power switching circuit 1110c shown is for ease of description only, and the power switching circuit 1110c can be configured as a voltage output circuit including an output voltage. For example, the voltage output circuit may include a switching circuit 1112 that outputs a first output voltage. The voltage output circuit including the switching circuit 1112 may also include a voltage detector circuit 1111c. As another example, the voltage output circuit may include a switching circuit 1115 that outputs a second output voltage. The voltage output circuit including the switching circuit 1115 may also include a voltage regulator circuit 1113 and / or a voltage detector circuit 1115-5.

[0137] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110c. For better understanding, refer together with... Figure 8 and Figure 13 .

[0138] In some embodiments, Figure 13 The power switching circuit 1110c may include Figure 14 The power switching circuit 1110c. Figure 14 The components 1112-1 and 1113-1 of the power switching circuit 1110c-1 shown can provide [the following information:] ... Figure 8 The components 1112-1 and 1113-1 of the power switching circuit 1110b-1 shown operate essentially the same way. Furthermore, Figure 14 The components 1111c, 1115-1, and 1115-5 of the power switching circuit 1110c-1 shown can provide [the following information / services]: Figure 13 The components 1111c, 1115, and 1115-5 of the power switching circuit 1110c shown operate essentially the same. Therefore, additional descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0139] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 13 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110c. For better understanding, refer together with... Figure 9 and Figure 13 .

[0140] In some embodiments, Figure 13 The power switching circuit 1110c may include Figure 15 The power switching circuit is 1110c-2. Figure 15 The components 1112-1 and 1113-2 of the power switching circuit 1110c-2 shown can provide [the following information:] [The following information:] [Components 1112-1 and 1113-2] ...The following information:] [Components Figure 9 The components 1112-1 and 1113-2 of the power switching circuit 1110b-2 shown operate essentially the same. Furthermore, Figure 15The components 1111c, 1115-1, and 1115-5 of the power switching circuit 1110c-2 shown can provide [the following information / services]: Figure 13 The components 1111c, 1115, and 1115-5 of the power switching circuit 1110c shown operate essentially the same. Therefore, additional descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0141] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 13 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110c. For better understanding, refer together with... Figure 11 and Figure 13 .

[0142] In some embodiments, Figure 13 The power switching circuit 1110c may include Figure 16 The power switching circuit is 1110c-3. Figure 16 The components 1112-1 and 1113-3 of the power switching circuit 1110c-3 shown can provide [the following information / services]: Figure 11 The components 1112-1 and 1113-3 of the power switching circuit 1110b-3 shown operate essentially the same. Furthermore, Figure 16 The components 1111c, 1115-1, and 1115-5 of the power switching circuit 1110c-1 shown can provide [the following information / services]: Figure 13 The components 1111c, 1115, and 1115-5 of the power switching circuit 1110c shown operate essentially the same. Therefore, additional descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0143] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 13 A block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110c. For better understanding, refer together with... Figure 12 and Figure 13 .

[0144] In some embodiments, Figure 13 The power switching circuit 1110c may include Figure 17 The power switching circuit is 1110c-4. Figure 17 The components 1112-1 and 1113-4 of the power switching circuit 1110c-4 shown can provide [the following information / services]: Figure 12 The components 1112-1 and 1113-4 of the power switching circuit 1110b-4 shown operate essentially the same way. Furthermore, Figure 17 The components 1111c, 1115-1, and 1115-5 of the power switching circuit 1110c-4 shown can provide [the following information / services]: Figure 13The components 1111c, 1115, and 1115-5 of the power switching circuit 1110c shown operate essentially the same. Therefore, additional descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0145] Figure 18 It shows the waveforms based on voltages V1 and V2 and signals S1 and S3, from Figure 17 A graph showing the voltage level Vout output of the power switching circuit 1110c-4. The main focus will be on describing... Figure 18 The curve shown is Figure 5 and Figure 7 The differences between the curves shown will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0146] During the time interval from time "0" to time "t0", voltage V1 can decrease from level Lv1 to the reference level Lv0. Voltage V2 can increase from level 0V to level Lv2 and then remain at level Lv2. Starting from time "ta", voltage V2 can have a level of Lv3 or higher, which serves as the reference level.

[0147] During the time interval from time "0" to time "t0", the voltage detector circuit 1111c can output a signal S1_d1. The switching circuit 1112-1 can output a first output voltage based on the signal S1_d1. Therefore, the voltage Vout can be the first output voltage.

[0148] During the time interval from time "0" to time "ta", the voltage detector circuit 1115-5 can output signal S3_d0. During the time interval from time "ta" to time "t0", the voltage detector circuit 1115-5 can output signal S3_d1. Figure 5 and Figure 7 Unlike the signal S2 shown, signal S3 can have a voltage level d1 during the time interval from time "ta" to time "t0". Therefore, starting from time "ta", switching circuit 1115-1 can connect voltage line 1118 to voltage line 1117b based on signal S3_d1.

[0149] In other words, before voltage line 1116 is disconnected from voltage line 1117a, voltage line 1118 can be connected to voltage line 1117b. Therefore, after time "ta" and when the voltage Vout level is lower than the reference level Lv1, due to the switching operation of connecting voltage line 1118 to voltage line 1117b, the switching circuit 1115-1 can immediately output the second output voltage to voltage line 1117b without disconnecting.

[0150] With voltage line 1118 connected to voltage line 1117b, the voltage at nodes 1113-11 can have a voltage level of Vout. If the voltage level at nodes 1113-11 is lower than the reference level Lv0, current can flow from voltage line 1119 to voltage line 1118 through transistor TR2. If the voltage level at nodes 1113-11 is the reference level Lv0 or higher, current may not flow from voltage line 1119 to voltage line 1118.

[0151] In other words, regardless of the operation of the voltage detector circuit 1111c and the switching circuit 1112-1, when voltage line 1118 is connected to voltage line 1117b and the voltage Vout level is lower than the reference level Lv0, current can flow from voltage line 1119 to voltage line 1117b. However, when the voltage Vout level is the reference level Lv0 or higher, even if voltage line 1118 is connected to voltage line 1117b, current may not flow from voltage line 1119 to voltage line 1118.

[0152] The power switching circuit 1110c-4 can output a stable voltage Vout by skipping the operation of connecting voltage line 1118 to voltage line 1117b when the voltage Vout level is lower than the reference level Lv0 for a period of time (e.g., t0). In other words, the power switching circuit 1110c-4 can reduce the variation in the voltage Vout level and the amplitude of the oscillation during the time (e.g., t0) when the power supply for voltage Vout switches from voltage V1 to voltage V2. Figure 18 The amplitude P1 of the downward oscillation shown can be less than Figure 5 The amplitude P0 of the downward oscillation is shown in the figure. Therefore, abnormal operation of the load circuit 1140 can be reduced.

[0153] Figure 19 It is shown Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary configuration of the power switching circuit 1110c-4. (Refer to...) Figure 19 Description as follows Figure 18 The operation of the power switching circuit 1110c-4 during the time interval from time “0” to time “t 1” is shown.

[0154] In operation S210, the power switching circuit 1110c-4 can receive voltages V1 and V2. The voltage detector circuit 1111c can receive voltage V1. The voltage detector circuit 1115-5 can receive voltage V2.

[0155] During the time interval from time "0" to time "t0", voltage V1 can be higher than the reference level Lv0. In this case, during operation S220, switch SW1 can connect voltage line 1116 and voltage line 1117a. A first output voltage can be output to voltage line 1117a. That is, voltage Vout can be output based on voltage V1.

[0156] In operation S230, the voltage detector circuit 1115-5 can compare the level of the received voltage V2 with the reference level Lv3.

[0157] In operation S240, the voltage detector circuit 1115-5 can selectively output signal S3_d0 or signal S3_d1 based on the comparison result of the voltage level V2 and the reference level Lv3.

[0158] During the time interval from time "ta" to time "t1", the voltage level V2 can be the reference level Lv3 or higher. In this case, during operation S250, the voltage detector circuit 1115-5 can output the signal S3_d1. Switch SW2 can connect voltage line 1118 to voltage line 1117b based on the signal S3_d1.

[0159] When the voltage V2 level is lower than the reference level Lv3, the power switching circuit 1110c-4 can repeatedly operate S230 and S240.

[0160] In operation S260, the voltage detector circuit 1111c can compare the level of the received voltage V1 with the reference level Lv0.

[0161] In operation S270, the voltage detector circuit 1111c can selectively output signal S1_d0 or signal S1_d1 based on the comparison result of the voltage level V1 and the reference level Lv0.

[0162] During the time interval from time "t0" to time "t1", the voltage level V1 can be lower than the reference level Lv0. In this case, the voltage level Vout can also be lower than the reference level Lv0. Therefore, as referenced... Figure 18 In operation S280, the second output voltage can be output to voltage line 1117b. That is, voltage Vout can be output based on voltage V2. Furthermore, voltage detector circuit 1111c can output signal S1_d0. Switch SW1 can disconnect voltage line 1116 from voltage line 1117b based on signal S1_d0.

[0163] Conversely, when the voltage V1 is at or above the reference level Lv0, the power switching circuit 1110c-4 can repeatedly operate S260 and S270.

[0164] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic circuit can output a stable voltage even when the magnitude of the received voltage changes. The electronic circuit can reduce fluctuations in the output voltage amplitude that occur during the time interval when the power supply supplying the output voltage is switched. Therefore, abnormal operation occurring at the circuit providing the output voltage from this electronic circuit can be reduced.

[0165] As is conventional in the art, various embodiments can be described and illustrated based on blocks that perform one or more described functions. These blocks (which may be referred to herein as units or modules, etc.) are physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuitry, such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuitry, etc., and may optionally be driven by firmware and / or software. For example, the circuitry may be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips or on a substrate support such as a printed circuit board. The circuitry constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry), or by a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions of the block and a processor for performing other functions of the block. Each block of an embodiment may be physically divided into two or more interactive and discrete blocks without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, various blocks of embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0166] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power switching circuit, comprising: A voltage detector circuit is configured to receive a first voltage and a first reference voltage, and is configured to output a first signal indicating that the first voltage is greater than the first reference voltage or a second signal indicating that the first voltage is less than or equal to the first reference voltage based on a comparison between the first voltage and the first reference voltage. A voltage regulator circuit is configured to receive a second voltage and a second reference voltage, and is configured to output a regulated third voltage derived from the second voltage based on a comparison of a fourth voltage with the second reference voltage. A first switching circuit is configured to receive a first voltage and selectively output the first voltage as an output voltage to an output node based on the first signal; A second switching circuit is configured to receive the third voltage and selectively output the third voltage as the output voltage to the output node based on the second signal. Wherein, the first reference voltage is not derived from the second voltage. The first switching circuit and the second switching circuit are configured to turn on based on a comparison between the first voltage and the first reference voltage. Wherein, when the first voltage is less than or equal to the first reference voltage, the first switching circuit is configured to disconnect in response to the first signal, and the second switching circuit is configured to turn on in response to the second signal. The voltage level of the third voltage is configured to be adjusted to be the same as the voltage level of the output voltage at the time when the first switching circuit is turned off.

2. The power switching circuit of claim 1, wherein, The voltage regulator circuit includes: An amplifier configured to compare the fourth voltage with the second reference voltage to output a first result signal; A transistor configured to switch based on the first result signal; and A voltage divider is configured to divide the third voltage to output the fourth voltage.

3. The power switching circuit according to claim 2, wherein, The transistor is configured to selectively connect a first node receiving the second voltage to a second node and output the third voltage based on the first result signal.

4. The power switching circuit according to claim 3, in, The amplifier is configured to output the first result signal to disconnect the transistor when the fourth voltage is greater than the second reference voltage, and The amplifier is configured to output the first result signal to turn on the transistor when the fourth voltage is less than the second reference voltage.

5. The power switching circuit according to claim 3, wherein, The voltage divider includes two or more resistors connected in series between the second node and the ground voltage.

6. The power switching circuit according to claim 5, wherein, The amplifier includes: A non-inverting terminal, configured to receive the second reference voltage; The inverting terminal, configured for the fourth voltage; and An output terminal is configured to output the first result signal.

7. The power switching circuit according to claim 1, wherein, When the first voltage is greater than the first reference voltage, the first switching circuit is configured to be turned on based on the first signal, and the second switching circuit is configured to be turned off based on the second signal.

8. The power switching circuit according to claim 1, in, The first switching circuit is configured to selectively connect a first node receiving the first voltage to the output node based on the first signal, and output the output voltage. The voltage regulator circuit is configured to selectively connect a third node receiving the second voltage to a fourth node and output the third voltage based on a comparison between the fourth voltage and the second reference voltage.

9. A power switching circuit, comprising: A voltage detector circuit is configured to generate a first signal and a second signal based on a comparison of a first voltage received from a first node with a first reference voltage, the first signal indicating that the first voltage is greater than the first reference voltage, and the second signal indicating that the first voltage is less than or equal to the first reference voltage. A voltage regulator circuit is configured to receive a second voltage from a second node and output a regulated third voltage to a third node; A first switching circuit, configured to operate in response to the first signal, is connected between the first node and the output node and is configured to selectively output the first voltage to the output node in response to the first signal. A second switching circuit, configured to operate in response to a second signal, is connected between the third node and the output node and is configured to selectively output the third voltage to the output node in response to the second signal. Wherein, the first reference voltage is not derived from the third voltage output from the voltage regulator circuit, and The voltage regulator circuit includes: The first resistor is connected between the ground voltage and the fourth node; A second resistor is connected between the third node and the fourth node; An amplifier includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal, wherein the first input terminal is connected to the fourth node, and the second input terminal receives a fourth voltage generated based on the first reference voltage; A transistor configured to operate in response to a voltage level at the output terminal, wherein the transistor is connected between the second node and the third node.

10. The power switching circuit according to claim 9, wherein, When the voltage level of the first voltage is greater than the voltage level of the first reference voltage, the first switching circuit turns on in response to the first signal, and the second switching circuit turns off in response to the second signal.

11. The power switching circuit according to claim 10, wherein: When the voltage level of the first voltage is less than the voltage level of the first reference voltage, the first switching circuit is turned off in response to the first signal, and the second switching circuit is turned on in response to the second signal.

12. The power switching circuit according to claim 11, wherein, The voltage level of the first reference voltage is lower than the voltage level of the second voltage.

13. An electronic circuit, comprising: Load circuit; A voltage detector circuit is configured to generate a first signal and a second signal based on a comparison of a first voltage and a reference voltage, wherein the first signal indicates that the first voltage is greater than the reference voltage, and the second signal indicates that the first voltage is less than or equal to the reference voltage; A voltage regulator circuit configured to output a third voltage regulated based on a received second voltage; A first voltage output circuit is configured to selectively output a first output voltage to the load circuit based on the first voltage in response to the first signal; A second voltage output circuit is configured to selectively output a second output voltage to the load circuit based on the third voltage in response to the second signal. Wherein, the reference voltage is not derived from the third voltage output from the voltage regulator circuit, and The voltage regulator circuit includes: An n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor includes a drain terminal configured to receive the second voltage, a source terminal configured to output the third voltage, and a gate terminal. The first resistor is connected between the ground voltage and the first node; A second resistor is connected between the first node and the source terminal; and An amplifier includes a non-inverting terminal, an inverting terminal, and an output terminal, the non-inverting terminal being configured to receive a fourth voltage generated in response to the reference voltage, the inverting terminal being connected to the first node, and the output terminal being connected to the gate terminal. The voltage level of the third voltage is configured to be adjusted to be the same as the voltage level of the output voltage at the point when the first voltage output circuit is disconnected.

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