Adaptive MOSFET LDO Regulator for Stable Wide-Load Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing low-dropout linear regulators face challenges in maintaining loop stability and reducing static power consumption across a wide load current range due to changes in temperature, process parameters, and production mismatches, which complicates dynamic zero and output pole matching and limits dynamic response speed.

Innovation Solution

A low-dropout linear regulator system incorporating an error amplification module, adaptive conduction module, and switch modules that automatically adjust voltage and current based on load current thresholds, using MOSFETs to control voltage differences and ensure stability and power efficiency across varying loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If load current sampling technology is used to maintain loop stability and improve dynamic response, then dynamic response is improved, but static power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic response speedVSAvoidstatic power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the error amplifier's working state based on load current magnitude. The error amplifier switches between first and second working states, dynamically adjusting its output current capability to match load requirements, thereby improving dynamic response only when necessary while minimizing static power consumption during light loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the error amplifier by adjusting its output current based on load conditions. Through parameter adjustment, the error amplifier adapts its performance characteristics to different load scenarios, achieving optimal dynamic response speed while maintaining low static power consumption across varying load ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If load current sampling technology is used to ensure stability, then loop stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloop stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the error amplifier into multiple working states (first and second states) with different output current capabilities. This segmentation allows the system to achieve stable operation across different load conditions without requiring complex external sampling circuits, as the stability control is integrated within the error amplifier's multi-state operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The error amplifier serves multiple functions: it provides voltage error amplification, implements load current adaptation through state switching, and ensures loop stability across different operating conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated stability control circuits, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the error amplifier output current is increased to cover wider load range, then adaptability is improved, but static power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload range coverageVSAvoidstatic power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The error amplifier dynamically adjusts its output current based on the magnitude of load current. When load current is large, the error amplifier operates in a state with larger output current capability; when load current is small, it switches to a state with smaller output current. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to cover a wide load range while maintaining low static power consumption during light load conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the output current parameter of the error amplifier according to load conditions. By adjusting this key parameter, the system achieves adaptability across different load ranges without continuously operating at high power consumption levels, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and static power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11474551B1Low-dropout linear regulator and control system

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 HALO MICROELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A regulator includes an error amplification module, a first switch module, an adaptive conduction module, a second switch module and a feedback module. A first voltage difference between the second terminal and the third terminal of the first switch module is adjusted by the first switch module. The adaptive conduction module is used to adjust a second voltage difference between the second terminal and the third terminal of the second switch module. When the load current is less than a preset current threshold, the control voltage signal controls the first switch module to turn on, and the adaptive conduction module controls the second switch module to turn off. When the load current is greater than or equal to the preset current threshold, the control voltage signal controls the first switch module to turn on and controls the second switch module to be turned on through the adaptive conduction module.