Voltage Regulator With Capacitor Ladder Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage regulators face challenges in achieving low power consumption and small area usage while providing a flexible output voltage range, as they require large resistors for minimal current consumption and often need boosting circuits for higher voltages, increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator design featuring two feedback loops with charge pumps, transistor ladders, and operational amplifiers, which replace resistor ladders to generate and control output voltages without resistors, allowing for flexible voltage levels and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resistor ladder is used to provide feedback control for output voltage, then the voltage regulation function is achieved, but the current consumption increases and the circuit area occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the feedback network from resistive to capacitive. By using a capacitor ladder instead of a resistor ladder, the feedback control mechanism maintains voltage regulation functionality while eliminating the continuous current consumption inherent in resistive networks. The capacitive network only draws current during switching transitions rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electrical resistance-based feedback mechanism with a capacitance-based mechanism. This replacement fundamentally changes how the feedback voltage is generated, transitioning from a current-consuming resistive divider to a charge-storing capacitive divider that only consumes power during state transitions.
2Reliability
If a resistor ladder is used to provide feedback control, then voltage regulation is achieved, but the circuit area becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the feedback network from resistive to capacitive. By using a capacitor ladder instead of a resistor ladder, the feedback control mechanism maintains voltage regulation functionality while eliminating the continuous current consumption inherent in resistive networks. The capacitive network only draws current during switching transitions rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electrical resistance-based feedback mechanism with a capacitance-based mechanism. This replacement fundamentally changes how the feedback voltage is generated, transitioning from a current-consuming resistive divider to a charge-storing capacitive divider that only consumes power during state transitions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional voltage regulator is used, then voltage lower than supply voltage can be provided, but boosting circuits are required for higher voltages, increasing circuit complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a voltage regulator that can universally handle both buck (voltage reduction) and boost (voltage increase) operations within a single integrated circuit. The capacitor ladder feedback network and control mechanism work seamlessly for both operating modes, eliminating the need for separate boosting circuits and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the buck and boost voltage regulation functions into a single unified circuit architecture. By integrating both voltage reduction and voltage increase capabilities along with the innovative capacitor ladder feedback, the design consolidates what would traditionally require separate circuits into one cohesive system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a voltage regulator that achieves low power consumption, smaller area usage, and high flexibility in output voltage levels, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional designs by using transistor ladders to divide and multiply voltages without resistors, supporting a wide range of voltage requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The charge pump is configured to output a first output voltage
Implementation Method 2
The first transistor ladder, coupled to the charge pump, is configured to divide the first output voltage to generate a first feedback voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator includes a first feedback loop and a second feedback loop. The first feedback loop includes a charge pump outputting a first output voltage, a first transistor ladder and a control circuit. The first transistor ladder divides the first output voltage to generate a first feedback voltage. The control circuit receives the first feedback voltage and controls a level of the first output voltage according to the first feedback voltage and a reference voltage. The second feedback loop includes a power transistor, a second transistor ladder and an operational amplifier. The power transistor receives the first output voltage to output a second output voltage. The second transistor ladder divides the second output voltage to generate a second feedback voltage. The operational amplifier outputs a control signal to the power transistor by receiving the second feedback voltage and a reference voltage selected from one of a plurality of levels.