Charge Pump Leakage Current Regulation Circuit
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charge pumps struggle to regulate output voltage effectively when the supply voltage varies widely, as the leakage current's ability to maintain voltage is weakened.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising a bias voltage generating circuit and transistors, where the first transistor's gate is coupled to the bias voltage proportional to the supply voltage, with its drain coupled to the charge pump output and source grounded, allowing a current proportional to the supply voltage, thereby regulating the leakage current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the supply voltage varies widely, then the charge pump can operate across a broader voltage range, but the leakage current's ability to regulate output voltage weakens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the leakage current dynamic by controlling it through a transistor whose gate voltage is proportional to the supply voltage. This allows the leakage current to automatically adjust according to supply voltage variations, maintaining effective output voltage regulation across a wide supply voltage range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of leakage current based on the supply voltage parameter. By making the leakage current proportional to the supply voltage through transistor control, the system adapts to different operating conditions while maintaining reliable voltage regulation.
2Device complexity
If the leakage current is maintained constant, then the circuit structure is simple, but the output voltage cannot be regulated well when supply voltage varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the leakage current parameter from constant to variable, making it proportional to the supply voltage. This is achieved by controlling a transistor's current based on a bias voltage that follows the supply voltage, enabling effective regulation without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the bias voltage, which is proportional to the supply voltage, controls the leakage current. This feedback loop ensures that the leakage current automatically adjusts to maintain proper output voltage regulation as supply voltage changes.
3Reliability
If the leakage current is increased to compensate for voltage drops, then output voltage stability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the leakage current dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to increase only when necessary (when supply voltage drops) and decrease when supply voltage is stable. This dynamic adjustment maintains output voltage stability while minimizing unnecessary power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the leakage current parameter proportionally to the supply voltage parameter, ensuring that the current increases only to the extent needed to maintain regulation, rather than being continuously high. This optimizes the balance between stability and power consumption.
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
This solution ensures that the output voltage fluctuations are controlled within a narrow range, regardless of the supply voltage level, by adjusting the leakage current in response to varying supply voltages, maintaining stable output power.
Implementation Method 1
the first transistor has a gate coupled to the bias voltage... a current between the source and drain of the first transistor is proportional to the supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for regulating a leakage current in a charge pump is disclosed. The circuit includes a bias voltage generating circuit and a first transistor, wherein: the bias voltage generating circuit generates a bias voltage that is proportional to a supply voltage; a gate of the first transistor is coupled to the bias voltage; the first transistor has a drain that is coupled to an output of the charge pump and a source that is grounded; a voltage the drain of the first transistor is proportional to the supply voltage; and a current flowing through the source and drain of the first transistor is proportional to the supply voltage that powers the charge pump.