Charge Pump Voltage Regulation Without LDO Path Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices with regulated low dropout (LDO) circuits experience extra voltage drop and longer response times, affecting the driving capability and efficiency of charge pumps.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an adaptive controller and a low dropout regulator with a charge pump, utilizing capacitive coupling and diodes to reduce resistance and improve voltage adjustment, along with a diode and clock buffer to enhance voltage levels, thereby reducing load and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If regulated low dropout (LDO) circuits are used in charge pumps, then voltage regulation is achieved, but extra voltage drop and longer response time occur, reducing driving capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the LDO regulator from the main charge pump signal path, using it only for generating a reference voltage for the adaptive controller. The charge pump operates directly without LDO in its signal path, eliminating the voltage drop and response time issues while maintaining voltage regulation through the adaptive control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adaptive controller as an intermediary between the charge pump and the load. This controller dynamically adjusts the charge pump operation based on load conditions, providing voltage regulation without the drawbacks of traditional LDO circuits by using feedback control rather than passive voltage dropping.
2Reliability
If regulated low dropout (LDO) circuits are used in charge pumps, then voltage regulation is achieved, but response time increases, affecting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the adaptive controller that continuously monitors the output voltage and dynamically adjusts the charge pump operation. This active feedback control achieves voltage regulation with fast response time, eliminating the slow response characteristic of traditional LDO circuits that rely on error amplifiers and compensation capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the charge pump system dynamic by using an adaptive controller that can change its operation mode and parameters in real-time based on load conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond quickly to voltage changes without the fixed, slow response characteristics of regulated LDO circuits.
3Power
If resistance is reduced in charge pump circuits, then driving capability improves, but voltage control precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from direct voltage control through high-precision resistive dividers to adaptive current control. The adaptive controller adjusts pump current based on feedback, providing both low effective resistance for high driving capability and precise voltage control through dynamic parameter adjustment rather than fixed resistive networks.
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 enhances the driving capability and efficiency of charge pumps by minimizing resistance and allowing for adaptive output voltage adjustment, suitable for various semiconductor devices.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing capacitive coupling and diodes to reduce resistance
Implementation Method 2
utilizing capacitive coupling and diodes to reduce resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a charge pump and a first switch. The charge pump is configured to output an output voltage signal according to a first node. The charge pump includes a first diode and a clock buffer. The first diode is configured to receive a first voltage signal and is coupled to the first node. The clock buffer is configured to adjust the first node according to a second node. The first switch is configured to adjust the second node according to the first voltage signal.