Clocked Ramp Voltage Regulator Softstart Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage regulators have short softstart times due to limited capacitance and current, which can strain the power supply during startup, and there is a need for longer softstart times without increasing circuit size or cost.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulation circuit with a switchable current source and a capacitor that is intermittently charged using a clock-generated signal, allowing the capacitor to charge in a stepwise fashion, thereby increasing the softstart time without increasing current or capacitance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional continuous charging current source is used, then circuit is simple, but softstart time is too short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a clock signal to periodically switch the current source on and off, creating intermittent charging pulses. This periodic switching extends the softstart time without requiring larger capacitance or current, as the capacitor charges in discrete steps rather than continuously. The clock frequency and duty cycle control the effective charging rate, thereby extending softstart duration while maintaining compact circuit dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the current source switchable rather than continuous. The current source transitions from a static, continuous state to a dynamic, time-varying state controlled by the clock signal. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt the charging rate over time, extending softstart duration while keeping the same hardware components.
2Duration of action of moving object
If larger capacitance is used to extend softstart time, then softstart time increases, but circuit size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using periodic switching of the current source synchronized with a clock signal, the patent extends softstart time without increasing capacitance value. The capacitor charges in periodic pulses rather than continuously, effectively multiplying the softstart time by the inverse of the duty cycle while maintaining the same physical capacitor size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of current delivery by introducing clock frequency and duty cycle as control variables. Instead of changing capacitance size, the system adjusts the effective charging rate through parameter changes in the switching waveform, thereby extending softstart time without increasing circuit size.
3Duration of action of moving object
If larger current is used to extend softstart time, then softstart time increases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic switching to extend softstart time while maintaining the same peak current level. By delivering current in pulses rather than continuously, the average power consumption is reduced proportionally to the duty cycle, while the softstart time is extended by the inverse of the duty cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic switching of the current source allows the system to deliver high current only when needed (during active charging phases) and zero current during inactive phases. This temporal modulation of current delivery extends softstart duration without increasing average 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 approach extends softstart times beyond conventional limits, reducing the impact on the power supply during startup, while maintaining the same current and capacitance levels, suitable for on-chip devices like integrated circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a voltage controlled current source and a second terminal coupled to a reference potential
Implementation Method 2
a first terminal coupled to a voltage controlled current source and a second terminal coupled to a reference potential
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for softstarting a voltage regulation circuit. A circuit for generating an output voltage at an output thereof includes a capacitor having a first terminal configured to be coupled to a reference potential and having a second terminal coupled to the output, and a switchable current source coupled to the capacitor for intermittently charging the capacitor until the output voltage is reached.