Digital LDO Regulator with Dynamic Reference Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital LDO voltage regulators face challenges such as a trade-off between power and speed, large output capacitor requirements, significant voltage ripple, and reduced accuracy of the regulated output voltage.
Innovation Solution
A digital low drop-out voltage regulator circuit with a plurality of transistor switches and asynchronous comparators, coupled with a resistive divider circuit and a voltage to current generator, which includes a dynamic reference voltage correction mechanism to adjust tap reference voltages based on output voltage differences, enhancing DC load regulation and reducing output ripple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional digital LDO voltage regulator uses a fixed reference voltage, then the circuit complexity is low, but the accuracy of the regulated output voltage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic reference voltage correction mechanism where the reference voltage is no longer fixed but is dynamically adjusted based on the output voltage. The correction circuit continuously monitors the output voltage and modifies the reference voltage accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to varying conditions and maintain high accuracy without requiring overly complex circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by using the output voltage to correct the reference voltage. The correction circuit receives the output voltage as input and uses it to adjust the reference voltage level, creating a closed-loop system that automatically compensates for errors and maintains precise voltage regulation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a digital LDO voltage regulator uses a large output capacitor, then the voltage ripple is reduced, but the device area and startup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control through the dynamic reference correction mechanism to actively compensate for voltage ripple. By continuously monitoring the output voltage and adjusting the reference voltage in response, the system can maintain stable output voltage without requiring large output capacitors to passively filter ripple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference voltage parameter dynamically based on output conditions. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to ripple conditions and maintain regulation accuracy without relying on large capacitance values, thereby reducing the required output capacitor size and associated device area.
3Productivity
If a digital LDO voltage regulator increases switching speed, then the power efficiency improves, but the output voltage accuracy and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the dynamic reference correction circuit monitors the output voltage and adjusts the reference voltage in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that even at high switching speeds, the output voltage remains accurate and stable by continuously compensating for any deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the reference voltage dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to high-speed switching conditions. The correction circuit responds to output voltage changes caused by fast switching, maintaining accuracy despite the increased switching speed and improved power efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If a digital LDO voltage regulator uses a dynamic reference voltage correction mechanism, then the accuracy of regulated output voltage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control where the output voltage is fed back to the correction circuit, which then adjusts the reference voltage. This feedback approach provides a systematic and relatively simple method to improve accuracy without requiring complex circuit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference voltage parameter dynamically based on output conditions. This parameter modification approach is implemented through a correction circuit that adjusts the reference voltage level, providing an elegant solution to improve accuracy without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital low drop-out regulator circuit includes transistor switches that are selectively actuated in response to a comparison of an output voltage at an output node to corresponding tap reference voltages. A dynamic reference voltage correction circuit operates to shift voltage levels of the tap reference voltages in response to a difference between the output voltage at the output node and an input reference voltage.