Diode-Retention Voltage Regulator for Sleep-Mode Data Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a reliable and small-sized voltage regulator that can maintain data retention in digital devices during sleep mode while operating within a limited voltage range.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator with diode retention is proposed, which includes an input terminal, an output terminal, and a main circuit. In normal mode, the main circuit transforms the supply voltage to a first regulated voltage. In sleep mode, a diode is connected between the input and output terminals to generate a second, lower regulated voltage, ensuring data retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a voltage regulator uses high-voltage devices to operate within a wide voltage range, then the voltage range is expanded, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator dynamically switches between two operational modes: normal mode using the main circuit for full voltage regulation, and sleep mode using the diode path for simplified voltage dropping. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the regulator to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring high-voltage devices, maintaining a compact form factor while supporting a wide input voltage range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the high-voltage handling function from the main circuit by introducing a separate diode path that is activated only in sleep mode. This separation allows the core regulator circuit to remain compact and low-voltage optimized, while the diode path handles the high-voltage input during low-power operation, resolving the contradiction between voltage range and device size.
2Loss of energy
If a voltage regulator reduces output voltage in sleep mode to save power, then energy consumption is reduced, but data retention capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the output voltage parameter dynamically based on operating mode. In sleep mode, the output voltage is reduced to a level sufficient for data retention in digital circuits without requiring full operating voltage. The diode path provides just enough voltage to maintain the high-impedance state of digital flip-flops, achieving power savings while preserving data retention capability through precise voltage parameter control.
3Loss of energy
If a voltage regulator uses a diode path in sleep mode to reduce current, then standby current is reduced, but voltage regulation precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator dynamically selects between precision regulation (main circuit in normal mode) and low-current operation (diode path in sleep mode). The system accepts reduced voltage regulation precision in sleep mode as a trade-off for minimal standby current, since the reduced current is the primary requirement in this operating state. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction by matching the regulation precision to the actual needs of each mode.
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 voltage regulator achieves data retention in digital devices during sleep mode with a smaller size and improved reliability, as it operates within a limited voltage range without the need for high-voltage devices.
Implementation Method 1
In the sleep mode, the voltage regulator provides a diode connected between the input terminal and the output terminal of the voltage regulator, to generate a second voltage as the regulated voltage. The second voltage is lower than the first voltage.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A voltage regulator with diode retention is shown, which includes an input terminal receiving a supply voltage, an output terminal providing a regulated voltage, and a main circuit coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal. In a normal mode, the main circuit transforms the supply voltage to a first voltage as the regulated voltage. In a sleep mode, the voltage regulator provides a diode connected between the input terminal and the output terminal of the voltage regulator, to generate a second voltage as the regulated voltage. The second voltage is lower than the first voltage.