Diode-Retention Voltage Regulator for Low-Power Sleep 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 minimizing power consumption.
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 for data retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the voltage regulator uses a full active current path with power transistors in normal mode, then the regulated voltage is stable and sufficient for digital device operation, but the power consumption increases significantly in sleep mode
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator dynamically switches between two operational modes: normal mode with full active current path for complete operation, and sleep mode with diode-retention path for minimal power consumption while preserving data. The circuit transitions between these states based on operational requirements, optimizing power consumption at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters of the voltage regulator circuit by switching between different conduction paths. In normal mode, the full transistor path provides high current capability; in sleep mode, the diode path provides minimal leakage current while maintaining sufficient voltage for data retention in digital flip-flops.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the voltage regulator reduces the regulated voltage in sleep mode to minimize power consumption, then power savings are achieved, but the voltage may become insufficient for maintaining digital device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different voltage levels to different functional requirements: a reduced voltage level is sufficient for data retention in digital flip-flops during sleep mode, while the full voltage level is restored when complete digital device operation is needed. This local differentiation of voltage quality optimizes power consumption without sacrificing functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the voltage regulator uses high-voltage devices to expand the operating voltage range, then the voltage range is widened, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator circuit is designed to handle multiple voltage range requirements using a unified circuit topology. The same main circuit structure serves both normal mode (full voltage range) and sleep mode (reduced voltage range) operations, eliminating the need for separate high-voltage device sets and reducing overall circuit complexity.
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 reduced power consumption, ensuring reliability and compact size without the need for high-voltage devices.
Implementation Method 1
the diode, which is another device different from the power transistor, is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal of the voltage regulator to provide a standby current to the load device
Implementation Method 2
the power transistor is biased to provide an active current to a load device connected to the output terminal of the voltage regulator
Data Source
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.