Distributed LDO Regulator Structure for Parallel Output Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LDO regulator designs for system-on-chip (SOC) lead to resource waste and low efficiency due to different load requirements and the inability to connect output ends of LDOs together, resulting in inconvenient use and crosstalk issues.
Innovation Solution
A distributed LDO regulator structure without an external capacitor, comprising a CORE module with a mirror source voltage generating circuit and a built-in LDO regulator circuit, and one or more POWER modules, allowing for parallel connection of POWER modules to achieve greater drive capability and optimal power supply wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LDO regulators are designed as independent loop systems with different structures for different load requirements, then each LDO can meet its specific load conditions, but resource waste and low efficiency occur due to completely different operational amplifier structures and compensation structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal LDO regulator structure where a single operational amplifier and compensation structure can serve multiple LDO regulators with different load requirements. The core innovation is that different LDOs share the same operational amplifier and compensation circuitry, eliminating the need for completely different structures for each load condition while maintaining adaptability through configurable parameters
2Reliability
If conventional LDO regulators use micro-Farad level capacitors at the output end, then loop stability is achieved, but significant resource waste and low efficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the capacitance parameter from micro-Farad level to much smaller values by modifying the compensation structure. The new structure achieves loop stability with significantly reduced capacitor values, thereby reducing resource waste and improving efficiency while maintaining the required stability performance
3Ease of operation
If output ends of different conventional LDOs are connected together, then convenience in use is improved, but loop stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LDO regulator into independent modular units where each LDO has its own output stage while sharing common operational amplifier and compensation resources. This segmentation allows output ends to be connected together for convenience while maintaining loop stability through the shared stable compensation structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a distributed LDO regulator structure without an external capacitor. The structure includes one CORE module; and one or more POWER modules driven by one of the CORE modules. The CORE module comprises a mirror source voltage generating circuit and a built-in LDO regulator circuit. An output end of an operational amplifier and a gate of the sixth PMOS together serve as a control voltage end of the POWER module. A negative input end of the operational amplifier is connected to a drain of the fifth PMOS and a source of the sixth PMOS by means of a first resistor, wherein a connection end serves as an output end of the built-in LDO regulator circuit. POWER modules having the same output voltage are connected to each other in parallel.