Dual-Mode Voltage Regulator for Constant or Variable Source Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators struggle to alternately operate in modes where current drawn from the voltage source varies with circuit consumption and where it remains constant, posing challenges during development, testing, and operational phases.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator design incorporating MOS transistors and switchable current sources, with error amplifiers and resistive bridges, allows for alternating modes of operation by controlling setpoint voltages and transistor states to manage current variability or constancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the voltage regulator operates in a mode where current drawn from the voltage source varies with circuit consumption, then power consumption measurement is enabled, but current constancy required for security is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator dynamically switches between two operational modes based on external control signals. In first mode, the regulator allows current variation to enable power consumption measurement during development and testing. In second mode, the regulator maintains constant current to mask power consumption during deployed operation. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the current regulation behavior to different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator changes its operational parameters by switching between two distinct modes. The first mode configures the regulator for variable current operation with measurement capabilities, while the second mode configures it for constant current operation for security. This parameter change approach allows the system to meet opposing requirements at different times without compromising either measurement capability or security.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the voltage regulator operates in a mode where current drawn from the voltage source is constant, then security against power analysis attacks is improved, but power consumption measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator dynamically switches between two operational modes based on external control signals. In first mode, the regulator allows current variation to enable power consumption measurement during development and testing. In second mode, the regulator maintains constant current to mask power consumption during deployed operation. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the current regulation behavior to different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator changes its operational parameters by switching between two distinct modes. The first mode configures the regulator for variable current operation with measurement capabilities, while the second mode configures it for constant current operation for security. This parameter change approach allows the system to meet opposing requirements at different times without compromising either measurement capability or security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a voltage regulator design incorporates multiple MOS transistors and switchable current sources for mode switching, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator circuit is designed with multi-functional components that serve different purposes in different operational modes. The same MOS transistors and current sources are used for both voltage regulation and mode switching functions. The first and second circuits share common structural elements but provide different operational modes, reducing the need for completely separate circuitry for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator is divided into two main circuits: a first circuit for first mode operation and a second circuit for second mode operation. Each circuit is controlled by dedicated control signals that enable independent activation. This segmentation allows clear separation of functions while maintaining overall system integration, making the complexity manageable through modular organization.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present description relates to a device (REG2) comprising a first MOS transistor (P1) connected between first and second nodes (102, 350), a selectively activatable current source (314) connected between the second node (350) and a third node (108), a circuit (302) controlling the first transistor (P1) to regulate a voltage from the second node to a first setpoint value (V1), a second MOS transistor (P2) connected between the first node (102) and a fourth node (104), and having its gate connected to that of the first transistor (P1), a third MOS transistor (N1) connected between the third and fourth nodes (108, 104), a switch (IT) connected between the second and fourth nodes (350, 104), and another circuit (310) controlling the third transistor (N1) to regulate a voltage (VDD) from the fourth node (104) to a second setpoint value (V2).