Dual-Regulator Power Supply Circuit for Thermal and Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulators like Low Drop-Out (LDO) regulators with high-voltage capability experience significant junction temperature increases, making them impractical for certain applications, and existing solutions are inefficient in terms of power consumption and semiconductor area usage.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and system that allows for the selective activation and deactivation of an embedded LDO regulator, offering flexible supply schemes such as single or dual supply configurations, enabling reduced power consumption and thermal performance optimization by controlling the regulator's presence based on application requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a high-voltage LDO regulator is used to support 4.5V capability, then the voltage regulation range is improved, but the junction temperature increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage regulator configuration that allows switching between high-voltage LDO mode and alternative power supply modes based on real-time operational requirements. The system dynamically selects the appropriate power supply architecture (single 4.5V supply with LDO, dual 4.5V/3.6V supply, or single 3.6V supply) to regulate voltage only when high-voltage capability is needed, thereby reducing thermal accumulation while maintaining voltage regulation adaptability.
2Reliability
If the voltage regulator is always active to ensure power supply, then the voltage stability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic activation of the voltage regulator based on operational modes. The system activates the LDO regulator only during specific operational periods when high-voltage capability is required (such as when external memory operates at 3.3V), and deactivates it during low-power periods or when alternative power supply configurations are sufficient, thereby achieving periodic power supply stability while reducing overall power consumption.
3Reliability
If the voltage regulator and control circuits are kept active, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the semiconductor area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional power supply system where a single integrated circuit can operate in multiple power supply configurations (single 4.5V supply, dual 4.5V/3.6V supply, or single 3.6V supply) without requiring dedicated hardware for each mode. The embedded LDO regulator and control circuits serve universal functions across different operational modes, eliminating the need for separate voltage regulation paths and reducing overall semiconductor area while maintaining power supply reliability across all configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator coupled between a first node and second node includes a first (full-power) regulator circuit and a second (low-power) regulator circuit. In a first mode: the first regulator circuit is activated (with the second regulator circuit inactive) when the voltage at the first node is a battery voltage, and the voltage regulator is kept de-activated when the voltage at the first node is a ground voltage. In a second mode: the first regulator circuitry in is active (with the second regulator circuitry inactive) when the voltage at the first node is a battery voltage, and the voltage regulator is inactive when the voltage at the first node is a ground voltage. In a third mode: the second regulator circuitry is active (with the first regulator circuitry inactive) irrespective of the voltage at the first node being at the battery voltage or the ground voltage.