Dynamic Pre-regulator LDO for High Current Chip Area Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear voltage regulators face challenges in efficiently managing dynamic supply voltages and protecting low voltage devices, particularly in integrated circuits, where they may experience damage due to voltage fluctuations and require larger chip area for high current applications.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator circuit incorporating a pre-regulator circuit that generates a dynamic supply voltage based on the output voltage and external supply voltage, using a current buffer and driver circuit to stabilize and manage voltage, thereby enabling smaller device usage and preventing damage to low voltage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional linear voltage regulator is used for high current applications, then the voltage regulation function is provided, but the chip area becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is divided into multiple stages: a pre-regulator stage and a main regulator stage. The pre-regulator stage handles the high current requirement, while the main regulator stage provides precise voltage regulation. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing the overall chip area required for high current applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-regulator circuit performs preliminary voltage regulation before the main regulator stage. By pre-conditioning the voltage and current, the main regulator stage operates under more favorable conditions, requiring smaller components and less chip area to achieve the same regulation performance.
2Reliability
If a fixed supply voltage is provided to the voltage regulator, then the circuit operation is simplified, but low voltage devices may be damaged due to voltage fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-regulator circuit dynamically adjusts its output voltage based on the actual operating conditions and load requirements. This dynamic voltage adjustment ensures that low voltage devices receive appropriate voltage levels, protecting them from damage while maintaining circuit operation under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-regulator circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor voltage and current conditions, automatically adjusting the supply voltage to protect sensitive devices. This feedback-based protection reduces the need for complex external protection circuits while enhancing device reliability.
3Power
If the supply voltage is increased to handle high current, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the responsiveness to voltage changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The two-stage regulator architecture separates the power delivery function (pre-regulator) from the voltage regulation function (main regulator). This segmentation allows the pre-regulator to handle high current with fast response, while the main regulator provides precise voltage control, achieving both high power capability and fast responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-regulator stage performs preliminary current and voltage conditioning, preparing the power delivery path before the main regulator stage. This preliminary action enables the system to respond quickly to load changes while maintaining stable voltage regulation, improving both power capability and responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator having a pre-regulator circuit is disclosed. A low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator includes an amplifier circuit, a current buffer circuit, and a pre-regulator circuit. The current buffer circuit includes a transistor having a gate terminal coupled to the amplifier output. The current buffer provides a current based at least in part on the output signal generated by the amplifier. The pre-regulator circuit is coupled to provide a dynamic supply voltage to the current buffer. They dynamic supply voltage depends at least in part on a fixed supply voltage provided thereto, as well as the output voltage provided by the LDO voltage regulator.