Hybrid LDO Dual-Rail Architecture for PSRR and Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog LDOs provide high power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) but low conversion efficiency, while digital LDOs offer high efficiency at the cost of poor PSRR, making it challenging to achieve both high PSRR and conversion efficiency simultaneously, especially in mobile devices with critical battery life requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid LDO architecture that combines analog and digital LDOs, utilizing the digital LDO for high conversion efficiency and the analog LDO for noise suppression, with multiple feedback loops and dual rails to optimize PSRR and conversion efficiency through a programmable current steering ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional analog LDO is used, then power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) is improved, but conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines analog LDO and digital LDO into a hybrid architecture where the analog LDO provides high PSRR for noise-sensitive applications while the digital LDO provides high conversion efficiency. The two LDOs work together in a coordinated manner to achieve both high PSRR and high efficiency simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid LDO system dynamically switches between analog and digital LDO operation modes based on load conditions. The controller adjusts which LDO supplies current to the load, enabling the system to optimize between PSRR and conversion efficiency dynamically rather than being fixed in one mode.
2Loss of energy
If digital LDO is used, then conversion efficiency is improved, but power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges digital LDO high efficiency characteristics with analog LDO high PSRR characteristics in a unified hybrid architecture. The digital LDO handles bulk current delivery efficiently while the analog LDO handles noise-sensitive regulation, achieving both high conversion efficiency and high PSRR simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid LDO applies different quality characteristics to different parts of the power delivery function: the digital LDO is optimized for efficiency in high-current modes while the analog LDO is optimized for PSRR in low-current or noise-sensitive modes. Each LDO type serves its specialized function where it excels.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe methods, apparatuses, and systems for hybrid low dropout regulator (LDO) architecture and realization to provide high power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) and high conversion efficiency (CE), and other benefits. The hybrid LDO may be coupled with dual rails for its analog LDO branch and digital LDO respectively to achieve high PSRR and high CE by utilizing the hybrid architecture with several feedback loops. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.