Dual-Input IC Card Regulator With Shared Linear Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit cards face challenges in efficiently managing power supply for peripheral devices, particularly with the increasing demand for dual interface operations and varying voltage levels required by external circuits, leading to larger and more complex voltage regulators.
Innovation Solution
A linear voltage regulator design that utilizes a shared input stage for both contact and contactless modes, employing transistors and switches controlled by digital signals to regulate voltage efficiently, with an amplifier and comparator circuitry to manage the highest voltage between contact and contactless voltages, and an antenna for electromagnetic field-based power extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate voltage regulators are used for contact and contactless modes, then voltage regulation reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate voltage regulator circuits into a single shared regulator that can handle both contact mode (VCC) and contactless mode (VCC_CL) power inputs. The regulator includes a first transistor for VCC input and a second transistor for VCC_CL input, both controlled by a common amplifier that compares feedback voltage with a reference voltage, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dual-mode functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator is designed as a universal circuit that can accept power from either contact terminals (VCC) or contactless electromagnetic field (VCC_CL) and regulate both to the same output voltage. The amplifier and transistor configuration allows the single regulator to perform the voltage regulation function for both power sources, eliminating the need for separate dedicated regulators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage regulators are implemented for different power sources, then adaptability to different power modes is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage regulation functions into a single integrated circuit structure. The shared regulator uses common components (amplifier, reference voltage source, feedback network) for both contact and contactless power inputs, significantly reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining adaptability to both power modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator circuit is designed as a universal power management solution that can be manufactured as a single standardized component. It accepts both VCC (contact) and VCC_CL (contactless) inputs and provides regulated output for peripheral devices, making it easy to manufacture and integrate into IC cards with dual interface capability.
3Area of stationary object
If a shared regulator is used for both contact and contactless modes, then device size is reduced, but voltage regulation precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate control paths for each power input while using a shared amplifier. The first transistor is controlled by the amplifier output for VCC regulation, and the second transistor is controlled by the same amplifier output for VCC_CL regulation. This local differentiation in control architecture allows precise regulation of each input channel while sharing common resources, maintaining voltage regulation precision in a compact design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the size of the power regulating system, simplifies testing, and allows for a single integrated circuit to provide multiple voltage options, enhancing mass-market production and adaptability for different applications.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna adapted to capture an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a linear voltage regulator includes: a first transistor coupled between a first input terminal and an output terminal, the first input terminal adapted to receive a first voltage, and the output terminal adapted to provide a regulated voltage; a second transistor coupled between a second input terminal and the output terminal, the second input terminal adapted to receive a second voltage; and an amplifier of a difference between a third voltage proportional to the voltage at the output terminal and a reference voltage, an output of said amplifier being selectively coupled to a control terminal of the first transistor and to a control terminal of the second transistor, the amplifier being supplied by a fourth voltage corresponding to a highest voltage of the first voltage and the second voltage.