Dual-Regulator IC Power Circuit for Standby-to-Active Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems face challenges in rapidly powering up internal blocks in electronic circuits from standby mode to full operation due to the time required for power supplies to ramp up, affecting low-power consumption and quick response times in battery-powered applications.
Innovation Solution
A power regulator circuit with first and second power regulators providing main and standby power levels, respectively, and a controller that outputs control signals to manage the transition from standby to startup and normal operation modes, allowing the second power regulator to supply power during the start-up period and enabling the processor to operate in a low-frequency mode until the first power regulator reaches full power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single power regulator is used to provide full power to all circuit blocks, then the circuit can operate at full performance, but power consumption increases when not all blocks are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power regulators (first power regulator for main power, second power regulator for standby power) that can be independently controlled to power different circuit blocks based on operational needs, enabling selective powering of circuit blocks to reduce overall power consumption while maintaining full operational capability when needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If power regulators are turned off to save power, then power consumption decreases, but the time to ramp up to full power increases when power is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The second power regulator is kept in a standby state with minimal power consumption, maintaining a ready-to-power condition without fully activating. This preliminary action allows the regulator to quickly transition to full power mode when needed, reducing power-up time while still achieving significant power savings compared to maintaining full power continuously
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power regulators are used to provide main and standby power levels, then power consumption is reduced in standby mode, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second power regulator is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides standby power during low-activity periods, supplies power during the startup ramp-up period, and can operate in conjunction with the first power regulator. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate circuits for each function
Data Source
AI summary
Power supply is facilitated. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a power regulator circuit includes first and second regulators and a controller for controlling operation of the power regulator circuit in standby and normal operational modes. The first and second regulators respectively provide regulated power at main and standby power levels, the standby power level being lower than the main power level. For the standby mode, the controller operates the second regulator for supplying power to an integrated circuit at the standby power level. For transitioning to the normal mode, the controller turns the first regulator on while continuing to operate the second regulator for supplying power to the integrated circuit during a start-up period. After a start-up period (e.g., when the first regulator is up to full power), the controller operates the first regulator for supplying power for operating the processor in a high-frequency mode.