Integrated Voltage Regulator Circuit for Compact Wireless Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wireless communications devices require a compact voltage regulator to minimize manufacturing costs, as separate voltage regulators increase costs due to additional die requirements, while maintaining constant quiescent current and regulated voltage independent of load and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A compact voltage regulation system incorporating an error amplifying module with a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) and diode, and a regulator with a field effect transistor (FET) that generates a stable output voltage, capable of being implemented on a single die, with a switch module for 'On' or 'Off' control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voltage regulator is implemented on a separate die, then voltage regulation performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional die requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage regulator circuit with the power amplifier circuit by implementing both on the same integrated circuit die. The voltage regulator module includes an error amplifier, reference voltage generator, and control circuitry that are integrated alongside the power amplifier, eliminating the need for a separate regulator die while maintaining regulation functionality
2Ease of manufacture
If a compact voltage regulator is integrated on the same die, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but maintaining constant quiescent current and regulated voltage independent of load and temperature becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where an error amplifier continuously monitors the output voltage and compares it against a reference voltage. The error amplifier adjusts the control signal to the pass transistor based on the voltage error, ensuring that the output voltage remains constant despite variations in load current or temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature-compensated reference voltage generation and bias current circuits that adjust their operating parameters based on temperature conditions. This allows the voltage regulator to maintain stable output voltage across a wide temperature range by dynamically changing internal reference parameters to compensate for thermal effects
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
The system provides a stable output voltage and constant bias current, independent of power supply and temperature variations, reducing manufacturing costs by integrating the voltage regulator on the same die as the linear power amplifier, while allowing for temperature-dependent voltage regulation.
Implementation Method 1
The BJT amplifies the difference between a reference voltage and a desired value of output voltage (Vreg)
Implementation Method 2
The regulator regulates the variations in the output voltage, Vreg, based on the output of the error amplifying module
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator for providing a regulated voltage is disclosed. The voltage regulator comprises an error amplifying module and a regulator. The error amplifying module provides a reference voltage, based on an output voltage to be regulated. The regulator provides a regulated output voltage based on the reference voltage. Voltage regulator provides stable output voltage against variations caused by power supply and load with a defined temperature coefficient.