LDO Bypass Voltage Regulator Dynamic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-chip voltage regulators experience increased current consumption when the input voltage is less than or equal to their output design voltage, leading to inefficiencies and high power draw, especially when switching to a track mode.
Innovation Solution
The LDO bypass voltage regulator disables the on-chip voltage regulator and puts the output power stage into a fully conductive mode when the source voltage approaches a certain setpoint, eliminating the need for external components and minimizing current consumption by enabling a pass-through state when the input voltage is below a certain threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the on-chip voltage regulator operates in normal regulation mode, then the load voltage is maintained at the designed output voltage, but the current consumption increases significantly when the input voltage is less than or equal to the output design voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two operational modes (regulation mode and bypass mode) based on the input voltage level. The control circuit monitors the input voltage and automatically transitions the power pass element between regulated operation and fully conductive state, optimizing current consumption while maintaining voltage stability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the power pass element from a controlled resistance state (in regulation mode) to a fully conductive state (in bypass mode). By adjusting the conduction state of the power pass element based on input voltage conditions, the system reduces current consumption when full regulation is not necessary
2Use of energy by moving object
If the voltage regulator switches to track mode when input voltage approaches output voltage, then current consumption is reduced, but the load voltage is no longer regulated and follows the source voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between regulation and bypass modes based on real-time input voltage conditions. The control circuit continuously monitors whether the input voltage is sufficient for regulation, and only transitions to bypass mode when the input voltage is genuinely too low to maintain proper regulation, thus balancing current savings with voltage stability requirements
3Device complexity
If a self-contained on-chip voltage regulator is used without external components, then transient stability is achieved without external decoupling capacitors, but the current consumption increases when input voltage is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage regulator operation into distinct modes (regulation mode and bypass mode) with different operational characteristics. The control circuit divides the input voltage range into zones where each mode is optimal, allowing the system to achieve self-containment while minimizing current consumption by using bypass mode when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between regulation and bypass modes based on real-time input voltage conditions. The control circuit continuously monitors whether the input voltage is sufficient for regulation, and only transitions to bypass mode when the input voltage is genuinely too low to maintain proper regulation, thus balancing current savings with voltage stability requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
A power element bypass and voltage regulation circuit shutdown is used in a low drop out (LDO) bypass voltage regulator to minimize current drawn by the voltage regulator circuit when the supply input voltage approaches the regulated output voltage of the voltage regulation circuit. Two modes of operation are used in the low drop out (LDO) bypass voltage regulator. A regulate mode is used when the supply input voltage is greater than the reference voltage input, and a track mode is used when the supply input voltage is less than or equal to approximately the regulated output voltage of the voltage regulation circuit. Hysteresis may be introduced when switching between the regulate and track modes of operation.