Low-Dropout Regulator Injection Control for Load-Transition Overshoot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-dropout (LDO) regulator circuits face issues with output voltage overshoot during loading transitions, which can cause damage to connected loads due to the use of pre-defined delays in injection circuits.
Innovation Solution
An LDO regulator circuit with a dynamically monitoring LDO control circuit that selectively inactivates the injection current by comparing the output voltage to a reference voltage, avoiding unnecessary injection current and thus preventing overshoot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If pre-defined delays are used in injection circuits to maintain output voltage during loading transitions, then the output voltage stability is improved, but output voltage overshoot occurs which can damage connected loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the LDO control circuit continuously monitors the output voltage level and dynamically adjusts the injection current accordingly. When the output voltage exceeds the reference voltage, the control circuit reduces or stops the injection current to prevent overshoot. This closed-loop feedback approach replaces the open-loop pre-defined delay method, allowing real-time adaptation to maintain voltage stability without causing harmful overshoot conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static, pre-defined delay approach to a dynamic control mechanism. The LDO control circuit dynamically modifies the injection current based on real-time output voltage conditions, enabling the system to adapt its response to varying load transitions. This dynamic adjustment ensures the injection current is applied only when necessary and at appropriate levels, preventing both voltage drops and overshoot conditions.
2Ease of operation
If pre-defined delays are used in injection circuits, then the circuit operation is simplified, but the adaptability to different load conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism automatically adapts the injection current to different load conditions by monitoring the output voltage. Whether the load transitions are fast or slow, heavy or light, the control circuit responds appropriately by comparing the actual output voltage to the reference voltage and adjusting the injection current accordingly. This eliminates the need for multiple pre-configured delay settings while maintaining simplicity in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The LDO control circuit performs self-adjustment based on its own monitoring of the output voltage condition. The circuit automatically determines when injection current is needed and at what level, without requiring external intervention or complex configuration. This self-service capability provides adaptability to various load conditions while keeping the operation simple and intuitive.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulation circuit includes a voltage regulator that is configured to provide a stable output voltage based on an input voltage; and a control circuit, coupled to the voltage regulator, and configured to provide an injection current to maintain the stable output voltage in response to an enable signal provided at an input of the control circuit transitioning to a predetermined state and cease providing the injection current when the control circuit detects that a voltage level of the output voltage is higher than a pre-defined voltage level.