Low Dropout Voltage Regulator Leakage Current Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional low dropout voltage regulators experience instability in output voltage due to leakage current generation under non-ideal conditions such as high input voltage, high temperature, or fast process corners, which can damage the load and disrupt the negative feedback mechanism.

Innovation Solution

The proposed low dropout voltage regulator incorporates a current-drawing unit that draws an additional current to counteract leakage currents, maintaining a stable output voltage by adjusting its operation based on input voltage levels and temperature conditions, ensuring the negative feedback mechanism remains intact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the low dropout voltage regulator operates under non-ideal conditions (high input voltage, high temperature, fast process corner), then the P-type transistor generates leakage current, but this leakage current disrupts the negative feedback mechanism and causes output voltage instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidleakage current

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful leakage current from the main feedback path by introducing a separate current-drawing unit. This unit specifically targets and removes the leakage current generated by the P-type transistor under non-ideal conditions, preventing it from disrupting the negative feedback mechanism and causing output voltage instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary current-drawing unit between the P-type transistor and the feedback network. This intermediary component acts as a buffer that absorbs the leakage current before it can affect the feedback voltage, thereby protecting the stability of the output voltage while allowing the main feedback mechanism to continue functioning normally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the conventional low dropout voltage regulator uses a simple feedback mechanism, then the circuit complexity is low, but the regulator cannot compensate for leakage current under non-ideal conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulator performance under non-ideal conditionsVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the current paths in the regulator circuit by introducing a dedicated current-drawing unit separate from the main feedback path. This segmentation allows the leakage current to be handled independently through a specific branch, enabling the regulator to compensate for non-ideal conditions without requiring a complete redesign of the entire feedback mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by proactively providing an alternative current path through the current-drawing unit before the leakage current can disrupt the feedback mechanism. This preventive measure ensures that under non-ideal conditions, the leakage current is immediately shunted away, maintaining regulator performance without requiring complex real-time compensation circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the leakage current flows through the feedback resistances, then the feedback voltage and output voltage are elevated, but this destroys the negative feedback mechanism and may damage the load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of loadVSAvoidnegative feedback mechanism integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of leakage current into a beneficial outcome by using the current-drawing unit to create a controlled alternative path. Instead of allowing the leakage current to randomly affect the feedback voltage and potentially damage the load, the circuit deliberately guides this current through a designated path that protects the feedback mechanism while dissipating the harmful energy in a controlled manner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS8836302B2Low dropout voltage regulator and electronic device thereof

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A low dropout voltage regulator is provided. The low dropout voltage regulator includes a comparison unit, a buck unit, a feedback unit and a current-drawing unit. The comparison unit is used for receiving a reference voltage and a feedback voltage, and comparing the reference voltage and the feedback voltage to output a first voltage. The buck unit is used for receiving an input voltage and the first voltage and transferring the input voltage to a output voltage. The feedback unit is used for receiving the output voltage, and converting the output voltage to a feedback voltage, and then transmitting the feedback voltage to the comparison unit. The current-drawing unit determines whether to draw a portion of a first current generated by the buck unit, so as to stabilize the output voltage.