Overshoot Undershoot Correction Analog LDO Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low drop-out voltage regulator circuits in analog integrated circuits are vulnerable to transient overshoot and undershoot errors, which can lead to irreversible failures and reduced device lifetime, and existing solutions either require large capacitors that increase board area and manufacturing costs or fast error amplifiers that are expensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that dynamically increase the bandwidth of the analog integrated circuit by activating separate overshoot and undershoot correction circuits only when errors are detected, reducing reaction time and minimizing quiescent current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large capacitor is used to reduce overshoot and undershoot errors, then the magnitude of transient errors is reduced, but the board area and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (resistance and capacitance) of the compensation network dynamically or selectively to achieve optimal transient response without requiring large capacitor values. By adjusting the compensation pole-zero locations through parameter changes in the additional circuitry, the system reduces transient errors while maintaining small capacitor sizes.
2Reliability
If a large capacitor is used to reduce overshoot and undershoot errors, then the magnitude of transient errors is reduced, but the response time of the regulator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements into the compensation network that allow the system to adapt its response characteristics. The additional circuitry enables the compensation parameters to change based on operating conditions, allowing fast response when needed while maintaining stability, thus resolving the trade-off between response speed and transient error reduction.
3Speed
If a fast error amplifier is used to reduce reaction time, then the transient response improves, but the cost and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary compensation network between the error amplifier and the pass transistor that modifies the feedback signal. This additional circuitry acts as a mediator that shapes the transient response without requiring the error amplifier itself to be faster or more complex, achieving improved reaction time through passive or simple active compensation elements.
4Reliability
If additional circuitry is added to correct overshoot and undershoot errors, then the transient response improves, but the quiescent current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs circuit elements that are activated only during transient conditions rather than continuously. The compensation network uses switching elements or non-linear components that engage during load transitions and remain inactive during steady-state operation, thereby providing transient error correction while minimizing quiescent current consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dynamically correcting overshoot and undershoot errors in an analog integrated circuit by improving the reaction time (Δt) of the analog integrated circuit. Equivalently, an error correction circuit is disclosed including an overshoot correction circuit and an undershoot correction circuit that are only activated to reduce overshoot and undershoot errors by increasing the bandwidth of the integrated circuit when either undershoot or overshoot errors are detected.