Multiphase LDO Regulator Switching for Fast Steady-State Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulators take a long time to reach steady state, exceeding 10 microseconds, which can cause errors in high-speed operations and require electronic devices to wait up to 20 milliseconds to ensure stability.
Innovation Solution
The proposed LDO regulator employs a multiphase configuration switching control circuit that performs multiple configuring operations on the circuit architecture to quickly set the reference voltage, allowing the LDO regulator to reach steady state in a fraction of the time required by conventional regulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional LDO regulator is used, then the output voltage can be stabilized, but the time to reach steady state is too long (exceeding 10 microseconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the reference voltage capacitor through a dedicated current path before the LDO regulator正式启动. This preliminary charging action reduces the initial voltage establishment time, allowing the regulator to reach steady state faster without compromising output voltage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage establishment process into distinct phases: a first phase for preliminary reference voltage charging through a dedicated current path, and a second phase for normal LDO regulation. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with the first phase focused on speed and the second on precision.
2Speed
If the LDO regulator is turned on quickly for high-speed operations, then operational speed is improved, but the output voltage may not be stable causing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary charging of the reference voltage capacitor before enabling normal LDO operation. This ensures that when the regulator is quickly turned on for high-speed operations, the reference voltage is already established, allowing immediate stable output without requiring long waiting periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated current path as an intermediary mechanism that temporarily provides high current to rapidly charge the reference voltage capacitor. This intermediary path acts as a bridge between the power source and the reference voltage node, enabling fast voltage establishment without affecting the normal low-power operation of the LDO regulator.
3Loss of time
If a dedicated current path is added for fast reference voltage charging, then the time to reach steady state is reduced, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference voltage charging function from the main LDO regulation path and implements it through a separate dedicated current path. This extraction allows the charging function to be optimized independently with higher current capability, while the main LDO circuit remains unchanged and simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different operating modes: a first mode where the dedicated current path is active for rapid reference voltage charging, and a second mode where normal LDO regulation takes over. This dynamic operation allows the circuit to adapt its complexity based on operational requirements, using the simpler configuration during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A low-dropout (LDO) regulator and operation method thereof are provided. The LDO regulator may include a reference voltage generation circuit, an operational amplifier, a transistor and a multiphase configuration switching control circuit. The operation method may include: performing a first configuring operation to enable a first dedicated current path corresponding to a first phase to allow a target reference voltage used in LDO regulating mode to reach a first predetermined range after the first configuring operation is performed; performing a second configuring operation to enable a second dedicated current path corresponding to a second phase to allow the target reference voltage to reach a second predetermined range after the second configuring operation is performed; and performing a third configuring operation to allow the target reference voltage to be used as a reference voltage input into the operational amplifier in the LDO regulating mode after the third configuring operation is performed.