Linear Power Regulator with Dynamic Transconductance Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power regulator devices lack stability when using an internal pass device, as the compensation network that ensures stability for external pass devices does not guarantee stability in this configuration.
Innovation Solution
A linear power regulator device that includes an internal pass device and an external pass device, with a driver circuit that dynamically adjusts transconductance based on the presence or absence of the external pass device, using a transconductance control circuitry to maintain stability across varying output currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If an internal pass device is used in the power regulator, then the area and cost are reduced, but stability cannot be guaranteed under all output current conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The driver device transconductance is made dynamically adjustable based on output current conditions. The transconductance control circuitry modifies the driver device transconductance in response to detecting an external pass device presence, allowing the system to adapt its stability characteristics to match the actual operating configuration rather than being fixed for one specific condition.
2Reliability
If external compensation circuitry is added to ensure stability with external pass device, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transconductance control circuitry serves multiple functions: it detects the presence of an external pass device, determines the operating configuration, and adjusts the driver device transconductance accordingly. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate detection circuits and compensation networks into a single integrated control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex compensation circuitry to handle different operating conditions, the invention changes the electrical parameter (transconductance) of the existing driver device based on the detected configuration. This parameter adjustment approach provides the necessary stability correction without adding physical compensation components.
3Measurement precision
If separate detection circuitry is added to detect external pass device presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transconductance control circuitry utilizes existing signals and parameters within the power regulator system to detect the presence of an external pass device. Rather than requiring dedicated detection hardware, the system leverages its own operational characteristics (such as voltage drops or current patterns) to infer the external device presence, making the detection function self-service and avoiding additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a linear power regulator device that includes an internal pass device, a driver device having a driver output arranged to drive the internal pass device via the driver output. The linear power regulator device also includes an external connection connectable or connected to an external pass device; and the driver device is arranged to drive the external pass device via the driver output and the external connection.