Multi-Level Voltage Regulator Using One Op-Amp Feedback Loop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulation systems for multiple voltage levels in memory circuits require a large number of power-consuming and area-intensive op-amps, leading to increased power consumption and chip design area as the number of voltage levels increases.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator circuit that uses a single large operational amplifier with feedback control to generate multiple voltage levels, reducing the need for multiple op-amps by employing a resistor network and current sources to produce different gate voltages for transistors, thereby minimizing power consumption and chip area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple voltage regulators with individual op-amps are used for each voltage level, then voltage regulation precision is improved, but power consumption and chip area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage regulation functions into a single op-amp based regulator. The single op-amp controls multiple transistors (first transistor, second transistor, third transistor) that together generate multiple different voltage levels, eliminating the need for separate op-amps for each voltage level while maintaining regulation precision through feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single op-amp is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different transistors to generate multiple voltage levels. The feedback amplifier circuit universally regulates voltage across different output levels by adjusting the gate voltages of control transistors, making one component serve multiple voltage regulation purposes simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If multiple voltage regulators with individual op-amps are used for each voltage level, then voltage regulation precision is improved, but chip design area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage regulation circuits into a single integrated circuit block. The single op-amp along with the feedback network and control transistors replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate regulator modules, significantly reducing the chip area occupied by voltage regulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback amplifier circuit serves as a universal control mechanism that regulates multiple voltage outputs simultaneously. By using one op-amp to control multiple transistors that generate different voltage levels, the design achieves multi-functionality in a compact form factor, reducing overall chip area.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If a single voltage regulator with one op-amp is used to generate multiple voltage levels, then power consumption and chip area are reduced, but voltage regulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms where the output voltages are monitored and fed back to the op-amp. The feedback amplifier adjusts the gate voltages of control transistors based on the actual output levels, automatically maintaining precise voltage regulation despite the complex multi-transistor configuration. This feedback loop simplifies control by making the system self-regulating.
4Area of stationary object
If a single voltage regulator with one op-amp is used to generate multiple voltage levels, then chip design area is reduced, but voltage regulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback amplifier circuit provides automatic regulation by monitoring output voltages and adjusting transistor gate voltages accordingly. This feedback mechanism handles the complexity of coordinating multiple transistors, allowing compact integration while maintaining precise control over multiple voltage levels without requiring complex external control circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator can include an operational amplifier powered by a supply voltage and configured to generate a first gate voltage. The voltage regulator can also include a first transistor configured to receive the first gate voltage and generate a first driving voltage. The voltage regulator can further include a second transistor configured to receive a second gate voltage and generate a second driving voltage. The first gate voltage can be generated based on feedback provided to the operational amplifier. The second gate voltage can be generated from the first gate voltage.