Multi-Output Linear Regulator Using Level-Shifted Control Voltages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear regulators can only provide a single regulated output voltage, leading to higher costs and power consumption when multiple regulated output voltages are required, such as in powering different IP circuits of navigation systems.

Innovation Solution

A multi-output linear regulator design comprising a main output stage circuit, error amplifier, voltage converters, and multiple output stage circuits to generate multiple regulated output voltages with low power consumption and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple linear regulators are used to provide multiple regulated output voltages, then the required output voltages can be achieved, but the cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of regulated output voltagesVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple linear regulator functions into a single integrated circuit that provides multiple regulated output voltages (e.g., VREGOUT, VREGOUT1, VREGOUT2) from one device. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate regulator circuits, thereby reducing total power consumption and component count while maintaining the capability to deliver multiple different regulated voltage levels simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The linear regulator is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple voltage regulation needs within a single device. The regulator includes multiple output stages that can independently provide different regulated voltage levels, making it a universal solution that replaces several single-function regulators with one multi-functional unit, thus reducing overall system power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple linear regulators are used to provide multiple regulated output voltages, then the required output voltages can be achieved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of regulated output voltagesVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple regulator functions into a single integrated circuit device, reducing the total component count and assembly complexity. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce, test, and assemble multiple separate regulator units, while still providing multiple regulated voltage outputs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If a single linear regulator is used, then the cost and power consumption are low, but only one regulated output voltage can be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnumber of regulated output voltages

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The linear regulator incorporates multiple output stages within a single device, enabling it to provide multiple different regulated voltage levels (e.g., main output VREGOUT and additional outputs VREGOUT1, VREGOUT2) simultaneously. This multi-functional design maintains low power consumption characteristic of single regulators while expanding versatility to serve multiple voltage requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If a single linear regulator is used, then the cost is low, but only one regulated output voltage can be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidnumber of regulated output voltages

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple voltage regulation functions into one integrated circuit, achieving cost-effectiveness through component consolidation. The single regulator device with multiple outputs reduces bill of materials costs, assembly costs, and testing requirements compared to using multiple separate regulators, while providing the adaptability to generate multiple different regulated voltage levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12493311B2Multi-output linear regulator

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 PIXART IMAGING INC

AI summary

A multi-output linear regulator includes: a main output stage circuit, configured to operably generate a reference output voltage according to a main control voltage; an error amplifier, configured to operably amplify a difference between a reference voltage and a feedback signal to generate the main control voltage, wherein the feedback signal is related to the reference output voltage; a first voltage converter, configured to operably level-shift the main control voltage with a first voltage shifting level to generate a first control voltage; a first output stage circuit, configured to operably generate a first output voltage according to the first control voltage; and a second output stage circuit, configured to operably generate a second output voltage according to the main control voltage.