Multi-Supply Voltage Regulator Circuit with Driver Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver circuits face inefficiencies in power usage and stabilization when operating with multiple supply voltages, particularly in class G amplifiers, due to simultaneous current flow from high to low supplies during fast signal transients and slow control loop responses, leading to suboptimal power saving and feedback loop instability.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator circuit is designed to selectively use the lowest possible supply voltage based on input signals, utilizing a comparator and selector circuit to ensure only one pass transistor is active at a time, with control voltages generated just below each power supply's magnitude to determine the active driver, preventing simultaneous operation and optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple power supplies are used to improve power efficiency and output capability, then power efficiency and output capability are improved, but current flow from high to low supplies during transients causes additional power dissipation and feedback loop instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating control voltages just below each power supply magnitude in advance, before signal transients occur. These pre-established control voltages enable the selector circuit to quickly determine which power supply should be active without causing instability during fast transients, thus maintaining feedback loop stability while utilizing multiple power supplies for improved efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the input signal to control the selector circuit, which continuously monitors and determines the appropriate power supply based on the current signal level. This feedback mechanism ensures that only one power supply contributes to the output at any given time, preventing the harmful current flow from high to low supplies that would otherwise cause power dissipation and instability
2Loss of energy
If multiple output stages are used to contribute current over overlapping voltage ranges, then power efficiency is improved, but simultaneous operation of multiple drivers causes current flow from high to low supplies and slows control loop response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates control voltages just below each power supply magnitude in advance, enabling the selector circuit to immediately determine which single output stage should be active during fast signal transients. This preliminary preparation eliminates the delay associated with slower control loop responses while maintaining the power efficiency benefits of multiple output stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the output stage configuration dynamic by using the selector circuit to switch between different power supplies based on the input signal level. This dynamic selection ensures that only one output stage contributes current at any given time, optimizing control loop response speed while maintaining power efficiency across varying operating conditions
3Device complexity
If a single class AB output stage is used with diode or transistor switch, then device complexity is reduced, but power efficiency is limited due to voltage drops across switching elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single output stage into multiple output stages, each associated with a distinct power supply voltage. This segmentation allows each stage to operate independently with its own control voltage, eliminating the need for lossy diodes or transistor switches while reducing overall power dissipation through optimized voltage selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using control voltages generated just below each power supply magnitude. This parameter adjustment enables the selector circuit to switch between power supplies at optimal points, minimizing voltage drops and power dissipation while maintaining accurate output control without requiring complex switching elements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces power dissipation and enhances feedback loop stability by ensuring only one driver is active, resulting in improved power savings and efficiency, especially evident in the transition region between supply voltages.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage regulator circuit is designed to selectively use the lowest possible supply voltage based on input signals, utilizing a comparator and selector circuit
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a comparator and selector circuit to ensure only one pass transistor is active at a time, with control voltages generated just below each power supply's magnitude
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator circuit may be configured to operate with multiple power supplies. The regulator circuit may be configured to receive an input voltage and provide a regulated output voltage at an output terminal as a function of the input voltage. The regulator may include at least two drivers. A first driver may have a driver output coupled to the output terminal and have a supply terminal coupled to a high power supply, and a second driver may have a driver output coupled to the output terminal and have a supply terminal coupled to a low power supply. A selector circuit may be configured to compare the input voltage with a control voltage that has a magnitude just below a magnitude of the low power supply, to determine which driver to select from the first driver and the second driver, and enable either the first driver output or the second driver output to be active according to which driver has been selected. The regulator circuit may be configured to operate with any number of power supplies by including corresponding drivers and selection logic in the selector circuit.