Multimode Voltage Regulator Quiescent Current Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated devices face reduced battery autonomy due to quiescent currents from multiple voltage regulators, which are more pronounced during low power or standby operations, leading to increased power wastage.
Innovation Solution
A multimode voltage regulator with high and low power modes, utilizing field-effect transistors and control modules with arbitration logic to dynamically switch between modes based on load current thresholds, and an additional current-carrying path to facilitate rapid transitions, thereby minimizing quiescent current during high power operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a voltage regulator operates in high power mode continuously, then it can handle high load currents, but quiescent current consumption increases reducing battery autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator dynamically switches between high power mode and low power mode based on the load current magnitude. When load current exceeds a threshold, the regulator operates in high power mode with full transconductance for optimal performance. When load current drops below the threshold, it transitions to low power mode with reduced transconductance, thereby reducing quiescent current consumption while maintaining adequate regulation capability for light loads.
2Loss of energy
If the regulator reduces transconductance to lower quiescent current, then power consumption decreases, but voltage regulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator dynamically adjusts its transconductance based on operating conditions. In low power mode, the transconductance is reduced to minimize quiescent current, while in high power mode, full transconductance is restored to ensure optimal voltage regulation performance. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high regulation performance when needed while minimizing power consumption during light load or standby operations.
3Loss of energy
If mode switching is implemented, then power consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct operational modes (high power mode and low power mode) with clear transition thresholds. The mode selection logic compares the load current against predetermined thresholds and switches between modes accordingly, providing a simple yet effective mechanism for optimizing power consumption without requiring complex control algorithms or multiple independent circuits.
4Loss of energy
If additional circuits are added to reduce quiescent current, then power consumption decreases, but the regulator cannot maintain high power operation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator employs dynamic transconductance adjustment where the same control circuitry and switching mechanisms serve both low power and high power modes. In low power mode, reduced transconductance minimizes quiescent current consumption. When high power operation is required, the system transitions to high power mode with full transconductance, restoring complete power handling capability without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode.
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
The solution effectively reduces quiescent current consumption during low power modes while maintaining performance in high power modes, enhancing battery life by autonomously managing operational modes without external processor intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a first field-effect transistor of the first regulator element has a source connected to the supply rail and a drain connected to the output node
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator including first and second regulator elements connected between an output node and a supply rail for supplying load current to a load connected to the output node. The voltage regulator includes first and second control modules for controlling the first and second regulator elements respectively to maintain the output node at a regulated voltage in the presence of a variable impedance presented by the load to the output node, the second regulator element and the second control module having a smaller load current capacity and smaller leakage current than the first regulator element and the first control module. The voltage regulator includes a mode selector for de-activating the first regulator element and the first control module in a first operational mode, for activating the first regulator element and the first control module in a second operational mode.