On-Chip Voltage Regulator Circuit for Stable Switching Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-chip voltage regulator circuits face challenges in supplying a regulated voltage and current to loads with large switching currents, leading to noise and the need for external bypass capacitors, which increase system costs.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator circuit is designed to operate with an on-chip output capacitor, featuring a control circuit that maintains a reference voltage independent of output voltage changes and an output circuit with a fast response to adjust the load current, using transconductance amplifiers and compensation capacitors to stabilize the output voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a large bypass capacitor is connected to the output voltage of the regulator circuit, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the system cost increases and the capacitor cannot be placed on-chip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage regulator circuit and the bypass capacitor onto a single chip, eliminating the need for external capacitors. The regulator circuit includes an operational amplifier, pass transistor, and compensation capacitor all integrated on-chip, while the bypass capacitor is also placed on-chip and connected to the output, combining multiple previously separate components into one unified on-chip system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the bypass capacitor is integrated within the voltage regulator circuit block on the chip. The regulator circuit itself contains nested sub-circuits including the operational amplifier with its feedback network, the pass transistor with control circuitry, and the compensation capacitor, creating a hierarchical integration that reduces overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the load includes large numbers of switching circuits, then the functionality is improved, but noise and perturbations in the supply voltage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the operational amplifier continuously monitors the output voltage and adjusts the pass transistor gate voltage to maintain stable output despite load variations. The feedback network includes resistors that sample the output voltage and feed it back to the operational amplifier inputs, creating a closed-loop control system that actively compensates for noise and perturbations generated by switching circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places a bypass capacitor on-chip at the output of the voltage regulator circuit before the load, which acts as a cushioning element. This capacitor provides local energy storage and filtering that anticipates and absorbs voltage perturbations and noise generated by switching circuits, preventing them from propagating through the supply network before they can cause harm.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a fast response output circuit is used to adjust load current, then the noise reduction is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a feedback-controlled output circuit where the operational amplifier rapidly responds to output voltage deviations by adjusting the pass transistor gate voltage. This feedback mechanism provides fast response to load current changes and noise perturbations without requiring complex additional circuitry, as the operational amplifier's inherent high gain and bandwidth provide the necessary speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the operational amplifier as an intermediary device that mediates between the feedback network and the pass transistor. This intermediary provides fast response and noise filtering through its high-gain amplification and frequency compensation, enabling the output circuit to rapidly adjust to load changes without directly complex interconnections between components.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator circuit may include a first loop that forms a reference signal that substantially does not vary in response to the output voltage, the reference circuit may also be configured to form a control signal that is representative of changes in the reference signal. The voltage regulator circuit may also include a second loop configured to form a value of a control electrode of an output transistor according to the control signal and wherein the output circuit is configured to change a value of the control electrode according to a difference between the output voltage and the reference signal.