Output Circuit Pumping Compensation for Voltage Drop Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators in integrated circuits face challenges in stabilizing output voltage when the load circuit draws current rapidly, leading to abnormal operations. The use of large off-chip capacitors to mitigate this issue is impractical due to size and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
An output circuit with a charge pump circuit is introduced, which provides compensation charges to the voltage regulator to stabilize the output voltage. The charge pump circuit is controlled by a control circuit that manages the switching of the charge pump's switches to supply compensation charges when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a large off-chip capacitor is used to stabilize the output voltage, then the voltage stability is improved, but the system area and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of the large off-chip capacitor (providing compensation charges) and implements it within the IC using a charge pump circuit. The charge pump circuit generates compensation charges internally through switching operations, eliminating the need for external capacitor components while maintaining voltage stability during high-speed load transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power delivery system by introducing a charge pump circuit that dynamically generates compensation charges based on load conditions. The charge pump switches between different charging states to provide timely charge compensation, replacing the static large capacitor with a dynamic charge generation mechanism that operates at different charge levels as needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a large off-chip capacitor is used to supply electric charges, then the voltage ripple is reduced, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit performs multiple functions: it generates compensation charges, regulates power delivery timing, and replaces the need for external capacitor components. By integrating these functions into a single internal circuit block, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite adding control circuitry, as it eliminates external components and simplifies system integration.
3Speed
If the load circuit draws current rapidly under high speed operations, then the operation speed is improved, but the output voltage drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit performs preliminary action by proactively generating and storing compensation charges before the load requires them. The control circuit detects high-speed operation conditions and activates the charge pump in advance to accumulate charges, ensuring that compensation charges are immediately available when the load suddenly draws current, thus preventing voltage drops during high-speed operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit implements feedback by monitoring the operational state of the load circuit and adjusting the charge pump activity accordingly. When high-speed operations are detected, the control circuit activates the charge pump to generate compensation charges; when operations are normal, the charge pump remains inactive. This feedback mechanism ensures voltage stability is maintained precisely when needed without unnecessary power consumption.
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 proposed solution effectively stabilizes the output voltage without the need for an off-chip capacitor, reducing system size and cost while maintaining stable power supply even under high-speed operations.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump circuit coupled to the control circuit and the first power receiving terminal of the output driver
Data Source
AI summary
An output circuit includes an output driver, a voltage regulator, a control circuit and a charge pump circuit. The output driver includes a signal input terminal, a signal output terminal and a first power receiving terminal. The voltage regulator is coupled to the first power receiving terminal of the output driver. The control circuit is coupled to the signal input terminal of the output driver. The charge pump circuit is coupled to the control circuit and the first power receiving terminal of the output driver.