Over-Drive LDO Power-Down Circuit for SOA Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Over-drive Low Dropout (LDO) regulators face challenges in maintaining a safe operating area (SOA) during power down operations, particularly in semiconductor memory systems, where they may experience voltage thresholds and unintended frequency responses, often requiring additional middle-level voltage connections that increase complexity and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a circuit that operates at low current, utilizing a current source and transistor switch controlled by a power down signal to maintain SOA range without additional high ground voltage, and employs operational amplifiers to regulate output voltage and minimize voltage spikes, thereby stabilizing the output voltage during power down modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional middle-level voltage connections are added to maintain SOA during power down, then the safe operating area is maintained, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary middle-level voltage connections from the system. By analyzing the power down operation requirements, the invention determines that these additional connections are not essential for maintaining SOA, and their removal simplifies the device architecture while preserving safe operating area compliance during power down modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing LDO regulator circuit perform multiple functions: it maintains voltage regulation during normal operation and simultaneously ensures safe operating area compliance during power down operations without requiring separate middle-level voltage connections. The circuit is designed to handle both operational modes using the same basic structure, eliminating the need for additional dedicated connections.
2Reliability
If additional middle-level voltage connections are added to maintain SOA during power down, then the safe operating area is maintained, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power-consuming middle-level voltage connections from the system. By demonstrating that these connections are not necessary for SOA maintenance during power down, the invention eliminates the associated power consumption while maintaining safe operating area compliance through optimized circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The LDO regulator circuit is designed to self-regulate during power down operations without requiring external middle-level voltage support. The circuit automatically adjusts its operation to maintain SOA compliance using its inherent components, eliminating the need for additional power-consuming voltage regulation stages.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the circuit operates at low current during power down, then the power consumption is reduced, but maintaining SOA range becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation of the LDO regulator that adapts to different power modes. During power down, the circuit dynamically adjusts its current consumption to remain within SOA limits while maintaining low power consumption. The circuit transitions between operational states based on mode signals, optimizing the balance between power savings and SOA compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key operating parameters of the LDO regulator during power down mode, including current levels and voltage relationships, to ensure operation remains within SOA boundaries. By carefully controlling these parameters, the circuit achieves both low power consumption and reliable SOA maintenance without requiring additional voltage connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for controlling power down of an overdrive low drop out regulator circuits. The system is designed with a low dropout regulator circuit configured to operate in a safe operating area range of operation with very low current. The circuit contains a regulator, a current boost, and a power down switch. The current boost is responsive to a power down signal, generally from a power distribution board. The circuit is fabricated such that the low dropout regulator circuit with the current boost operates with minimum current pull while maintaining safe operating area range of operation. The safe operating area range of operation is maintained during various design operations, normal operations, and power down. This regulator circuit may be designed without a middle level voltage or high-ground.