Power Supply IC Layout Using Shared Error Amplifier Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing semiconductor integrated circuit devices require separate substrates for switching and linear power supply devices, leading to inefficiencies in design and preparation due to the need for distinct configurations and error amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit device configuration where both switching and linear control are performed based on the same error voltage, reducing the number of error amplifiers and allowing a common substrate for both power supply types by connecting the error amplifier output to the gate of the output transistor and sharing the connection node between switching elements and the output transistor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate error amplifiers are used for switching and linear power supply devices, then each power supply type can be independently controlled, but the device area increases and substrate preparation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single error amplifier that serves dual purposes for both switching and linear power supply device operations. The error amplifier output is connected to both the switching element control circuit and the linear control circuit, allowing one component to perform multiple functions. This universal approach reduces the overall device area while maintaining the ability to independently control both power supply types through shared error voltage generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the error amplifier functions by connecting the output of a single error amplifier to multiple control circuits. The error voltage generated by one amplifier is shared between the switching element control and the linear control transistor, combining what would traditionally require separate amplifiers into a unified structure that reduces area complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate error amplifiers are used for switching and linear power supply devices, then each power supply type can be independently controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The error amplifier is designed as a universal component that provides error voltage output usable by both switching and linear control modes. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant components while maintaining independent control capability through shared error signal distribution to different control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple error amplifier functions into a single integrated unit. The error amplifier output node serves as a common source for both switching element control and linear control transistor gating, merging what would be separate control paths into a unified architecture that simplifies the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If separate substrates are used for switching and linear power supply devices, then each substrate can be optimized for its specific function, but the preparation time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is designed with universal compatibility to support both switching and linear power supply device configurations. The error amplifier and associated control circuits are structured to accommodate either operating mode, allowing a single substrate to be used for both applications without requiring separate optimized substrates, thereby reducing preparation time while maintaining functional reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit device configured to be used as a part of a power supply device includes: an error amplifier configured to output an error voltage according to a difference between a feedback voltage, which is based on an output voltage of the power supply device, and a reference voltage; a first switching element and a second switching element that are connected in series; a first controller configured to control switching of the first switching element and the second switching element based on the error voltage; an output transistor; a second controller configured to linearly control the output transistor based on the error voltage; and a first terminal configured so that a connection node between the first switching element and the second switching element and an output terminal of the output transistor are connected to the first terminal.