Programmable LDO Regulator for Multi-Block Voltage and Overshoot Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing voltage levels across multiple circuit blocks, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and increased complexity with separate voltage regulators for each block.
Innovation Solution
A front-end system with a programmable voltage regulator that generates a regulated voltage based on a reference voltage, allowing the voltage level to change based on the selection of enabled circuit blocks, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate voltage regulators are used for each circuit block, then each block can have optimized voltage levels, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single voltage regulator that can serve multiple circuit blocks by dynamically adjusting its output voltage based on which blocks are active. The regulator responds to enable signals and adjusts the regulated voltage to appropriate levels for different block combinations, making one regulator perform the function of multiple dedicated regulators while reducing overall system complexity
2Device complexity
If a single voltage regulator is used for all circuit blocks, then system complexity is reduced, but power consumption efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is designed to be dynamic rather than static, continuously monitoring enable signals from circuit blocks and adjusting its output voltage accordingly. When blocks are enabled, the regulator provides appropriate voltage levels; when blocks are disabled, the regulator can reduce or eliminate voltage output to those blocks, optimizing power consumption while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where enable signals from circuit blocks provide information to the voltage regulator about which blocks are active. The regulator uses this feedback to intelligently adjust voltage levels, ensuring power is delivered only to active blocks at appropriate levels, thereby improving power efficiency without requiring multiple dedicated regulators
3Reliability
If voltage level is increased for all blocks, then performance of high-voltage blocks is improved, but power consumption of low-voltage blocks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator implements local quality control by providing different voltage levels to different circuit blocks based on their specific requirements and active state. Rather than applying a uniform high voltage to all blocks, the regulator selectively adjusts voltage levels locally at each block's interface, ensuring high-voltage blocks receive adequate power for optimal performance while low-voltage blocks receive only the necessary voltage, minimizing energy waste
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 enables dynamic voltage adjustment based on active circuit blocks, reducing power consumption, and simplifying the system by eliminating the need for separate voltage regulators for each block, while maintaining suitable voltage levels for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a programmable voltage regulator configured to generate a programmable regulated voltage based on the reference voltage and to provide the programmable regulated voltage to the plurality of circuit blocks. The programmable regulated voltage has a voltage level that changes based on a selection of the circuit blocks that are enabled
Data Source
AI summary
Programmable voltage regulators for powering multiple circuit blocks are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a front end system includes a plurality of circuit blocks, and a programmable low dropout regulator that generates a programmable regulated voltage for the plurality of circuit blocks based on a first multi-bit control signal. The programmable low dropout regulator includes a controllable frequency compensation circuit controlled by a second multi-bit control signal and operable to control a phase margin of the programmable low dropout regulator, and an overshoot control circuit controlled by a third multi-bit control signal and operable to control an overshoot of the programmable regulated voltage.