Pulse-Controlled Voltage Regulator for Low-Power Stable Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators face challenges with high static power consumption, bulkiness, and slow response times, as well as issues with inrush current and the need for complex capacitive elements and coils, which affect their efficiency and noise levels in electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator design that includes a current source delivering DC current only when a binary signal is asserted, a comparator to adjust the signal based on voltage differences, and an inrush current regulation circuit to manage inrush currents, all while minimizing static power consumption and bulk, and providing a fast response without the need for bulky capacitive elements or coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the static power consumption of the regulator is decreased to achieve low-power operation, then power consumption is improved, but the bandwidth of the regulator decreases resulting in increased variations of the regulated voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching action through the switch (e.g., MOS transistor) that operates in discrete on/off cycles. The control circuit generates periodic control signals that switch the power transistor between conducting and non-conducting states, enabling the regulator to maintain stability with reduced static power consumption while preserving adequate bandwidth through the dynamic switching mechanism rather than continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control through feedback mechanisms where the control circuit continuously monitors the regulated voltage and adjusts the switching duty cycle in real-time. This dynamic adjustment allows the regulator to maintain stable output voltage with minimal static power consumption, as the system adapts its power delivery based on actual load conditions and voltage deviations
2Reliability
If known charge pump voltage regulators are used to achieve voltage regulation, then voltage regulation is achieved, but the regulator becomes bulky and complex due to capacitive elements assembled outside the chip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential voltage regulation function from complex charge pump architectures by eliminating the need for external capacitive elements. The control circuit directly switches the power transistor based on feedback from the voltage divider network, taking out the bulky capacitor components while retaining the core voltage regulation capability through simplified switching control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage regulation function directly into the integrated circuit by combining the control circuit, voltage divider network, and power switching transistor into a single chip. This integration eliminates the need for external capacitive elements and reduces overall circuit complexity while maintaining effective voltage regulation through the unified design
3Reliability
If switched-mode power supply is used to achieve voltage regulation, then voltage regulation is achieved, but the regulator becomes bulky due to the coil and generates noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage regulation function from switched-mode power supply architecture by removing the inductive coil component. The control circuit achieves voltage regulation through direct switching of the power transistor based on feedback from the voltage divider, eliminating the need for coils and associated electromagnetic noise while maintaining regulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electromagnetic induction mechanism (coil-based) with a direct electronic switching mechanism. Instead of using inductive energy storage and transfer, the control circuit directly controls the power transistor switching based on voltage feedback, replacing the mechanical/electromagnetic system with a purely electronic control system that generates minimal noise
4Reliability
If NMOS transistor is used for better power supply rejection ratio, then PSRR is improved, but the control requires previously knowing the static power consumption of the load which depends on PVT parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service control where the voltage divider network automatically senses the output voltage and provides feedback to the control circuit without requiring external information about load characteristics or PVT parameters. The system self-adjusts by comparing the divided voltage against a reference, eliminating the need for pre-programmed knowledge of static power consumption while maintaining NMOS transistor benefits
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator has a first output is connected to a capacitive element. A current source is coupled between the first output and a first node receiving a power supply voltage. The current source delivers a first DC current in response to assertion of a first binary signal. A comparator asserts a second binary signal when a first voltage on the first output is lower than a set point voltage. A first circuit controls assertion of the first signal for a first fixed time period when the second binary signal is asserted.