Regulator Transient Response via Adaptive Cascode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regulators face challenges in responding quickly to transient increases in output load current without increasing current consumption, leading to potential output potential drops, erroneous judgments, decreased operation margins, and overstress.
Innovation Solution
A regulator design that includes a differential amplifier with cascode-connected transistors, allowing control terminal voltage of the drive transistor to be adjusted using first and second control signals, enabling increased drive capability without increasing current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the drive capability of the drive transistor is increased to respond quickly to transient load current increases, then the response speed is improved, but the current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transistor configuration adaptive rather than static. The regulator dynamically switches between different transistor configurations (single transistor mode and cascode transistor mode) based on operating conditions. This allows the system to optimize between response speed and current consumption by selecting the appropriate configuration for each situation, rather than being locked into a fixed high-current design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the output stage by switching between different transistor arrangements. By changing the configuration from a simple transistor to a cascode transistor structure, the patent modifies the voltage gain, output impedance, and current handling characteristics. This parameter change enables high-speed response only when necessary, reducing average current consumption.
2Device complexity
If a simple transistor configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the response speed to transient load changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by providing multiple transistor configuration modes that can switch based on load conditions. The regulator can transition between a simple transistor configuration (for normal operation) and a cascode transistor configuration (for transient response), making the complexity variable rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by applying complexity only when needed for high-speed response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transistor configuration into separate controllable units. The cascode transistors are introduced as optional additional components that can be activated independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple base configuration while having the capability to add complexity (cascode structures) only during transient events requiring fast response.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the drive transistor operates at high current to maintain stable output during transient loads, then the output stability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or conditional activation of the cascode transistor configuration rather than continuous operation. The high-current cascode mode is activated periodically or conditionally during transient load events, and deactivated during normal steady-state operation. This periodic/conditional action maintains output stability when needed while minimizing energy loss during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using the enhanced cascode transistor configuration only partially - specifically during transient load conditions rather than continuously. The system applies excessive drive capability (through cascode transistors) only when necessary to maintain stability, rather than maintaining excessive drive capability at all times, thus reducing overall power consumption while preserving stability during critical moments.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a regulator including: a differential amplifier having a differential input stage receiving a reference voltage and an output terminal voltage, a push-pull type output portion of a current mirror configuration, a drive transistor having a control terminal connected to an output portion of the differential amplifier, first and second transistors cascode-connected between a control terminal of the drive transistor and a power supply, and third and fourth transistors cascode-connected between the control terminal of the drive transistor and ground. Control terminals of the first and the third transistors are respectively connected to control terminals of the push-pull transistors, control terminals of the second and fourth transistors are respectively connected to a first and a second control signal. A voltage of the control terminal of the drive transistor is controlled, based on the first and the second control signals, by output of the differential amplifier and the first transistor, or by output of the differential amplifier and the third transistor.