Regulator Load Regulation Using Dynamic Current Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regulators face challenges in maintaining constant output voltage during changes in load current, leading to slow response times and potential damage or data loss due to inadequate load regulation, with solutions like increasing capacitor size or amplifier bandwidth resulting in increased power consumption and implementation costs.
Innovation Solution
A regulator design that incorporates a control unit to quickly switch on a current source when the output voltage falls below the desired level and a current sink when it exceeds the desired level, using a current source and sink to rapidly adjust the output voltage, allowing for improved load regulation without the need for high bandwidth amplifiers or large capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the amplifier bandwidth is increased to improve load regulation response speed, then the response time is reduced, but the power consumption and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two current sources based on the instantaneous load condition. A control unit monitors the output voltage and dynamically selects between a first current source (for increasing load current) and a second current source (for decreasing load current), enabling fast response without requiring continuously high bandwidth amplifiers. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve fast load regulation only when needed, rather than maintaining high bandwidth continuously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the capacitor size is increased to improve load regulation, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the power consumption and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current supply function into two separate current sources: a first current source configured to supply current when load current increases, and a second current source configured to supply current when load current decreases. This segmentation allows each current source to be optimized for its specific function, providing stable output voltage regulation without requiring a single large capacitor that would consume more power and occupy more space.
3Speed
If a high bandwidth amplifier is used to improve load regulation speed, then the response time is reduced, but the implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a control unit that dynamically switches between different current sources based on load conditions, replacing the need for a continuously high-bandwidth amplifier. This dynamic approach achieves fast response times only when load changes occur, rather than maintaining high bandwidth at all times, thereby reducing implementation cost while preserving speed performance when needed.
4Reliability
If the regulator uses traditional load regulation methods, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but the load regulation capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors the output voltage, determines whether load current is increasing or decreasing, selects between two different current sources, and controls their switching. This multi-functional control unit provides comprehensive load regulation capability across different operating conditions without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator to provide an output voltage of a constant level at an output node. In an embodiment, the regulator contains a pass transistor to provide a conductive path between a pair of terminals, with the resistance offered by the path being determined by a control voltage on a third terminal of the pass transistor and the conductive path coupling a first reference potential (e.g., power supply) to the output node. An amplifier generates the control voltage based on a difference of a reference voltage and a voltage proportionate to the output voltage. A control unit turns on a current source when the voltage at the output node is below the desired constant level and turns on a current sink when voltage at said output node is above the constant level, to quickly correct for any variations in the output voltage due to load changes.