Regulator Reference Auto-Switching for Low-Power Dropout Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices, power management integrated circuits (PMICs) face challenges in reducing power loss when transitioning between low-power modes and sudden higher load conditions, as conventional regulators either incur high power loss by maintaining high output voltage or risk dropout by keeping output voltage too low.
Innovation Solution
A regulator circuit with a control circuit that dynamically selects between two reference voltages based on output signals, generating a control signal to adjust the output voltage level accordingly, thereby optimizing voltage levels in response to changing load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the regulator always provides a higher output voltage to avoid dropout, then the reliability is improved, but the power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator dynamically switches between two reference voltages (first reference voltage and second reference voltage) based on real-time monitoring of the output signal, allowing the output voltage to adapt to changing load conditions. This dynamic adjustment prevents dropout during transient high-load conditions while reducing power loss during normal low-power operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit changes the reference voltage parameter between two discrete levels depending on the operating conditions. By monitoring the output signal and switching between reference voltages, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining sufficient output voltage for reliability and minimizing power loss
2Stability of the object's composition
If the regulator provides high output voltage during low-power mode, then the stability is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator transitions from a static high-voltage output mode to a dynamic switching mode that adapts to actual load requirements. The control circuit monitors output conditions and dynamically selects appropriate reference voltages, maintaining stability only when necessary while reducing energy consumption during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reference voltage parameter between two levels based on operating mode. During low-power mode with stable conditions, it uses the lower reference voltage to reduce energy consumption, and switches to the higher reference voltage when instability or transient loads are detected
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a circuitry including a regulator and a control circuit is disclosed. The regulator is configured to receive an input signal to generate an output voltage. The control circuit is configured to select one of a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage to serve as an output reference voltage according to an output signal of the regulator, and generate a control signal according to the output reference voltage to control a voltage level of the output voltage of the regulator.