Replica Biased Voltage Regulator Using Front and Back Gate Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing replica biased voltage regulators achieve good high-frequency transient response but often compromise on DC load regulation, resulting in poor performance under varying load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A circuit design that utilizes an operational amplifier and a comparator to supply bias voltages to the front and back gates of an output stage transistor, allowing simultaneous regulation of the output voltage and accounting for load variations through the body effect, thereby improving load regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If active (dynamic) line regulation and passive (static) load regulation are used, then high frequency transient response is improved, but DC load regulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gate control into two independent parts: front gate bias voltage (from operational amplifier for line regulation) and back gate bias voltage (from comparator for load regulation). This segmentation allows each gate to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between transient response and DC load regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The back gate serves as an intermediary element that provides load regulation through the body effect. By controlling the back gate bias voltage separately from the front gate, the patent introduces a mediator that specifically addresses DC load regulation without interfering with the high-frequency transient response controlled by the front gate.
2Reliability
If dummy loads and large output devices are used, then load regulation is improved, but power consumption and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using dummy loads and large output devices with an electrical field effect approach. By utilizing the body effect through back gate biasing, the patent achieves load regulation through voltage control rather than requiring additional physical components, thereby reducing power consumption and area.
3Reliability
If dummy loads and large output devices are used, then load regulation is improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load regulation function from the physical structure (dummy loads and large devices) and implements it through the back gate bias voltage control. This extraction eliminates the need for additional area-consuming components while maintaining load regulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from physical device sizing to voltage parameter control. By adjusting the back gate bias voltage, the patent achieves load regulation without changing the physical dimensions of the output device, thereby minimizing device area.
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 enhances load regulation stability, reduces power and area consumption, and minimizes power supply requirements, making it suitable for low voltage operations while avoiding the use of dummy loads and large output devices.
Implementation Method 1
modulating the back gate voltage of the output stage transistor to account for load variations
Data Source
AI summary
A replica biased voltage regulator circuit and method of load regulation are provided herein. According to one embodiment, the replica biased voltage regulator circuit includes an operational amplifier and a comparator, wherein outputs of the operational amplifier and comparator are respectively and simultaneously supplied to a front gate and a back gate of an output stage transistor included for regulating an output voltage generated by the replica biased voltage regulator circuit.