RF Switch Controller Sleep-Mode Circuit for Low Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radio-frequency switch controllers face challenges in managing power consumption and leakage current, particularly when operating over a wide voltage range without an external power down pin, which affects their efficiency and reliability in applications like wireless communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A controller architecture that includes a low-dropout regulator and a mode detector, allowing for the generation of multiple reference voltage levels and transitioning into a sleep mode using a common input node, along with a low power bandgap circuit and error amplifier, to minimize leakage current and conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a dedicated power down pin is added to the low-dropout regulator, then the regulator can be controlled to enter sleep mode, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power down control functionality into the existing common input node that is already used for enabling the switch controller. The mode detector circuit monitors the control signal at this shared node and automatically generates the appropriate power down signal for the low-dropout regulator, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated power down pin while still achieving sleep mode capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The common input node is designed to serve multiple functions: it enables the switch controller operation, provides control signals for the switch, and simultaneously serves as the basis for generating power down control signals for the low-dropout regulator. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of pins required while maintaining full control capability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate control nodes are used for power down and enable functions, then precise control is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mode detector circuit acts as an intermediary that receives the control signal from the common input node and automatically generates the appropriate power down control signal for the low-dropout regulator. This intermediary component ensures that the correct control actions are taken based on the input signal state, maintaining control precision while simplifying the user interface to a single common input node.
3Reliability
If the low-dropout regulator remains active during switch operation, then reference voltage levels are continuously available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The low-dropout regulator is designed to dynamically change its operational state based on the control signal detected by the mode detector. When the control signal indicates switch operation is required, the regulator remains active to provide stable reference voltage levels. When the control signal indicates idle state, the regulator transitions to sleep mode to conserve power, thus adapting its state to the actual operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods related to controlling switches. In some embodiments, a method for controlling a radio-frequency switch can include providing or generating a control signal to allow generation of a plurality of reference levels by a regulator, or to allow the regulator to be in sleep mode. The method can further include operating the regulator based on the control signal to generate the plurality of reference voltage levels for operation of the radio-frequency switch, or to be in the sleep mode.