RTC Voltage Regulator Common Gate Amplifier Low Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RTC voltage regulators in portable electronics consume excessive power, even when the device is turned off, due to the need for a reliable power source for the RTC module, which shortens battery life.
Innovation Solution
A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) with an RTC voltage regulator that includes a current source and a common gate amplifier to control a power device, minimizing power consumption by using a scaled reference voltage and reducing dynamic circuitry components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional voltage regulator is used to power the RTC module, then the RTC can operate reliably, but the power consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the voltage regulator by using a common-gate amplifier configuration instead of a conventional error amplifier. This configuration allows the regulator to operate with lower quiescent current while maintaining the ability to regulate voltage reliably for the RTC module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary dynamic circuitry components from the voltage regulator design. By removing features that are not essential for ultra-low-power RTC operation, the design achieves significantly reduced power consumption while retaining core regulation functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the device is turned off to conserve battery power, then power consumption is minimized, but the RTC module cannot function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management system by creating a dedicated ultra-low-power voltage regulator specifically for the RTC module, separate from the main device power regulation. This allows the RTC to be powered independently at minimal power levels even when the rest of the device is powered down.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator is designed to be self-sufficient for RTC power needs, using a simple common-gate amplifier that requires minimal control circuitry. This self-service capability allows the RTC to maintain timing functions independently without requiring the main processor or power management system to be active.
3Duration of action of moving object
If dynamic circuitry components are reduced to minimize power consumption, then battery life is extended, but voltage regulation reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the regulation circuit by using a common-gate amplifier configuration that inherently provides stable voltage regulation with minimal components. This configuration maintains regulation stability through its inherent circuit topology rather than relying on complex dynamic control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex dynamic control mechanisms with a simpler, more direct voltage regulation approach. The common-gate amplifier provides automatic regulation through its intrinsic characteristics, substituting for more complex error amplification and feedback control circuits that would consume additional power.
Data Source
AI summary
A real time clock (RTC) voltage regulator, a method of regulating an RTC voltage and a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). In one embodiment, an RTC voltage regulator includes a current source configured to provide a first current and a voltage regulator having a common gate amplifier and a power device. The first current is employed to establish a reference voltage for the common gate amplifier and the common gate amplifier is configured to control the power device. The power device is configured to provide an RTC voltage for the common gate amplifier.