Self-Power Down Voltage Regulator Using Start-Up Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators require an additional I/O pin for power down control, increasing costs, and face challenges in determining which regulator is generating the core supply voltage, especially when the on-chip regulator is not connected to the off-chip inductor.
Innovation Solution
A peak current controlled switching voltage regulator system with a start-up circuit that operates the on-chip voltage regulator in a self-power down mode by using flip-flops and comparators to manage the connection between the on-chip and off-chip regulators, ensuring equilibrium voltage supply without relying on the core supply for power down control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an I/O pin is used for power down control, then the power down operation can be controlled, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator system automatically detects whether an off-chip inductor is connected and self-regulates its operation mode accordingly. The system uses the presence or absence of the inductor as a natural signal to determine whether to operate in standalone mode or connect to an external regulator, eliminating the need for external control pins or additional cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The start-up circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects inductor presence, determines regulator connection status, and automatically configures the regulator operation mode. This multi-functional approach replaces what would otherwise require separate control mechanisms and additional pins.
2Productivity
If the on-chip regulator is used without connection to off-chip inductor, then the regulator can provide core supply voltage, but it is difficult to determine which regulator is generating the core supply voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the start-up circuit continuously monitors the connection status of the off-chip inductor and adjusts the regulator's operation accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the system always knows whether it is connected to an external regulator or operating standalone, eliminating detection difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The start-up circuit performs preliminary detection of the inductor connection status before the regulator begins normal operation. By determining the connection status in advance, the system can pre-configure the appropriate operation mode, ensuring seamless transition and accurate status knowledge from the outset.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the on-chip regulator operates in power down mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but the regulator must accurately detect connection status to switch modes
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator system uses its own existing circuitry (the start-up circuit and inductor connection detection mechanism) to automatically determine when to enter power down mode. No external control or additional complex detection circuits are needed - the system serves itself by utilizing the natural presence or absence of the inductor as the control signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A peak current controlled switching voltage regulator system and method for providing a self-power down mode. An on-chip voltage regulator integrated into an on-chip digital logic circuit provides a core supply voltage to the on-chip digital logic circuit along with an off-chip inductor. An off-chip regulator connected to the on-chip digital logic circuit provides an external core supply voltage with respect to the on-chip digital logic circuit. A start-up circuit operates the on-chip voltage regulator in a self-power down mode for a pre-determined time period when the on-chip regulator is not connected to the off-chip inductor in order to maintain an equilibrium voltage supply with respect to the on-chip digital logic circuit.