Semiconductor Regulator Feedback Using Averaged Node Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in stabilizing the output voltage supplied to load circuits due to dynamic changes in voltage drop amounts across connection nodes, leading to instability and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a regulator circuit and an analog circuit that generates an average voltage across multiple connection nodes, using feedback lines to adjust the output voltage based on the averaged voltage, reducing noise and power consumption by employing a low-dropout (LDO) type regulator circuit without switching or inductance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a regulator circuit supplies output voltage to multiple load circuits through a wire with connection nodes, then the load circuits can be powered, but voltage drop differences occur across connection nodes causing output voltage instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage monitoring function by providing separate feedback lines connected to different connection nodes (N1, N2, ..., Nn) along the wire. Each feedback line independently senses the voltage at its specific connection node, allowing the regulator circuit to detect and compensate for voltage drops at different locations, thereby stabilizing the output voltage supplied to multiple load circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback lines as intermediary elements that mediate between the connection nodes and the regulator circuit. These feedback lines carry voltage information from various points along the wire to the regulator circuit, enabling it to adjust the output voltage based on actual voltage conditions at different connection nodes, thus resolving the voltage instability caused by wire resistance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If switching circuits are used to regulate voltage, then power consumption can be reduced, but noise and instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces switching-based voltage regulation (which involves mechanical or electronic switching actions generating noise) with a low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator circuit. The LDO circuit continuously adjusts the output voltage through analog control based on feedback from multiple connection nodes, eliminating switching noise and providing stable, clean power output while maintaining energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a regulator circuit, a wire, n load circuits, and an analog circuit. The wire is connected to the regulator circuit and including n connection nodes (n is an integer of 2 or more). The n load circuits are connected to the n connection nodes, respectively. The analog circuit is connected between the n connection nodes and the regulator circuit. The analog circuit is configured to generate an average voltage of n voltages at the n connection nodes. The regulator circuit is configured to generate an output voltage supplied to the wire based on the average voltage generated by the analog circuit.