Series Regulator Dynamic Overcurrent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
General series regulators face challenges in achieving stable operation across a wide load range, high-speed load response, and reducing current consumption.
Innovation Solution
A series regulator configuration that includes a first amplifier for a heavy load, a second amplifier for a light load, an amplifier control circuit, and overcurrent protection circuits that dynamically adjust overcurrent set values based on load conditions, with the second overcurrent protection circuit having power supply and temperature dependence, and a sense voltage generating unit to limit drive signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one set of operational amplifier and output transistor is used to cover the whole region of the load range, then device complexity is reduced, but stable operation in a wide load range and high-speed load response cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single amplifier-transistor system into multiple amplifier-transistor pairs (first amplifier with first transistor, second amplifier with second transistor). Each pair is responsible for specific load ranges, with the first for heavy loads and the second for light loads. This segmentation enables stable operation across the entire load range while maintaining high-speed response, as each amplifier-transistor pair can be optimized for its specific operating region.
2Device complexity
If one set of operational amplifier and output transistor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but current consumption cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between the first and second amplifier-transistor pairs based on load conditions. The amplifier control circuit monitors the load and activates only the necessary amplifier-transistor pair, keeping the other in a low-power state. This dynamic operation reduces current consumption compared to having a single amplifier continuously operating at full capability, while maintaining the simplicity of a integrated circuit implementation.
3Device complexity
If the overcurrent set value is fixed, then the overcurrent protection circuit is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying load conditions and power supply dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable overcurrent set values for different amplifier-transistor pairs instead of a fixed overcurrent protection level. The first overcurrent protection circuit has a first overcurrent set value, and the second has a second overcurrent set value, with at least one being variable based on load conditions, power supply voltage, and temperature. This dynamic adjustment allows the overcurrent protection to adapt to varying operating conditions while maintaining circuit simplicity through integrated implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the overcurrent set value parameter based on operating conditions including power supply voltage and temperature. The overcurrent protection circuits are designed to adjust their threshold values dynamically, allowing the same physical circuit to provide appropriate protection across different load ranges and environmental conditions without requiring complex external adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a series regulator and electronic equipment. The series regulator includes a first amplifier that drives a first transistor connected between a power supply and a load, a second amplifier that drives a second transistor connected in parallel to the first transistor, an amplifier control circuit that controls whether or not operation of the first amplifier is possible according to the load, and a first overcurrent protection circuit that limits a first output current flowing in the first transistor to a first overcurrent set value or smaller. The first overcurrent protection circuit carries out variable control of the first overcurrent set value according to a second output current flowing in the second transistor. The electronic equipment includes the series regulator and a load that receives power supply from the series regulator and operates.