Multi-Voltage Regulator Circuit With Shared Op-Amp Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulation systems for multiple voltage levels in memory circuits require a large number of power-consuming and area-intensive op-amps, leading to increased power consumption and chip design area as the number of voltage levels increases.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator circuit that uses a single large operational amplifier with feedback control to generate multiple voltage levels, reducing the need for multiple op-amps by utilizing resistor pairs and current sources to produce different gate voltages for transistors, thereby minimizing power consumption and chip area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple voltage regulators with separate op-amps are used for each voltage level, then each voltage level can be regulated independently, but power consumption and chip area increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage regulation functions into a single op-amp-based regulator. The operational amplifier generates a reference voltage that is used to control multiple transistors (first transistor for first voltage level, second transistor for second voltage level), allowing one op-amp to regulate multiple output voltages simultaneously, thereby reducing power consumption compared to using separate op-amps for each voltage level
Solution Approach 2:
The single operational amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates the reference voltage, controls the first transistor to produce the first voltage level, and controls the second transistor to produce the second voltage level. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple dedicated op-amps, reducing both power consumption and chip area while maintaining independent regulation capability for each voltage level
2Reliability
If multiple voltage regulators with separate op-amps are used for each voltage level, then each voltage level can be regulated independently, but chip design area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage regulation circuits into a single integrated regulator using one operational amplifier. The op-amp's output controls multiple transistors that generate different voltage levels, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate regulator blocks into one compact circuit, thereby significantly reducing chip area
Solution Approach 2:
The operational amplifier is designed as a universal control element that simultaneously manages multiple voltage outputs. By using the same op-amp to drive multiple transistors (first transistor and second transistor) that produce different voltage levels, the design achieves multi-functionality in a single component, reducing the total area required compared to having dedicated op-amps for each voltage level
3Use of energy by stationary object
If a single operational amplifier is used to generate multiple voltage levels, then power consumption and area are reduced, but the complexity of voltage distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage generation function by using separate transistors for each voltage level. The first transistor is dedicated to generating the first voltage level, and the second transistor is dedicated to generating the second voltage level. This segmentation allows each transistor to be optimized for its specific voltage level while being controlled by the unified op-amp, managing complexity through functional separation
Solution Approach 2:
The operational amplifier acts as an intermediary that translates a single reference voltage into multiple controlled gate voltages for different transistors. The op-amp's output is distributed to control the first transistor and second transistor, which then generate the respective voltage levels. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by providing a centralized control point while maintaining independent voltage generation paths
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator can include an operational amplifier powered by a supply voltage and configured to generate a first gate voltage. The voltage regulator can also include a first transistor configured to receive the first gate voltage and generate a first driving voltage. The voltage regulator can further include a second transistor configured to receive a second gate voltage and generate a second driving voltage. The first gate voltage can be generated based on feedback provided to the operational amplifier. The second gate voltage can be generated from the first gate voltage.