Shunt Regulator Voltage Tracking Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push-pull shunt regulators require manual programming of reference voltages to avoid undesirable compensation due to fluctuations in regulated voltage, which can lead to inefficient current sourcing or sinking, especially in the presence of signal noise and power supply variations.
Innovation Solution
A regulator circuit with a voltage tracking circuit that generates offset reference voltages (VREF1 and VREF2) to automatically adjust and maintain the regulated voltage within a specific range, preventing unnecessary current sourcing or sinking by comparing the regulated voltage with these reference voltages using comparator circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional push-pull shunt regulators use fixed reference voltages from bandgap reference circuits, then the reference voltages remain relatively invariant in the presence of signal noise and power supply voltage fluctuations, but the regulator continues to source or sink electrical current unnecessarily when the average regulated voltage is outside the target range, resulting in undesirable compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reference voltage dynamic rather than fixed. The tracking circuit continuously adjusts the reference voltage to follow the regulated voltage, allowing the regulator to adapt to changing operating conditions and avoid unnecessary current compensation when the regulated voltage is outside the target range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the tracking circuit that monitors the regulated voltage and automatically adjusts the reference voltage accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect when the regulated voltage is outside the target range and modify the reference voltage to prevent unnecessary current sourcing or sinking.
2Loss of energy
If manual programming of reference voltage is implemented to avoid undesirable compensation, then the regulator can operate more efficiently, but the device complexity increases due to the need for manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic tracking circuit that eliminates the need for manual programming. The tracking circuit autonomously monitors the regulated voltage and adjusts the reference voltage without user intervention, maintaining efficient operation while simplifying the ease of operation.
3Area of stationary object
If push-pull shunt regulators are used instead of linear series voltage regulators or analog shunt regulators, then the voltage headroom is reduced and area intensive compensation capacitors are required fewer, but the regulator draws large shunt electrical current to ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reference voltage adaptive rather than fixed. The tracking circuit continuously adjusts the reference voltage to follow the regulated voltage, enabling the push-pull shunt regulator to operate efficiently with reduced shunt current by dynamically adapting to the actual operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit having a regulator circuit capable of tracking reference voltages is provided. The integrated circuit includes shunt regulator circuitry. The shunt regulator circuitry includes a shunt regulator circuit and a voltage tracking circuit. The shunt regulator circuit has an output on which a regulated voltage is provided. The shunt regulator circuit also provides electrical current to the output when the regulated voltage is outside of a voltage range bounded by first and second reference voltages. The voltage tracking circuit may be coupled to the shunt regulator circuit. The voltage tracking circuit may generate the first and second reference voltages. In one instance, the first voltage is greater than the regulated voltage and the second voltage is less than the regulated voltage.