Switchable Current Source Voltage Regulator Die Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulation circuits, such as linear regulators, occupy significant die space and require complex configurations to maintain stability and current limiting, making them inefficient and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulation apparatus utilizing a digital sequencer unit and switchable current sources in a closed-loop control circuit, which adjusts output current by activating or deactivating multiple individually switchable current sources based on feedback voltage comparisons, reducing the need for additional current limiting components and optimizing die space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a linear regulator with operational amplifier and compensation network is used, then output voltage stability is maintained, but die space is significantly occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the compensation network and current limiting circuit from the traditional linear regulator architecture. By using a switchable current source array controlled by a digital sequencer, the circuit achieves voltage regulation without requiring the physically large capacitor and complex compensation network that traditionally occupied significant die space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the continuous analog control mechanism (operational amplifier with compensation network) with a digital control system. The digital sequencer unit controls individual current sources to be switched on or off, substituting the mechanical/analog continuous adjustment with digital discrete control, thereby eliminating the need for large physical capacitors and complex compensation circuits.
2Reliability
If a current limiting circuit with operational amplifier is added, then circuit protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the current limiting function with the main voltage regulation control. The same digital sequencer unit that controls the switchable current sources for voltage regulation also inherently provides current limiting by controlling when and how many current sources are activated. This eliminates the need for a separate current limiting circuit with its own operational amplifier and compensation network.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital sequencer unit performs multiple functions: it controls the switchable current sources for voltage regulation and simultaneously provides current limiting protection. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both voltage stability and circuit protection.
3Speed
If multiple individually switchable current sources are used, then transient response time is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total output current into multiple individually controllable current sources. Each current source can be independently switched on or off by the digital sequencer unit. This segmentation allows for precise control of current delivery, enabling fast transient response as individual sources can be activated or deactivated quickly to meet changing load demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the current sources through the digital sequencer unit, which can adjust which current sources are active based on real-time feedback. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to rapidly respond to transient load changes by activating additional current sources when needed and deactivating them when not required, achieving fast transient response without requiring complex analog control circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulation apparatus comprises a plurality of individually switchable current sources coupled to an output for coupling the voltage regulation apparatus to an external load. The output is monitored using a bridge divider and a comparator. The bridge divider generates a feedback voltage, that is compared with a reference voltage, representative of a target voltage to be maintained at the output, when loaded. A digital sequencer unit is coupled to the comparator and responds to the comparator to increase or decrease a number of the plurality of individually switchable current sources activated, thereby causing a collective current generated by the activated number of the plurality of individually switchable current sources to converge on a load current, demanded by the external load.