Multi-Reference Voltage Regulation for Mixed-Voltage Transistor Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for generating reference voltages in digital circuits are limited in efficiently providing power to transistors with different maximum permissible voltages while accounting for variances in power supply voltage levels, often requiring multiple power supplies and additional hardware, which is costly and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A single power supply, such as a battery, is used to generate multiple reference voltages, including a floating and fixed rail, through a voltage regulator that tracks power supply variations with minimal power consumption, using a variable gate voltage generator and a second reference voltage generator to ensure the generated voltages do not exceed transistor damage thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supplies are used to provide different reference voltages, then the ability to power transistors with different maximum permissible voltages is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single power supply system that generates multiple reference voltages (first reference voltage and second reference voltage) to power different transistor types with different maximum permissible voltages. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate power supplies for each transistor type, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to support diverse voltage requirements across the digital circuit
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power supplies are used to generate reference voltages, then the voltage requirements of different transistors are met, but the chip space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple power supplies into a single integrated power supply system that generates multiple reference voltages through voltage division and regulation circuits. This consolidation reduces the chip space required for power supply hardware while maintaining the ability to provide appropriate voltage levels for different transistor types through integrated voltage generation and distribution
3Device complexity
If conventional power supply techniques are used, then simplicity is maintained, but the ability to account for power supply voltage variances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the voltage regulation circuits that monitor the generated reference voltages and adjust them in response to power supply voltage variances. This feedback control ensures that the first and second reference voltages remain within safe operating limits for their respective transistor types, even when the input power supply voltage fluctuates, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices generate multiple reference voltages. Methods include receiving, at a voltage regulator, a voltage from a voltage source, and generating, using the voltage regulator, a tracking current based on the received voltage, the tracking current having an amplitude that tracks changes in a voltage level of the voltage source. Methods also include generating, using the voltage regulator, a first reference voltage based on the tracking current, the first reference voltage being a designated voltage less than the voltage source and tracking changes in the voltage level of the voltage source, and generating, using the voltage regulator, a second reference voltage based on the received voltage, the second reference voltage being a fixed voltage.