Variable Frequency Voltage Regulator Charge Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulators face challenges in maintaining stable output voltage due to dynamic changes in load current, leading to fluctuations and inefficiencies, particularly in low dropout voltage scenarios where battery life is affected.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising a variable frequency oscillator, a control circuit, a charge pump, and a replica output stage with a difference amplifier to adjust oscillation frequency and provide enable signals for output stages, ensuring efficient power management and reduced dropout voltage by dynamically adjusting the frequency and current draw based on feedback signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a voltage regulator operates with high current draw to maintain stable output voltage under varying loads, then output voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable frequency oscillator whose oscillation frequency dynamically adjusts based on feedback from the output voltage. When output voltage drops, the frequency increases to charge the energy storage element more rapidly, restoring voltage stability. When voltage is stable, frequency decreases to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining stability and minimizing energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the output voltage is monitored and fed back to the control circuit. The control circuit compares the actual output voltage with a reference voltage and adjusts the oscillator frequency accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures voltage stability while optimizing power consumption by only increasing current draw when actually needed to correct voltage deviations.
2Speed
If a charge pump operates at high frequency to quickly respond to load changes, then voltage regulation response speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump's operating frequency is made variable rather than fixed. The oscillator frequency, which directly controls the charge pump switching frequency, is dynamically adjusted based on the voltage regulation needs. During transient load changes, high frequency provides fast response. During steady-state operation, low frequency minimizes power consumption. This dynamic frequency control resolves the speed-power tradeoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump operates in periodic cycles controlled by the variable frequency oscillator. Instead of continuous high-frequency operation, the system uses periodic charging cycles whose frequency adapts to conditions. This periodic action with variable frequency allows the system to achieve fast response when needed while consuming less power during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple output stages are enabled to handle varying load demands, then load adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the output stage into multiple parallel output stages, each capable of being independently enabled or disabled. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary number of output stages based on load demands, providing load adaptability without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration mechanism. The modular structure simplifies control while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The enable control circuit dynamically adjusts which output stages are active based on feedback from the output voltage and load conditions. This dynamic enabling/disabling of output stages provides adaptability to varying load demands while keeping the device complexity manageable through automated control rather than manual configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves a power-efficient voltage regulator with low dropout voltage, reducing power consumption and maintaining stable output voltage across varying loads, thereby extending battery life and minimizing noise transfer between output stages.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump having a control input coupled to an output of the variable frequency oscillator and configured to charge one or more energy storage elements in response to the output of the variable frequency oscillator to produce a voltage signal
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a regulator circuit is provided. The regulator circuit includes a control circuit configured and arranged to adjust an oscillation frequency of a variable frequency oscillator in response to a feedback signal indicating the regulated output voltage. A charge pump is coupled to an output of the variable frequency oscillator and is configured to charge one or more energy storage elements in response to the output of the variable frequency oscillator. The regulator circuit includes a plurality of output stages, each having an input driven by the output of the charge pump and being configured to drive the regulated output voltage. Each output stage is selectably enabled or disabled in response to respective enable signal provided to the output regulator by an enable control circuit.