Variable-Gain LDO Regulator Without External Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low drop-out (LDO) voltage regulators face challenges in maintaining a constant power supply potential during load and line transients, leading to deviations from the set point value, and often require external capacitors that compromise security in critical electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a voltage regulator device comprising transistors, current sources, and operational amplifiers configured to maintain equal voltages and currents across specific nodes, allowing for rapid recovery of the power supply potential to its set point value without external capacitors, thus ensuring stability and security in electronic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional LDO regulators are used, then the power supply potential can be delivered to elements, but the potential varies and diverges from the set point value during load and line transients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by making the gain of the amplifier circuit variable rather than fixed. The gain is determined by the potential on the output terminal, allowing the regulator to adapt its response characteristics in real-time. This dynamic adjustment enables faster recovery from transients while maintaining stability during normal operation, directly addressing the contradiction between constant potential delivery and transient response capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If external capacitors are used to stabilize the power supply potential, then the potential stability improves, but the device complexity increases and security is compromised in critical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the amplifier circuit self-configuring by determining its own gain based on the output terminal potential. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external capacitors or complex compensation networks, as the circuit automatically adjusts its characteristics to maintain stability. The regulator becomes self-sufficient, achieving stabilization without external passive components that would increase device complexity or compromise security in critical systems
3Speed
If the power supply potential recovers quickly after transients, then the regulator performance improves, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of the amplifier circuit - its gain - from a fixed value to a variable value determined by the output terminal potential. This parameter change enables the circuit to provide high gain during transient conditions for fast recovery, while maintaining appropriate gain during normal operation. The variable gain parameter allows fast recovery performance without requiring complex multi-stage circuits or additional active components
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a first transistor connected between a first node and an output terminal and a first current source connected between the first node and a supply rail. A circuit includes a second current source connected between the supply rail and a second node, an operational amplifier having a non-inverting input configured to receive a potential set point, and a second transistor connected between the second node and an inverting input of the operational amplifier. An output of the operational amplifier is connected to a control terminal of the second transistor and further connected to a control terminal of the first transistor.