Variable Resistance Reference Voltage Circuit for Power Supply Rejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reference voltage circuits face challenges in achieving high power supply rejection (PSR) and fast start-up times due to voltage drops in power distribution networks, often requiring trade-offs between start-up time and power efficiency, which can lead to increased battery drain and cooling requirements.

Innovation Solution

A variable resistance circuit is introduced, coupled with a reference voltage circuit, which includes a voltage detection circuit and a digital-control switch to adjust the output load and impedance, allowing for optimized power supply rejection and start-up time by dynamically changing resistance values during steady-state and start-up modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter circuit is added to increase power supply rejection, then PSR is improved, but start-up time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply rejectionVSAvoidstart-up time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the resistance value adjustable based on operating conditions. The variable resistance circuit changes its resistance dynamically - using a first resistance value during start-up mode to minimize start-up time, and a second resistance value during steady-state mode to maximize power supply rejection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between fast start-up and high PSR performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If circuit parameters are adjusted to decrease start-up time, then start-up time is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestart-up timeVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamics to adjust the resistance value based on the operational phase. During start-up mode, a first resistance value is used to enable fast charging of the output capacitor and quick voltage establishment. During steady-state mode, a second resistance value is used to minimize power consumption. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the circuit to optimize for speed when needed and for efficiency when stable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by switching between different resistance values based on the operational phase. The control circuit periodically transitions from start-up mode to steady-state mode, and the variable resistance circuit相应地 switches between first and second resistance values. This periodic switching allows the system to achieve both fast start-up and low power consumption at different times in the operational cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If low current is used to improve power efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but start-up time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidstart-up time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by dynamically adjusting the current level based on operational phase. During start-up mode, the variable resistance circuit uses a first resistance value that allows higher current flow to quickly charge the output capacitor and establish the reference voltage. During steady-state mode, the circuit switches to a second resistance value that limits current to minimize power consumption. This dynamic current management enables both fast start-up and low power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7518434B1Reference voltage circuit
Publication Date: 2009.04.14 NVIDIA CORP
  • US7518434B1 patent drawing
  • US7518434B1 patent drawing
  • US7518434B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for power supply rejection in a reference voltage circuit using a variable resistance circuit.