Voltage Regulator Input Switching to Mitigate Amplifier Aging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive voltage regulators experience accelerated aging due to maintaining high voltage levels across operational amplifier input terminals, leading to reduced accuracy and robustness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of aging mitigation circuitry with a comparator and switches to manage voltage differentials across error amplifier input terminals, disconnecting them during normal operation and reconnecting during voltage regulation, thereby reducing the voltage differential and mitigating aging effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage levels are maintained across error amplifier input terminals during normal operation, then voltage regulation capability is ensured, but aging of the operational amplifier accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage differential across the error amplifier input terminals variable rather than static. During normal operation, a high voltage differential is maintained to ensure proper voltage regulation. During aging mitigation mode, the voltage differential is reduced to a low level. This dynamic adjustment of the voltage differential allows the system to alternate between performance optimization and component protection, thereby extending the operational amplifier's lifespan while maintaining voltage regulation capability when needed.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If voltage differential across error amplifier input terminals is reduced to mitigate aging, then operational amplifier lifespan is extended, but voltage regulation accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternately switching between two operational modes: a normal operation mode with high voltage differential for accurate voltage regulation, and an aging mitigation mode with low voltage differential to extend component lifespan. The control circuit periodically transitions between these modes based on system conditions, allowing the error amplifier to experience reduced stress intervals that prevent cumulative aging effects while maintaining high accuracy during critical voltage regulation periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a voltage regulator that includes an error amplifier having a first output, a first non-inverting input, and a first inverting input, wherein the error amplifier is configured to generate a signal based on a first voltage at the first non-inverting input and a second voltage at the first inverting input, and circuitry coupled to the error amplifier and to an output of the voltage regulator. The circuitry may be configured to in a first mode, cause a voltage to be applied between the first inverting input and the first non-inverting input of the error amplifier at a predefined voltage level and, in a second mode, cause the first inverting input of the error amplifier to be coupled to a first reference voltage source, and the first non-inverting input of the error amplifier to be coupled to the output of the voltage regulator.