Voltage Regulator Architecture Without Operational Amplifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal bandgap and regulator circuits in analog circuits have high power consumption and require a large die area due to the use of operational amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A bandgap reference generator and voltage regulator circuit design that eliminates the operational amplifier, utilizing current mirrors and bipolar transistors to generate stable reference voltages with reduced power consumption and die area, by mirroring current paths and adjusting transistor and resistor ratios to achieve stable output voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If operational amplifier is used in the voltage regulator circuit, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the power consumption increases and die area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the operational amplifier from the voltage regulator circuit, extracting the problematic component that caused high power consumption and large die area. The circuit achieves voltage regulation through a simplified architecture using current mirrors and bipolar transistors without requiring the operational amplifier that traditionally provided the regulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses current mirror circuits to replicate current paths and transistor configurations. By copying the current path from the bandgap reference generator to the voltage regulator, the circuit achieves stable voltage regulation through current replication rather than through operational amplifier feedback, thereby reducing power consumption and die area while maintaining stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If operational amplifier is used in the voltage regulator circuit, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the die area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operational amplifier is extracted and removed from the circuit, eliminating the large die area it occupies. The voltage regulation function is achieved through a compact configuration of current mirrors and bipolar transistors that requires significantly less silicon area while maintaining the necessary stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage regulation function with the existing bandgap reference generator circuit by sharing current paths and transistor structures. The second current path in the voltage regulator mirrors the first current path, allowing both functions to coexist in a compact integrated structure rather than requiring separate operational amplifier-based regulation circuitry.
3Ease of operation
If operational amplifier is used in the voltage regulator circuit, then the voltage regulation function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operational amplifier is removed from the circuit, extracting the source of complexity. The voltage regulation function is achieved through a simpler architecture based on current mirrors and bipolar transistors, reducing the number of components and interconnections required while maintaining the essential regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses self-regulating current mirror structures where the current paths automatically balance and regulate each other through the inherent properties of matched bipolar transistors. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external operational amplifier control, simplifying the circuit while maintaining voltage regulation functionality.
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 reduces power consumption and die area while maintaining stable output voltages, achieving efficient voltage regulation without the need for operational amplifiers.
Implementation Method 1
a first bipolar transistor with an emitter-collector path in the first current path... a second bipolar transistor with a base and a collector of the second bipolar transistor being interconnected
Implementation Method 2
The voltage regulator includes a second current path, wherein the second current path mirrors the first current path
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a bandgap reference generator and a voltage regulator. The bandgap reference generator includes a first current path, and a first bipolar transistor with an emitter-collector path in the first current path. The voltage regulator includes a second current path, wherein the second current path mirrors the first current path; a resistor configured to receive a current of the second current path; a second bipolar transistor with a base and a collector of the second bipolar transistor being interconnected; and a third bipolar transistor connected in series with the second bipolar transistor and the resistor. A base and a collector of the third bipolar transistor are interconnected.