Voltage Regulator Bypass Mode via Gate-to-Source Voltage Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulators face challenges in providing a stable and power-efficient bypass mode for varying load conditions, as existing solutions struggle to maintain a low dropout voltage and minimize resistance while compensating for PVT conditions.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator design that includes a pass transistor, a driver stage, voltage regulation means, bypass regulation means, and mode selection means, which allows for selective operation in voltage regulation or bypass mode by setting the gate-to-source voltage to a target value, using sensing and monitoring mechanisms to ensure a fixed gate-to-source voltage across different PVT conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the regulator operates in bypass mode to provide load current directly from input node, then power efficiency is improved, but the dropout voltage becomes unstable and resistance increases under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from output voltage regulation to gate-to-source voltage regulation. By setting VGS to a fixed target voltage (e.g., 1.8V) instead of regulating output voltage, the pass transistor operates in a stable bypass mode with consistent low resistance and optimized power efficiency across varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the gate-to-source voltage of the pass transistor is sensed and fed back to the driver stage. This feedback loop adjusts the drive current to maintain a fixed target VGS, ensuring stable dropout voltage and resistance characteristics while operating in bypass mode for improved power efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the gate-to-source voltage is increased to reduce on-resistance in bypass mode, then power efficiency is improved, but the pass transistor may be damaged under certain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent sets the gate-to-source voltage to an optimized target value (e.g., 1.8V) that balances power efficiency and device safety. This specific parameter setting reduces on-resistance and power losses while staying within the maximum rated VGS of the pass transistor, preventing damage under all operating conditions including bypass mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements protective circuitry that prevents the gate-to-source voltage from exceeding the pass transistor's maximum rating. This includes clamping mechanisms and controlled drive circuits that ensure VGS never reaches dangerous levels, providing beforehand protection against potential transistor damage while still achieving low resistance operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the regulator uses voltage regulation means to maintain stable output voltage, then output voltage stability is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates in bypass mode due to continuous regulation activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic operating mode that allows the regulator to switch between voltage regulation mode and bypass mode. In bypass mode, the continuous regulation activity is disabled and the pass transistor operates with fixed target VGS, eliminating the power losses associated with continuous regulation while maintaining adequate performance for many applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional regulator that can operate in both voltage regulation mode (for applications requiring stable output voltage) and bypass mode (for applications prioritizing power efficiency). The same hardware circuit supports both modes, allowing the system to select the optimal operating mode based on specific application requirements and load conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator which provides at an output node a load current at an output voltage is described. The voltage regulator comprises a pass transistor for providing the load current at the output node from an input node, and a driver stage configured to set the gate voltage of the pass transistor based on a drive current. The voltage regulator has voltage regulation means to set the drive current in dependence of an indication of the output voltage at the output node and in dependence of a reference voltage for the output voltage. The voltage regulator has bypass regulation means to set the drive current in dependence of an indication of the gate-to-source voltage at the pass transistor and in dependence of a target voltage for the gate—to activate the voltage regulation means and/or the bypass regulation means. source voltage. The voltage regulator also comprises mode selection means.