Voltage Regulator Adaptation Unit for Output Capacitor Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators are not optimized for power consumption across a wide range of output capacitor values, leading to suboptimal performance and increased internal losses when used with capacitors outside their design range.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator with an adaptation unit that determines the capacitance of the output capacitor during startup and adjusts the differential amplification stage to optimize quiescent current and bandwidth, allowing for efficient operation across various capacitor values by dynamically adjusting the Miller capacitor and other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control circuitry of a linear regulator is designed with fixed parameters, then the regulator can operate with different output capacitors, but the power consumption is not optimal for different capacitor values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation by measuring the output capacitor value during startup and adjusting the control circuitry parameters accordingly. The Miller capacitor value and bias currents are dynamically modified based on the detected capacitor range, transforming a static design into an adaptive system that optimizes power consumption for each specific capacitor configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key parameters of the control circuitry based on the output capacitor value. The Miller capacitor value is adjusted according to the detected capacitor range, and bias currents are modified to optimize the operating point. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the regulator to maintain versatility while achieving optimal power efficiency for each capacitor configuration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the control circuitry is optimized for specific output capacitors, then power consumption is minimized, but the regulator cannot operate efficiently with capacitors outside the design range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms during the startup phase to measure the output capacitor value and use this information to adjust the control circuitry parameters. This feedback loop enables the regulator to adapt its operation to match the specific capacitor configuration, achieving both low power consumption and broad applicability by optimizing parameters based on actual operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs capacitor detection and parameter adjustment during the startup phase before normal operation begins. This preliminary action allows the regulator to pre-configure its control circuitry for optimal performance with the specific capacitor present, ensuring both power efficiency and adaptability from the moment operation commences.
3Device complexity
If the regulator uses a fixed Miller capacitor value, then the circuit is simple to design, but the bandwidth and stability are not optimized for different output capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the Miller capacitor value based on the detected output capacitor range. Instead of using a fixed capacitor, the system selectively activates different Miller capacitor values corresponding to different capacitor ranges, thereby maintaining loop stability across varying operating conditions without significantly increasing circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the capacitor operating range into distinct intervals, with each interval having an optimized Miller capacitor value. This segmentation approach allows the use of discrete capacitor values rather than a continuous adjustment mechanism, keeping the circuit design relatively simple while achieving stable operation across the full range of output capacitor values.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the regulator is designed for a specific capacitor value, then the quiescent current is optimized, but the regulator exhibits suboptimal performance with capacitors outside the design range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies bias currents and control circuitry parameters based on the detected output capacitor value. By adjusting these parameters according to the specific capacitor present, the regulator achieves optimized quiescent current for each capacitor configuration while maintaining consistent performance characteristics across the full range of supported capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs parameter optimization during the startup phase by detecting the capacitor value and configuring the control circuitry accordingly before normal operation begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that the quiescent current is optimized for the specific capacitor present from the moment the regulator becomes operational, eliminating performance degradation that would occur with fixed-parameter designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator which provides an output current at an output voltage at an output node of the voltage regulator, based on an input voltage at an input node of the voltage regulator is described. The voltage regulator has an output amplification stage for deriving the output current at the output node from the input voltage at the input node in dependence of a drive voltage. Furthermore, the voltage regulator has a differential amplification stage to determine the drive voltage in dependence of the output voltage and in dependence of a reference voltage. In addition, the voltage regulator has an adaption unit to determine a capacitance indication of a capacitor value of an output capacitor coupled to the output node of the voltage regulator. The adaption unit also adapts the differential amplification stage in dependence of the capacitance indication.