Single-Stage Voltage Regulator Switching Between Charge Pump and LDO
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive integrated circuits face challenges in maintaining performance across a wide range of environmental conditions, particularly with battery voltage variations, leading to inefficiencies in motor control due to the need for multiple voltage regulators, which increase silicon area and current consumption.
Innovation Solution
A single-stage voltage regulator circuit that dynamically switches between charge pump and linear regulator configurations based on input voltage thresholds, using a network of switches and a voltage monitor to generate output voltages higher or lower than the input voltage, reducing the need for multiple regulators and optimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cascade of charge pump regulator and linear regulator is used to generate output voltage higher or lower than input voltage, then the voltage regulation performance is improved, but the silicon area and current consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charge pump regulator and linear regulator into a single integrated circuit that can dynamically switch between charge pump mode and linear regulator mode based on input voltage conditions, eliminating the need for separate discrete regulator components and reducing overall silicon area while maintaining voltage regulation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The single-stage regulator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a charge pump regulator when input voltage is below the output voltage, and as a linear regulator when input voltage is above the output voltage, allowing one circuit to replace what would traditionally require two separate regulators
2Reliability
If a cascade of charge pump regulator and linear regulator is used to generate output voltage higher or lower than input voltage, then the voltage regulation performance is improved, but the current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator dynamically switches between charge pump mode and linear regulator mode based on real-time input voltage conditions, optimizing current consumption by using the most efficient mode for the current operating condition rather than being locked into a fixed architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes its operational parameters and configuration based on input voltage thresholds, transitioning between different regulation modes to maintain optimal efficiency and current consumption across the full range of battery voltage conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage regulators are used to handle battery voltage variations, then the voltage regulation across different battery conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-stage regulator is designed to handle both step-up (charge pump) and step-down (linear regulator) voltage conversion within a single unified circuit, eliminating the need for multiple separate regulators and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining adaptability to various battery conditions
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 enables efficient voltage regulation across varying battery conditions, minimizing silicon area and current consumption while maintaining motor performance, thus addressing the limitations of prior art by integrating charge pump and linear regulator functions in a single architecture.
Implementation Method 1
The charge pump regulator is able to generate an output voltage higher than the input
Implementation Method 2
the linear regulator is able to generate an output voltage lower than input voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable voltage regulating circuit includes first through fourth switches. A flying capacitor is coupled between a common mode node and a pump node, and a sense resistance network is coupled between an output node and an input of an error amplifier and configured to provide a sensed output voltage. The error amplifier receives at another input a reference voltage and generates an error signal. A charging circuit supplies a charging current to the pump node, and controls the value of the charging current as a function of the error signal. A switch command signals generator generates respective first, second, third, and fourth switch signals to control the first switch, second switch, third switch, and fourth switch. The generator sets the configurable voltage regulating circuit as either a charge pump or a linear regulator based the input voltage being less than a first threshold or greater than a second threshold.