Voltage Regulator Circuit Low Power Shutdown Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
In battery-powered devices with switching regulators, power loss occurs due to current flowing through internal and external loads, such as voltage feedback resistors, even when the regulator is in an off state, leading to inefficiencies in low power modes.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator circuit with a shutdown enabled mode that disconnects internal and external loads and switches the CPU from the input voltage to the regulator's output, allowing the circuit to consume minimal power by providing a different output voltage during standby, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the voltage regulator is turned off to reduce power consumption, then power usage decreases, but the CPU cannot receive regulated voltage and the feedback resistors continue to consume power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage regulator circuit into separate controllable paths: one path for the main regulated output to the CPU, and another path for the shutdown mode. By segmenting the circuit into distinct operational paths with independent control, the system can selectively activate only the necessary components during shutdown mode, minimizing power consumption while maintaining essential functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different operational states of the voltage regulator. The circuit transitions from a regulated output state to an unregulated direct connection state based on operational mode. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics to match the actual operational requirements, enabling ultra-low power mode while maintaining CPU functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the regulator operates in shutdown mode to save power, then power consumption reduces, but the feedback resistors continue to draw current causing power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the feedback resistor network from the active circuit path during shutdown mode. By taking out the feedback resistors that were previously continuously connected and consuming power, the system eliminates this source of power loss while maintaining the essential voltage supply function through the alternative direct connection path.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the CPU is connected to the input voltage directly during shutdown, then power consumption is reduced, but the voltage is unregulated and may not be suitable for CPU operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different operational states of the voltage regulator. The circuit transitions from a regulated output state to an unregulated direct connection state based on operational mode. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics to match the actual operational requirements, enabling ultra-low power mode while maintaining CPU functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described that can solve the problem of being low power while running a device on battery and alternatively running on the output of a switching regulator. In a low power mode, a voltage regulator circuit can be powered down and a switch can connect an input voltage of the regulator, e.g., a battery, to the CPU. In addition, internal and/or external loads, such as voltage feedback resistors, can be disconnected in order to further reduce the power consumption. If the device is going into operation, the CPU can be disconnected from the input voltage of the regulator, e.g., the battery, and switched to the output of the regulator. This can ensure that the circuit consumes very little power consumption in standby mode.