Voltage Regulator Mode Switching for Fast Transient Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulator circuitry, particularly low drop-out regulators, are slow to respond to transient changes in load current or supply voltage, leading to disadvantages in stability and accuracy during sudden changes.
Innovation Solution
The voltage regulator circuitry is designed to operate in either closed-loop or open-loop modes, allowing dynamic switching between high-speed, low-accuracy open-loop operation for quick voltage adjustments and lower-speed, high-accuracy closed-loop operation for steady-state stability, with a feedback path using a switch to control the mode of operation and a controllable resistance for precise voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If closed-loop mode is used for voltage regulation, then output voltage accuracy and stability are improved, but transient response speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator dynamically switches between closed-loop and open-loop modes based on operating conditions. The control circuitry transitions from closed-loop to open-loop mode during transient events to improve response speed, and returns to closed-loop mode for steady-state accuracy, making the system adaptable rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the feedback parameter state by disabling the feedback path during open-loop mode. This parameter change (from active feedback to inactive feedback) allows the regulator to bypass the accuracy-ensuring feedback mechanism temporarily, enabling faster transient response when accuracy is less critical.
2Speed
If open-loop mode is used for voltage regulation, then transient response speed is improved, but output voltage accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic switching between open-loop and closed-loop modes. During transient conditions, open-loop mode provides rapid response, then the system transitions to closed-loop mode to restore accuracy. This periodic alternation between modes ensures both speed and accuracy are maintained at appropriate times.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry acts as an intermediary that manages the transition between open-loop and closed-loop modes. It detects transient conditions and mediates the switch to open-loop mode for speed, then mediates the return to closed-loop mode for accuracy, coordinating the two conflicting operational states.
3Stability of the object's composition
If feedback path is continuously active, then output voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback path is activated periodically rather than continuously. It is enabled during closed-loop mode for stability and disabled during open-loop mode to reduce power consumption. This periodic activation pattern maintains voltage stability when needed while minimizing energy usage during transient or low-accuracy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system temporarily discards the feedback path during open-loop mode to reduce power consumption, accepting reduced stability during this period. When transitioning back to closed-loop mode, the feedback path is recovered and reactivated to restore voltage stability, effectively trading stability for power savings during specific operational phases.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to voltage regulator circuitry comprising an input for receiving a supply voltage, an output for outputting an output voltage, and control circuitry configured to receive a reference voltage. The voltage regulator circuitry is selectively operable in either a closed-loop mode in which the control circuitry receives a voltage indicative of the output voltage such that the voltage regulator circuitry regulates the output voltage based on the voltage indicative of the output voltage and the reference voltage received by the control circuitry or an open-loop mode in which the control circuitry does not receive the voltage indicative of the output voltage and the voltage regulator circuitry regulates the output voltage based on the reference voltage received by the control circuitry.