Voltage Regulator with Programmable Pass Array

The patent applies dynamics by making the pass element size adjustable rather than fixed. The pass element is implemented as a programmable array of field effect transistors that can dynamically change their effective size based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the circuit to maintain high DC loop gain across varying load currents, thereby improving voltage regulation accuracy without requiring an overly complex fixed-configuration circuit

The patent changes the parameter of pass element size to optimize performance. By programmatically adjusting the number of active field effect transistors in the pass element array, the circuit adapts its effective resistance and transconductance characteristics. This parameter change enables the regulator to maintain accurate voltage regulation across different operating points while keeping the overall circuit architecture relatively simple

The patent uses dynamics to adapt the pass element configuration based on current levels. At high load currents, the programmable array adjusts to maintain the pass element transistors in the saturation region where they provide high transconductance gain. This dynamic reconfiguration prevents the transistors from entering the triode region, thereby maintaining high DC loop gain even when handling high currents

The patent segments the pass element into multiple field effect transistors arranged in a programmable array. This segmentation allows independent control of each transistor's contribution to the total current. By selectively activating specific transistors, the circuit can distribute the current handling load while keeping individual transistors operating in the high-gain saturation region, thus maintaining DC gain while improving current handling capability

The patent segments the pass element function across multiple field effect transistors with different size characteristics. Instead of using one large PMOS transistor that operates poorly at low currents, the circuit uses an array of smaller transistors that can be individually activated. This segmentation allows the circuit to use appropriately-sized transistors for each operating condition, eliminating the systematic offsets that occur when a large transistor is forced to operate at low current levels

The patent applies dynamics by programmatically selecting which transistors in the pass element array are active based on the required current level. At low current demands, only small transistors are activated, avoiding the systematic offsets associated with large transistors operating near cutoff. At high current demands, more transistors are activated to provide the necessary current capacity. This dynamic selection eliminates systematic offsets while maintaining high current capacity when needed