Voltage Regulator Using Series-Connected Transistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing voltage regulator systems for integrated MOS circuits require expensive mixed technologies and complex process steps to produce regulators for lower voltage levels, especially when integrating 5-V transistors are not present at the inputs/outputs, making it challenging to create efficient and cost-effective 5V-3V or 5V-1.8V regulators within the circuit.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator system using series-connected transistors that support only the lower voltage (e.g., 3-V transistors) to divide and regulate the higher voltage (e.g., 5 V), with feedback control means including a differential amplifier to control the transistors and maintain a stable output voltage, allowing for integration within the circuit without the need for 5-V transistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If 5-V transistors are integrated into the circuit to produce a 5V-3V voltage regulator, then the regulator can be easily produced using the same technology and process steps, but it requires expensive mixed technology and a large number of process steps when 5-V transistors are not present at the inputs/outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is segmented into multiple functional blocks: a voltage detection circuit that monitors the 5V supply, a control circuit that generates regulation signals, and a power conversion circuit that actually performs the 5V to 3V conversion. This segmentation allows each block to be independently designed and optimized, with the power conversion circuit using only 3V-compatible transistors while the control circuit handles the voltage regulation logic.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate control voltage is introduced as a mediator between the 5V supply and the 3V load. The control circuit generates this intermediate voltage based on feedback from the voltage detection circuit, and the power conversion circuit uses this intermediate voltage to control the switching of 3V transistors, thereby achieving 5V to 3V conversion without directly exposing 3V transistors to 5V stress.
2Device complexity
If 3-V transistors are used in the voltage regulator, then the circuit can be produced with a single technology and fewer process steps, but the transistors cannot reliably support the 5-V power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator employs dynamic voltage control through feedback mechanisms. The voltage detection circuit continuously monitors the 5V supply voltage and dynamically adjusts the control signals to the power conversion circuit. This dynamic adjustment ensures that 3V transistors operate within their safe voltage limits even when the 5V supply fluctuates, maintaining reliability while using only 3V-compatible transistors.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback loop is established where the voltage detection circuit monitors the output voltage and feeds this information back to the control circuit. The control circuit compares the detected voltage with a reference voltage and adjusts the power conversion circuit accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that 3V transistors are never exposed to excessive voltage, guaranteeing reliable operation with single 3V technology.
3Reliability
If a 5V-3V voltage regulator is used outside the circuit, then the regulator can be produced through 5-V transistors, but the technique is expensive and bulky because the regulator is not integrated into the circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is merged with the main circuit by integrating all regulator components (voltage detection circuit, control circuit, and power conversion circuit) directly into the circuit substrate. This integration eliminates the need for separate external regulator components, reducing board space and interconnection complexity while maintaining reliable 5V to 3V conversion through the combined operation of integrated 3V transistors and control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator system is provided, which receives a first voltage and produces a regulated voltage. Such a device does not include any transistor supporting the first voltage, but does include transistors supporting at most a second voltage lower than the first voltage and includes division means, which include a first transistor connected in series with at least one second transistor, which division means receive the first voltage and generate the regulated voltage.