Voltage Regulator Wake-Up Response Using Dynamic Op-Amp Input Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulation circuits in high-performance applications often have wake-up times that are below desired levels, despite existing techniques, which can lead to inefficiencies and power consumption issues during stand-by or reset periods.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulation system with a regulator section and detection circuitry, where the operational amplifier's second input is selectively connected to either feedback or ground, allowing for the use of 100% of the tail current during wake-up, and a shorting scheme to temporarily short the output to the supply voltage during resume operations, reducing wake-up time and power drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the operational amplifier uses traditional feedback connection during wake-up, then power consumption is reduced, but wake-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the feedback connection dynamic rather than static. The second input of the operational amplifier is selectively connected to either ground or the feedback path based on the operational state. During wake-up, it connects to ground for fast response; during normal operation, it connects to the feedback path for regulation. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between fast wake-up and proper regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the second input of the operational amplifier to ground before the wake-up sequence begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that when wake-up is initiated, the operational amplifier is already in the optimal state for fast response, eliminating any delay that would occur if the feedback connection had to be established during the wake-up process itself.
2Speed
If 100% of tail current is used during wake-up, then wake-up speed improves, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the switching circuitry to serve multiple functions: it controls the connection of the second input during wake-up, manages the transition to feedback mode, and works with the operational amplifier's existing tail current. This multi-functional approach allows 100% tail current utilization without requiring entirely separate control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching circuitry as an intermediary element that mediates between the operational amplifier and the feedback path. This intermediary component enables the operational amplifier to switch between ground connection and feedback connection without requiring fundamental changes to the operational amplifier itself, thus achieving fast wake-up while keeping the added complexity manageable through a dedicated control interface.
3Reliability
If output is shorted to supply voltage during resume, then power drop is reduced, but risk of overvoltage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the output voltage through the feedback path connected to the first input of the operational amplifier. When the output is shorted to supply voltage during resume operations, the feedback mechanism detects the voltage level and automatically adjusts the operational amplifier's output to prevent overvoltage conditions, thus maintaining reliability while enabling the beneficial shorting effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by having the feedback mechanism ready to counteract potential overvoltage effects before they can cause harm. The feedback path is pre-configured to detect and respond to voltage anomalies, so when the output is temporarily shorted to supply voltage, the feedback system immediately acts to prevent harmful overvoltage conditions, thereby protecting the circuit while still achieving the power drop reduction benefit.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are presented for improving the wake-up response of voltage regulation circuits. A first set of techniques relate to the inputs an op-amp in a regulation circuit. In regulated operation, one input receives feedback from the regulator's output. Instead, during reset, after resetting the op-amp's output node to the supply level, this input of op-amp is instead connected to ground in order to increase the amount of tail current through the op-amp in order to more quickly bring down the op-amp's output node. A detection circuit is introduced to determine when the op-amp's input is reconnected to receive feedback. In a complementary sets of techniques, when the circuit on which the regulator is formed receives an enable signal and the output of the regulator will be needed for an operation, and when the regulator is not yet back at operating levels, its supply is temporarily shorted to the supply level.