Voltage Regulation Unit with Zener Diode and Charge Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage regulation devices with Zener diodes suffer from high power consumption, low power efficiency, and temperature-dependent output voltage variations, as well as complex and costly circuit structures due to continuous operation of charge pumps and reliance on operational amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulation unit incorporating a current mapping unit, a Zener diode, and a biasing unit that generates control signals to terminate the charge pump operation when the output voltage reaches a predetermined level, using a current mirror and logic gates for feedback control, thereby reducing power consumption and temperature sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charge pump continuously operates to increase the voltage level of the output voltage, then the voltage regulation is maintained, but the power consumption increases and power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump operates periodically rather than continuously. The control circuit monitors the output voltage and enables the charge pump only when the output voltage falls below a threshold level, then disables it when the voltage reaches the target level. This periodic operation maintains voltage regulation while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Device complexity
If the Zener diode is used for voltage regulation, then the circuit structure is simple and cost is low, but the output voltage varies with temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the Zener diode by controlling the current flowing through it. The control circuit adjusts the Zener current dynamically based on output voltage conditions, operating the Zener diode in its optimal breakdown region where voltage regulation is most effective. This parameter control reduces temperature sensitivity while maintaining the simple circuit structure advantage.
3Reliability
If the operational amplifier is used for voltage regulation, then the output voltage is stable, but the circuit complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the operational amplifier from the voltage regulation circuit, replacing it with a simpler control circuit consisting of voltage dividers, comparators, and switching elements. This extraction maintains output voltage stability through feedback control while dramatically reducing circuit complexity and cost associated with operational amplifiers.
4Reliability
If the charge pump operates continuously, then the voltage level is maintained, but the power efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the output voltage is continuously monitored and fed back to the control circuit. Based on this feedback, the control circuit intelligently enables or disables the charge pump operation. This feedback system maintains the voltage level reliably while optimizing power efficiency by eliminating unnecessary continuous operation and reducing energy losses.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves lower power consumption, higher power efficiency, and a simpler, less costly circuit structure by effectively regulating voltage and compensating for temperature effects, while enabling precise control of the charge pump operation.
Implementation Method 1
The Zener diode receives the first current signal and controls a voltage level of the driving voltage to be substantially equal to a predetermined voltage level to regulate the driving voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulation unit with a Zener diode receives a driving voltage outputted from a charge pump and controls a level of the driving voltage to regulate the driving voltage. The voltage regulation unit includes a current mapping unit, a Zener diode and a biasing unit. The current mapping unit receives the driving voltage and generates first and second current signals at master and slave current ends according to the driving voltage, respectively. The diode receives the first current signal and controls the level of the driving voltage to be substantially equal to a predetermined voltage level. The biasing unit receives the second current signal, judges whether the level of the driving voltage reaches the predetermined voltage level according to the second current signal, and outputs a control signal, which is fed back to the charge pump to control the charge pump to generate the driving voltage.