STMicroelectronics has filed a patent for a low-dropout voltage regulator with a unique mode selection circuit. The circuit controls a transistor to regulate voltage output by sinking current from the output node based on the mode control signal. This innovation allows for precise control over the transistor’s operation. GlobalData’s report on STMicroelectronics gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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Low-drop out voltage regulator with controlled turn-off rate
The patent application (Publication Number: US20240036595A1) describes a circuit and method for a voltage regulator circuit. The circuit includes a voltage regulator circuit generating a regulated voltage, a transistor controlling the current flow, and a mode selection circuit determining the transistor's operation based on a mode control signal. The mode selection circuit includes current conduction paths and mirroring relationships to control the transistor's behavior in response to different logic states of the mode control signal. Additionally, a control circuit generates the mode selection signal based on the voltage regulator circuit's power mode transitions concerning the load connected to the output node.
Furthermore, the patent application details a method of operating a voltage regulator circuit involving receiving an input voltage, producing a regulated output voltage, and controlling an output transistor based on a mode selection signal. The method includes modulating the conductivity of a pass element, receiving a feedback voltage, and producing a drive signal to control the transistor's behavior. The mode selection signal determines whether the output transistor sinks current from the output node or turns off at a controlled rate, based on the assertion or de-assertion of the mode selection signal. This method aims to efficiently regulate voltage levels and manage power transitions in response to load variations, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the voltage regulator circuit.
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