Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
Multi-phase Low Dropout Voltage Regulator
Technology Category/ Market
Categories: Electronics & Circuits | Internet of Things (IoT)
Industry: semiconductor and electronics industry, Industrial power management
Applications: improving power efficiency and voltage stability in consumer electronics, telecommunications, automotive, industrial equipment, and various other industries requiring precise power management, having a wide-ranging use cases from portable devices to renewable energy systems.
Market: The global low dropout voltage regulators (LDO) market is projected to grow from USD 1.02 B in 2017 to USD 2.06 B by 2030, at 7.5% CAGR from 2017 to 2030.
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Problem Statement
- As smartphones and tablets become more feature-rich, they require more power supplies. These power supplies are typically regulated by either linear low-dropout (LDO) regulators or switching DC-DC converters.
- While switching converters are efficient for high power, LDOs are more cost-effective for low power applications.
- The challenge is to make LDOs more efficient & compact, especially in small devices like mobile phones.
- Traditional LDO designs require external components like output capacitors, making them less space-efficient. Digital LDOs have been used but come with accuracy and performance trade-offs.
- Hence, New solutions are needed to create LDOs that are smaller, more efficient, and adaptable for various power needs in battery-powered devices. The present patent discloses a Multi-phase Low Dropout Voltage Regulator that address above mentioned issues.
Technology
- The instant patent invention discloses a multi-phase low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator system and method, enabling better power management and longer battery life. It uses multiple phases, feed-forward compensation, and master-slave control, designed to efficiently regulate & stabilize voltage in electronic devices and system.
- The method adjusts phases based on load conditions, ensuring stable voltage and better performance. Refer FIG 1, 2 and 3.
The multi-phases voltage regulator device comprises:
- An output stage that adjusts voltage based on load current.
- A feedback stage with oscillators for precise voltage control and a compensating unit.
- A regulating stage that manages phases based on load conditions, ensuring stable voltage.
- Each phase has a phase frequency detector and charge pump for accuracy.
- A loop filter and pass elements maintain a regulated output voltage.
- In this device, the compensating unit can use trans-conductance elements to control the output voltage.
Method of operating multi-phase LDO regulator
Key Features / Value Proposition
User Perspective:
- Ensures stable power for devices, reducing voltage-related issues. It saves power, prolonging battery life and lowering energy costs. It Reacts quickly to power changes, improving performance.
Technical Perspective:
- Multiple Phases: Manages load changes effectively, ensuring voltage stability.
- Precise Control: Advanced compensation for accurate voltage regulation.
- Noise Resistance: Minimizes the impact of external voltage variations.
Industrial Perspective:
- Fits in various industries, maintaining precise power control, having Balances efficiency & affordability, helping promote sustainability in electronics.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact For Licensing
sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in
Research Lab
Prof. Qadeer Ahmad Khan
Prof. Saurabh Saxena
Department of Electrical Engineering
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref. 1696;
- Patent No. 383434;
- PCT No.: PCT/IN2019/050650
Technology Readiness Level
TRL- 4
Validated in Lab