Abstract: A system for power regulation is provided. The system includes a plurality of regulator stages and a voltage boost circuit configured to provide a source voltage to a difference amplifier of each regulator stage. The difference amplifier of each regulator stage is configured to compare a feedback voltage to an output voltage of a reference generation circuit. Each regulator stage includes a plurality of output transistors driven by an output of the difference amplifier. The system includes a start-up circuit arranged and configured to power the voltage boost circuit the reference generation circuit while operation in a start up mode.

Abstract: Power supply is facilitated. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a power regulator circuit includes first and second regulators and a controller for controlling operation of the power regulator circuit in standby and normal operational modes. The first and second regulators respectively provide regulated power at main and standby power levels, the standby power level being lower than the main power level. For the standby mode, the controller operates the second regulator for supplying power to an integrated circuit at the standby power level. For transitioning to the normal mode, the controller turns the first regulator on while continuing to operate the second regulator for supplying power to the integrated circuit during a start-up period. After a start-up period (e.g., when the first regulator is up to full power), the controller operates the first regulator for supplying power for operating the processor in a high-frequency mode.

Abstract: Power control is facilitated. In accordance with one or more embodiments, power is supplied to power rails of an integrated circuit using a power control circuit including a power regulator and a reset circuit that is responsive to a supply voltage. The power regulator provides power to the power rails, based upon a control signal. The reset circuit controls the power regulator to provide power to the power rails independently of the control signal when the supply voltage is below an operational voltage level, and controls the power regulator to provide power to the power rails in response to the control signal when the supply voltage reaches the operational voltage level.

Abstract: Methods, devices and circuits are provided for power-on-reset circuits with low static power consumption. One such circuit includes a detector that draws current from a supply voltage. The detector detects that the supply voltage has exceeded a trip-point voltage level and then disables current draw from the detector. The detector responds to an enable signal by enabling current draw from the detector. A pulse generator generates a reset signal in response the supply voltage transitioning from a voltage below the trip point voltage level to above the trip point voltage level. A monitor detects that the supply voltage has dropped and provides, in response thereto, the enable signal to the detector to enable current draw from the portion of the detector.

Abstract: Consistent with an example embodiment, there is a power regulator arrangement with variable current capacity providing power from a power supply to a load having variable demand. As a load, a high-performance microprocessor has several modes of operation. At the highest speed setting, it demands a lot of current. At slower clock speeds and during state retention, the processor has a very low current consumption. Using a single regulator, the current efficiency may be very low during long standby periods. To increase the efficiency even at lower load currents, a scheme is based on parallel operation of multiple regulators having different load ranges, for example, a “low, “medium,” and “high” range regulators. Having knowledge of the load current profile, the regulators can be adjusted such that the peak of the efficiency curve matches the load profile of the regulator. The efficiency of the power regulator arrangement is enhanced throughout the range of power demanded by the load.

Abstract: A digitally controlled hybrid power module is controlled by a programmable controller. The hybrid power module includes a digitally controlled switching supply with an output coupled to an input of a digitally controlled linear voltage regulator. Independent control of switching supply and the linear regulator is provided by the programmable controller, which may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), microcontroller, or digital signal processor (DSP). The programmable controller may independently control one or more power modules. Each power module may also include enable switching and an associated current clamp for capacitive loads. An output voltage transient suppressor may also be used to control transients, such as those produced under fast switching conditions.

Abstract: A digitally controlled hybrid power module is controlled by a programmable controller. The hybrid power module includes a digitally controlled switching supply with an output coupled to an input of a digitally controlled linear voltage regulator. Independent control of switching supply and the linear regulator is provided by the programmable controller, which may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), microcontroller, or digital signal processor (DSP). The programmable controller may independently control one or more power modules. Each power module may also include enable switching and an associated current clamp for capacitive loads. An output voltage transient suppressor may also be used to control transients, such as those produced under fast switching conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is a circuit for controlling current. In one embodiment, the high reference voltage input of a digital to analog converter is coupled with a reference voltage source which provides a positive reference voltage. A resistive load is coupled to an output of the digital to analog converter and to a circuit output pin. A sensing device couples the circuit output pin with the low reference voltage input of the digital to analog converter and to a reference ground input of the voltage source. The positive reference voltage, low reference voltage, and reference ground voltage are changed in response to the sensing device detecting a change in the output voltage.

Abstract: The present invention is a circuit for controlling current. In one embodiment, the high reference voltage input of a digital to analog converter is coupled with a reference voltage source which provides a positive reference voltage. A resistive load is coupled to an output of the digital to analog converter and to a circuit output pin. A sensing device couples the circuit output pin with the low reference voltage input of the digital to analog converter and to a reference ground input of the voltage source. The positive reference voltage, low reference voltage, and reference ground voltage are changed in response to the sensing device detecting a change in the output voltage.