Abstract: A load coupled to a linear voltage regulator may create a load transient so that an output of the voltage regulator is temporarily raised to an elevated level above a regulated level. Without compensation, the linear voltage regulator may respond by turning a pass transistor completely OFF thereby losing regulation and allowing a compensation capacitor to become charged in a polarization opposite to one required for regulation. If a subsequent load transient (i.e., back-to-back load transient) is generated while the linear voltage regulator is in this condition, a large spike in the output may occur as the voltage regulator recharges the pass transistor turns back ON and as the compensation capacitor recharges. Disclosed herein is a linear voltage regulator with transient compensation circuitry to prevent the scenario described above and reduce the spike in the output.

Abstract: A voltage regulator having a current limiter for over-current protection is disclosed. The current limiter is powered by a current or currents derived from an output current. In a no-load condition, in which the output current is zero, the current or currents powering the current limiter may be zero. As the output current increases, however, the current or currents powering the current limiter may grow in proportion. Thus, the current limiter can have zero quiescent current in a no-load condition but may be powered to protect the voltage regulator in a high-current condition.

Abstract: A load coupled to a linear voltage regulator may create a load transient so that an output of the voltage regulator is temporarily raised to an elevated level above a regulated level. Without compensation, the linear voltage regulator may respond by turning a pass transistor completely OFF thereby losing regulation and allowing a compensation capacitor to become charged in a polarization opposite to one required for regulation. If a subsequent load transient (i.e., back-to-back load transient) is generated while the linear voltage regulator is in this condition, a large spike in the output may occur as the voltage regulator recharges the pass transistor turns back ON and as the compensation capacitor recharges. Disclosed herein is a linear voltage regulator with transient compensation circuitry to prevent the scenario described above and reduce the spike in the output.

Abstract: A voltage regulator having a current limiter for over-current protection is disclosed. The current limiter is powered by a current or currents derived from an output current. In a no-load condition, in which the output current is zero, the current or currents powering the current limiter may be zero. As the output current increases, however, the current or currents powering the current limiter may grow in proportion. Thus, the current limiter can have zero quiescent current in a no-load condition but may be powered to protect the voltage regulator in a high-current condition.