IP Library Granted Patent US 9,236,732
Granted Patent B2
US 9,236,732 · App. 14/033,137 · Granted Jan 12, 2016

Voltage regulator

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,236,732
App. No.
14/033,137
Granted
Jan 12, 2016
Kind
B2
Abstract

Provided is a voltage regulator capable of suppressing an overshoot with low current consumption. A comparator of an overshoot detection circuit is activated only when a power supply fluctuation occurs, and the comparator outputs a signal for reducing an overshoot occurring in an output voltage. In a steady state, the comparator of the overshoot detection circuit is turned off to prevent the current from being consumed.

Claims (15)

1. A voltage regulator, comprising:

a differential amplifier circuit for amplifying a difference between a reference voltage and a divided voltage obtained by dividing an output voltage of an output transistor, and outputting the amplified difference to control a gate of the output transistor; and

an overshoot detection circuit for detecting an overshoot in the output voltage of the output transistor,

the overshoot detection circuit comprising:

a capacitor for detecting a power supply fluctuation;

a comparator for detecting an overshoot that occurs at the output transistor based on the reference voltage and the divided voltage, and outputting a signal for turning off the output transistor;

a first constant current source having a first end connected to the comparator and a second end connected to a first transistor;

wherein the first transistor is configured to be turned on to allow current from the first constant current source supply current to the comparator when a signal indicating the detection of the power supply fluctuation is received from the capacitor, and the first transistor is configured to be turned off to prevent the current from the first constant current source from being supplied to the comparator when the signal is not received to thereby prevent the comparator from outputting the signal for turning off the output transistor; and

a pull-down circuit connected to a gate of the first transistor.

2. A voltage regulator according to claim 1 , further comprising:

a second transistor including a gate connected to an output terminal of the comparator and a drain connected to the gate of the output transistor; and

a second constant current source for supplying a current smaller than a current of the first constant current source to the comparator.

3. A voltage regulator according to claim 1 , further comprising:

a second transistor including a gate connected to an output terminal of the comparator and a drain connected to the gate of the output transistor; and

a pull-up circuit connected to the output terminal of the comparator.

Assignments (4)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Mar 12, 2018
From: SII SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
To: ABLIC INC.
Reel/Frame 045567/0927 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE EXECUTION DATE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 037783 FRAME: 0166. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Feb 23, 2016
From: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC
To: SII SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 037903/0928 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 11, 2016
From: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC
To: SII SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION .
Reel/Frame 037783/0166 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 24, 2013
From: MATSUDA, TAKASHI; AZUMA, FUMIMASA
To: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
Reel/Frame 031267/0602 →