Linear regulator IC with versatile ground pin
US9152158B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 2013 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05F1/468
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A linear regulator integrated circuit may be formed having four external terminals including a voltage input (Vin) terminal, a voltage output (Vout) terminal, a Set terminal, and an operational amplifier (op amp) power terminal. A user connects an external resistor to the Set terminal for creating a reference voltage. An op amp controls a pass (or series transistor) to cause an output voltage at the Vout terminal to equal the reference voltage. The op amp has a first power supply terminal internally coupled to the Vin terminal and a second power supply terminal coupled to the op amp power terminal. The op amp power terminal allows a user to externally couple the op amp second power supply terminal to either the Vout pin (for high voltage applications), system ground (for medium voltage applications), or another voltage (to provide additional headroom in very low voltage applications).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.