Voltage regulating circuit with selectable voltage references and method therefor

摘要

A voltage regulating circuit is provided for regulating an output voltage in order to minimize an absolute difference between a level of said output voltage and a reference level. The voltage regulating circuit comprises a voltage regulator and a reference level generator. The reference level generator generates an internal reference level on the basis of said output voltage level and said reference level such that said internal reference level does not exceed said output voltage level by more than a maximum allowed increment. The voltage regulator regulates said output voltage in order to minimize an absolute difference between said output voltage level and said internal reference level. A method of regulating an output voltage is also disclosed.

主权项

1. A voltage regulating circuit, for regulating an output voltage in order to minimize an absolute difference between a level of said output voltage and a reference level, said voltage regulating circuit comprising:
a voltage regulator and a reference level generator connected to said voltage regulator, said reference level generator being arranged to generate an internal reference level on the basis of said output voltage level and said reference level such that said internal reference level does not exceed said output voltage level by more than a maximum allowed increment, said voltage regulator being arranged to regulate said output voltage in order to minimize an absolute difference between said output voltage level and said internal reference level, wherein: said reference level generator comprises an incrementer, a selection unit, and a multiplexer responsive to said selection unit; said incrementer being arranged to generate, on the basis of said output voltage level an incremented level higher than said output voltage level; said selection unit being arranged to select said internal reference level among two or more multiplexer input levels, said multiplexer input levels comprising at least said reference level and said incremented level; and said multiplexer being arranged to forward said internal reference level to said voltage regulator.