TECHNIQUE FOR IMPROVING EFFICIENCY OF A LINEAR VOLTAGE REGULATOR

摘要

A linear voltage regulator includes a first transistor, a feedback circuit, and a control circuit. The first transistor includes a first terminal coupled to an input terminal of the regulator, a second terminal coupled to an output terminal of the regulator, and a control terminal. The first transistor is configured to provide a load current to the output terminal at a desired voltage level based on a control signal on the control terminal. The feedback circuit is coupled to the output terminal and is configured to generate a feedback signal based on an actual voltage level at the output terminal. The control circuit is configured to provide, based on the feedback signal, the control signal at a level to substantially maintain an output voltage at the output terminal at the desired voltage level. An operating current of the control circuit is configured to increase, by a limited amount, responsive to a transient increase in the load current.