A High-Efficiency Low Dropout Regulator in 180 nm CMOS for Power-Constrained SoC Applications
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Abstract
Low Dropout Regulators (LDOs) are one of the most vital components in today's System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms, particularly in battery-powered and noise-sensitive applications such as biomedical and analog sensor interfaces. Their fundamental function is to deliver an uncompromised regulated output voltage with as minimal input-to-output voltage difference, or dropout voltage, as achievable while maintaining low power consumption and high noise rejection. This article presents the design and simulation of a low-voltage SoC power management integrated LDO with 180 nm CMOS technology. The adopted design features a PMOS pass transistor, resistive feedback network for accurate voltage regulation, and two-stage differential error amplifier with Miller compensation for frequency stability. Powered by a 1.8 V supply, the regulator produces a stable output of 1.6 V with a dropout voltage of at least 200 mV. The LDO has a load current of 1 µA to 10 mA and exhibits a phase margin of 60°, gain-bandwidth product of 7.57 MHz, and a quiescent current of as low as 10 µA. The LDO also displays satisfactory Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR) performance, −54 dB at 1 kHz, with the ability to supply solidity against supply noise and load transients. Simulation results validate the LDO's capability to deliver stable voltage with negligible overshoot and fast settling during load transitions. The compact area involves no charge pumps or outside components, making it ideal for area- and power-constrained SoC integration. Overall, the proposed LDO compromises between power efficiency, noise performance, and integration simplicity.
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