Power regulation and control using multifunctional integrated circuits

The rapidly advancing integrated circuit technology is making practical the inclusion of increasing numbers of circuit functions in small individual packages. In power applications, the most significant effect will be the reduced cost of regulating small amounts of power. The magnitude of cost reduction for high-performance regulators at fractional watt power levels is great enough to open new possibilities for decentralizing the power regulation function. This paper describes a versatile high-performance integrated voltage regulator circuit. This integrated circuit features excellent decoupling from the power source; insensitivity to load and temperature variations; and provision for switching, off power to the load. Particular aspects of the integrated circuit development discussed include: temperature compensation, stability, noise, and close tolerance on output voltage. By adding external compnents, the integrated circuit can be used to perform a number of operational functions. Examples are shown of possible applications of the integrated circuit to the control of larger devices for regulating power at high levels and as a voltage sensor for actuating various alarm and protection functions.