NASA has funded a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project that will enable further development of a digitally controlled linear low-dropout regulator (D-LDO) for the extreme temperature ranges demanded for space and harsh environment applications. The LDO regulator is a key component in most power management systems especially point-of-load supplies where it is critical to stay within an intended operating range with tight tolerance.
The radiation hardened-by design (RHBD), digital intensive, unconditionally stable D-LDO offers a well-regulated supply for SoC power management applications, a transient-enhanced digital Proportional and Integration (PI) controller, for greater stability of the D-LDO, and dynamically boosted loop-gain during load transients. Additionally, the digital linear low-dropout regulator is fully digitally controlled, enabling portability across process technologies.
