Solid-state high voltage linear regulator circuit

Details Solid-state high voltage linear regulator circuit Solid-state high voltage linear regulator circuit

2000-02-24

2001-01-16

Sterrett, Jeffrey (Department: 2838)

Electricity: power supply or regulation systems

Output level responsive

Using a three or more terminal semiconductive device as the...

C323S273000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06175222

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to high voltage regulators, and more particularly to solid-state circuits for high voltage regulation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many applications demand a regulated high voltage that is free from variations in voltage level. Designing an inexpensive and reliable circuit that provides a regulated high voltage, however, has proved to be problematic. While it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to use solid-state devices in a regulator circuit because of their low cost and small size, it has been difficult to design such a circuit. For example, although bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) have been used in the design of high voltage regulator circuits, the regulator circuits have failed to achieve the necessary performance for practical use. In certain circumstances, the current necessary to drive the bipolar junction transistors can exceed the actual load current being regulated. Moreover, bipolar junction transistors cannot tolerate overvoltages for an extended period. Based on the perceived shortcomings of bipolar junction transistors in specific, and solid-state devices in general, current regulators have therefore typically been constructed using different technologies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a solid-state regulator circuit for regulating a high voltage in a controlled manner. The regulator circuit consists of multiple MOSFET transistor stages connected in cascade. In the preferred embodiment, a blocking diode is connected in parallel with each stage. Each stage in the regulator circuit can be biased on or off. When biased on, the stage provides a conductive path. When biased off, the stage acts as an open circuit up to the breakdown value of the blocking diode across each stage. The first stage in the regulator circuit is a current regulation stage that includes a current sense resistor in the conductive path of the regulator circuit. The stages coupled to the current regulation stage do not contain a sense resistor, and will hereinafter be referred to as the component stages.
In order to control the current flow through the regulator circuit, the current regulation stage is connected to a feedback circuit. The feedback circuit generates a signal that changes the bias point of a transistor in the current regulation stage. Changing the bias point of the transistor adjusts the amount of current that is flowing through the regulator circuit.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the regulator circuit may be connected to a high voltage generator in a shunt configuration. In the shunt configuration, the high voltage generator is connected to a load through a shunt resistor. The last component stage and the feedback circuit are connected at a point between the shunt resistor and the load. The current regulation stage is connected to ground. If the output from the high voltage generator exceeds a desired level, the feedback circuit adjusts the bias point of the current regulation stage to shunt additional current through the shunt resistor connected to the high voltage generator. The additional current causes a greater voltage drop through the resistor, charging the output voltage applied to the load. In this manner, the voltage applied to the load is regulated by charging the current through the shunt resistor.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the regulator circuit may be connected to a high voltage generator in a series configuration. In the series configuration, the component stages and the current regulation stage are connected in series with one of the output terminals from the high voltage generator. For example, the regulator circuit may be connected between ground and a first terminal of the high voltage generator that is floating with respect to ground. The feedback circuit is connected between a second terminal of the high voltage generator and the current regulation stage. Based on the monitored output voltage from the high voltage generator, the feedback circuit adjusts the amount of current flowing through the current regulation stage. In this manner, the output from the high voltage generator is maintained at a desired level.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the series of discrete blocking diodes across the regulator circuit will avalanche at a known voltage rating. The blocking diodes provide a measure of overvoltage protection by entering into avalanche if a voltage across the regulator circuit exceeds the sum total of the avalanche ratings of the blocking diodes.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the number of component stages can be varied to change the voltage that is regulated. Each component stage contributes to the regulation of a voltage roughly equivalent to the avalanche voltage rating of the blocking diode across the stage. The number of component stages may therefore be selected depending on the voltage that is to be regulated, allowing the regulator circuit to be simply and easily configured to operate in different environments.
An advantage of the disclosed regulator circuit is that it allows high voltages to be regulated using MOSFET transistors. MOSFET transistors are readily available, relatively inexpensive, displace a very small volume, and are of minimal weight. Constructing the regulator circuit using MOSFET transistor stages coupled in cascade therefore creates a very economical and small high voltage regulator.


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