A linear voltage regulator is provided for providing an output voltage to a load. In a preferred embodiment, the linear voltage regulator comprises: an operational amplifier receiving a regulated voltage, and a first voltage reference, and providing a driving voltage; a first regulating transistor driven by the driving voltage, the regulating transistor receiving a system voltage, and providing the regulated voltage; a second regulating transistor receiving the regulated voltage, and providing an output voltage, the second regulating transistor controlled by a controlling voltage; a resistive voltage divider receiving the output voltage, and providing a second voltage reference; and a three-terminal adjustable shunt regulator receiving the second voltage reference, and providing the controlling voltage to the second regulating transistor. Because the first regulating transistor pulls down the system voltage to the regulated voltage, the operating voltage of the second regulating transistor is lower than that of a typical linear voltage regulator, therefore the linear voltage regulator can provide a high-power to the load.

 
Web www.patentalert.com

> High voltage power management unit architecture in CMOS process

~ 00316