An internal voltage generator and method are provided, the internal voltage generator including a first reference voltage generator for receiving an external voltage and providing a first reference voltage, a second reference voltage generator for receiving an internal voltage and providing a second reference voltage, and a voltage regulator in signal communication with the first reference voltage generator and/or the second reference voltage generator for receiving one of the first and second reference voltages and providing the internal voltage; and the method for generating an internal voltage including receiving an external voltage, generating a first reference voltage responsive to the received external voltage, regulating an internal voltage in correspondence with the first reference voltage, generating a second reference voltage responsive to the internal voltage, and regulating the internal voltage in correspondence with the second reference voltage.