Distributed voltage regulation system for mitigating the effects of ir-drop

Abstract

A distributed voltage regulator includes multiple micro-regulators disposed in a corresponding set of circuit sectors of an integrated circuit. Each micro-regulator provides current to the corresponding circuit sector at a current injection point. The regulator also includes a control module configured to receive feedback signals corresponding to a one or more sense points within each circuit sector and provide a control signal to each micro-regulator. The control module limits load-sharing imbalance within the plurality of micro-regulators. A voltage regulator with multiple sense points includes a micro-regulator that provides current at a current injection point, and a control module that receives feedback signals corresponding to a plurality of sense points and provides a control signal to the micro-regulator. The micro-regulator may comprise a charge pump that provides a local reference voltage that enables the micro-regulator to suppress local voltage drooping during feedback transitions (e.g., while switching between different feedback signals).