Digital timing signal generator and voltage regulation circuit

Abstract

A digital circuit both provides multiphasic timing signals and regulates the operating voltage of a non-ideal power source. In one embodiment, a delay line is provided whose delay characteristics vary inversely with operating voltage. Control gates are connected to selected outputs of the delay line to receive at differing times a control signal propagated through the delay line. In a preferred embodiment the control gates generate output signals the duration of which are determined by the delay characteristics of the delay line (and thus by the level of the operating voltage), such that the output signal duration increases in response to increases in operating voltage. The output signals activate current sinks or loads which increase the current drain on the non-ideal power source, thereby depressing its voltage. Regulation is optimized when the power source comprises a power supply having a significant output impedance at normal operating current levels, or the a power source is derived from a remote power supply coupled to said remote power supply by a high impedance or lossy coupling.