The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 15, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 20, 1999
Marco Pasotti, S. Martino Sicc., IT;
Roberto Canegallo, Tortona, IT;
Giovanni Guaitini, Trecella, IT;
Pier Luigi Rolandi, Monleale, IT;
STMicroelectronics S.r.l., Agrate Brianza (Milano), IT;
Abstract
A voltage regulator is provided for limiting overcurrents when used with a plurality of loads, particularly in flash memories, which are connected between an output node of the regulator and a voltage reference by way of a plurality of switches. The voltage regulator includes at least one differential stage that has a non-inverting input terminal for a control voltage, and an inverting input terminal connected to the voltage reference and the output node of the regulator through a feedback network. There is an output terminal connected to the output node of the voltage regulator to produce an output reference voltage from a comparison of input voltages. In the voltage regulator is a main control transistor connected between a high-voltage reference and the output terminal of the regulator. Advantageously, the regulator further includes a number of balance transistors connected between the high-voltage reference and the output node of the regulator and driven according to the load being connected to the output node, thereby to shorten the duration of an overcurrent at the output terminal while delivering the current required by the loads.