Method and apparatus for a regulated power supply including a charge pump with sampled feedback

Abstract

A regulated integrated circuit power supply ( ) intermittently applies feedback to a charge pump ( ) on a sampled basis such that a feedback circuit ( ) is enabled to sense the bias voltage (V ) at predetermined intervals of time. Based upon the value of the bias voltage (V ) as compared to a threshold voltage (V ), the charge pump ( ) is enabled to supply a voltage to the integrated circuit. Thereby, the regulated charge pump ( ) does not overload the integrated circuit coupled thereto. The regulated integrated circuit power supply ( ) includes the charge pump ( ) coupled to the integrated circuit to supply bias voltage (V ). Additionally, coupled to the integrated circuit, the feedback circuit ( ) senses the bias voltage (V ) and provides an output signal based upon a comparison between the bias voltage (V ) and a voltage threshold (V ) A switch ( ) connected to the feedback circuit ( ) selectively enables and disables sensing of the bias voltage (V ). A signal generator ( ) provides at least one output signal. A controller ( ) receives both output signals from the signal generator ( ) and the feedback circuit ( ) to provide a first and a second control signal (V , V ). The first control signal (V ), responsive to the output signal of the signal generator ( ), enables and disables the switch ( ) at predetermined intervals. The second control signal (V ), however, responsive to both output signals, enables and disables the charge pump ( ). Thus, since the bias voltage (V ) is measured intermittently at predetermined intervals, the regulated integrated circuit power supply ( ) does not unnecessarily load the integrated circuit nor increase power consumption.