Current Recycling-Based LDO for Large Load Applications

This paper discusses two key factors in the design of a High Power Automotive Low Dropout Regulator (LDO) capable of handling load currents up to 1A: optimizing the power stage size and ensuring low current consumption. The power stage is based on optimizing heat dissipation on the die, a different approach compared to standard sizing strategy focused on minimizing the dropout voltage. Low quiescent current is obtained by using a current recycling technique, very effective for LDOs designed for such large load currents.