Methodology and Critical Design Considerations in Low Dropout Regulator Design

Low dropout regulators (LDO) are linear regulators providing regulated output with very small drop in the circuit. The application of such regulators ranges from small portable electronic devices to the automation industry. Their relatively simple design & low noise makes them ultimate choice in compact and portable devices. Being an essential part in power management also accompanied by demand of higher battery efficiency as per today’s standards, the design of LDO regulator carries an indispensable importance. Low quiescent current, settling time and low drop are the salient features anticipated from this regulator. Design flow of the LDO regulator and issues concerning the topology and proper devices selection are focused in this paper.