LDOCad – A Behavioral Model Generation Tool for an LDO Linear Regulator

Abstract

Low drop-out (LDO) voltage regulators are widely used in many portable applications, such as cell phones, laptops, and earplugs. However, the design and simulation of the circuit takes a long time. Hence, the behavioral model for an LDO regulator is greatly needed. In this paper, the hybrid modeling method has been illustrated for generating a behavioral model for an LDO regulator circuit. The hybrid modeling method integrates a table-based modeling method and a circuit simplification method for generating an LDO linear regulator behavioral model. Based on research of the automation topologies and algorithms a behavioral model generation tool for an LDO linear regulator, LDOCad, is also described, including the software architecture and different modules of LDOCad. This tool provides the modeler, or circuit designer, with an approach to quickly and automatically generate a behavioral model for an LDO linear regulator. When the netlist processing algorithm, the table generation algorithm, and the modeled node and topology device extraction algorithm are executed, the hybrid model can be generated through the model topology formulator. The algorithms are generic and robust. The models tested demonstrate an accurate match with the performance of the original circuits and achieve from a 5 to 19 times speed improvement in simulations.