An area-efficient, integrated, linear regulator with ultra-fast load regulation

We demonstrate a fully-integrated linear regulator for multi-supply-voltage microprocessors implemented in a 90 nm CMOS technology. Ultra-fast, single-stage load regulation achieves 0.54 ns response time at 94% current efficiency. This enables 10% peak-to-peak output noise for a 100 mA load step with only a small on-chip decoupling capacitor of 0.6 nF. A PMOS pull-up transistor in the output stage results in a small regulator area of 0.008 mm/sup 2/ and the 0.6 nF MOS capacitor area of 0.090 mm/sup 2/.