Patent ID: 6525596
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: G05F

Abstract:
A series regulator comprising:a series transistor element connected between an input terminal and an output terminal; a reference voltage generator circuit for generating a reference voltage; an error amplifier circuit for generating a signal for operating said series transistor element in response to an output voltage appearing at said output terminal and said reference voltage; a power supply circuit connected to said input terminal, said reference voltage generator circuit, and said error amplifier circuit for supplying a drive voltage to said reference voltage generator circuit and said error amplifier circuit, said drive voltage being controlled to a value which is lower than a voltage supplied to said input terminal and higher than said reference voltage; a first transistor operatively arranged in said power supply circuit for supplying said drive voltage to said reference voltage generator circuit and said error amplifier circuit; and a second transistor operatively arranged in said power supply circuit for passing a current therethrough for controlling said first transistor in response to a magnitude of said reference voltage and a magnitude of said drive voltage.