Patent ID: 7893670

Claim:
A voltage regulator comprising: a first output node configured to provide a regulated output voltage; a second output node configured to couple to a control terminal of an external pass device that has one end of its channel coupled to the first output node to provide a load current for high-voltage applications; an internal pass device having a first end of its channel coupled to a supply voltage and a second end of its channel coupled to the second output node to control the external pass device; an error amplifier having a first input configured to receive a reference signal and a second input coupled in a feedback loop with the first output node, and further having an output configured to control a current branch that establishes current flowing in the internal pass device, to control the regulated output voltage; and a first resistor having a first end coupled to the first output node and a second end coupled to the second output node to create a bias current in the internal pass device when the external pass device is not providing the load current.