LDO regulator versus switched inductor DC-DC converter

DC-DC converters are important building block of most of today's System-on-Chips (SoCs). This is true because the need to modulate the voltage of different parts of the chip to operate at the optimum level is essential to achieve high power efficiency. This paper investigates two topologies of the DC-DC converter that are widely used. The two topologies are Low Dropout regulator and Switched Inductor DC-DC buck converter. The operation for both topologies is explained as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each topology. Spice simulation with 65nm low power foundry process technology is used to compare the two topologies in terms of energy efficiency, settling time, area, and design complexity. Detail study of voltage level conversion and output load current and its impact on efficiency is also reported.