Enhanced efficiency low-dropout linear regulator and corresponding method

A method of operating a low-dropout linear regulator including an error amplifier including a cascaded arrangement of a differential amplifier and a gain stage, including driving at least one transistor in said gain stage by means of said differential amplifier to produce at least one drive signal for an output stage of the regulator, wherein said at least one transistor is interposed over its source-drain line between:

• at least one first resistive load included in a RC network creating a zero in the open loop gain of the regulator, and
• at least one second resistive load to produce at least one drive signal for an output stage (106) of the regulator, wherein said at least one second (M2) resistive load is a non-linear compensation element to render current consumption linearly proportional to the load current to the regulator,
• the method including making also said at least one first resistive load a non-linear element causing and cause the frequency of said zero created by said RC network to decrease as the load current of the regulator decreases, whereby current consumption is made linearly proportional to the load current to the regulator without adversely affecting regulator stability.