Non-linear clamp strength tuning method and apparatus

An apparatus comprising:

• a first comparator to compare an output voltage or a divided version of the output voltage on an output power supply rail with a first reference, wherein the first comparator is to generate a first output;
• a second comparator to compare the output voltage or a divided version of the output voltage on the output power supply rail with a third reference, wherein the second comparator is to generate a second output;
• a third comparator to compare the output voltage or a divided version of the output voltage on the output power supply rail with a third reference, wherein the third comparator is to generate a third output;
• power gates coupled to the output power supply rail;
• a first controller to receive the first and second outputs and to generate a first code for linear strength tuning of the power gates;
• and
• a second controller to receive the first, second, and third outputs, wherein the second controller is to generate a second code for non-linear strength tuning of the power gates.

A system comprising:

• a memory;
• a processor core coupled to the memory;
• a digital low dropout (D-LDO) regulator to receive an input power supply voltage and to generate an output power supply voltage on an output power supply rail for the processor core, wherein the D-DLO comprises:
• a 3-level ripple quantization circuitry to generate first, second, and third outputs in accordance with first, second, and third reference voltages, respectively;
• power gates coupled to the output power supply rail;
• a first controller to receive the first and second outputs and to generate a first code for linear strength tuning of the power gates;
• and
• a second controller to receive the first, second, and third outputs, wherein the second controller is to generate a second code for non-linear strength tuning of the power gates;
• and
• a wireless interface to allow the processor to communicate with another device.