Parallel voltage regulators with different operating characteristics collectively forming a single regulator with wide operating range

Claim 1

An integrated voltage regulator having first and second input terminals which are respectively connected to two poles of a voltage generator and having first and second output terminals, between which is established a voltage which is adjusted to predetermined constant values, said regulator comprising: a plurality of voltage regulator means, each having first and second input terminals which are respectively electrically connected to said first and second input terminals of said regulators, and each having first and second output terminals between which is established a constant voltage, said first and second output terminals of said regulator means being respectively connected to said first and second output terminals of said regulator, said regulator means being operable for voltages supplied to their input terminals having values included in predetermined value intervals, whose minimimum values are different from one another, wherein a voltage established between output terminals of each of said regulator means is held by each one of said regulator means at a predetermined constant value by means of an internal regulator means having feedback elements connected to its output terminals, said predetermined constant value being different for each one of said regulator means, wherein only one of said plurality of voltage regulator means is operative for any one value of input voltage to said regulator.