Compound power supply

Abstract

A method of supply power to receive and provide a 10V input, 5V output with a continuous load of 1 A load current and a pulse load duration of 2 ms and a pulse load of 10 A load current, in a power supply including a switching regulator configured to provide a continuous current, the switching regulator comprising a current limit of 1.2 A and a linear regulator associated with the switching regulator. The method includes detecting whether a pulse load or a continuous load is required. The linear regulator is directed to provide a minimal current when the power supply is at a continuous load. The linear regulator is directed to provide a remaining portion of a pulse load current from the continuous load of the switching regulator. The switching regulator is deactivated and the linear regulator is directed to provide the continuous current in a condition that a noise-free mode is demanded.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present Application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 060,183 filed on May 31, 2008.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for regulating power and more particularly to a method and apparatus for regulating electrical power for a pulse load.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Typically, a switching regulator (SR) is provided to supply power for a continual load with occasional high demand, pulse loads. Examples of devices that present a continual load with occasional pulse loads include a periodically-controlled stepper motor and its control logic when operated from the same power supply. Another application is related to the control of large DC contacts which demand a high initial current and low hold current.[0006]In a power supply configured to receive and provide a 10V input, 5V output, with a cont...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a power supply with a switching regulator and a linear regulator that can efficiently handle different types of loads. The switching regulator provides a continuous current when the load is low, while the linear regulator provides a minimal current when the load is regular. The linear regulator also provides a remaining portion of a pulse load current when the load is between low and regular. This allows the power supply to handle both continuous and pulse loads with good efficiency and low noise levels. The switching regulator is no longer required to be dimensioned for the pulse load."

Problems solved by technology

However, such an SR is impracticable because, due to the relative long pulse load of 2 ms, the SR would have to be dimensioned for the pulse load of 10 A. Energy storage devices would be much too large and costly to provide the pulse load.

On the other hand, a linear regulator (LR) cannot be considered since the efficiency would be less than 50% and high heat losses would accrue.

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