Dynamic Buck-LDO Power Supply Efficiency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems, such as buck-LDO systems, face inefficiencies due to fixed input voltages provided to linear regulators, which compromise maximum efficiency for a given degree of isolation, especially under varying load currents, output voltage levels, temperatures, and process variations.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system that includes a regulator with a controller to monitor operating parameters and adjust the input voltage to maintain the output device in saturation, optimizing efficiency and isolation by dynamically adjusting the input voltage based on monitored parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed input voltage is provided to the LDO from the buck regulator, then the system structure is simple, but the efficiency cannot be maximized under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the buck regulator's output voltage based on real-time monitoring of LDO operating parameters. The controller continuously adapts the input voltage to the LDO to maintain optimal efficiency across varying load currents, temperatures, and process conditions, transforming the static fixed-voltage approach into a dynamic adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors the LDO's operating parameters (such as output current and voltage) and uses this information to adjust the buck regulator's output. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to automatically optimize efficiency by maintaining the LDO in its optimal operating region despite external condition variations.
2Reliability
If the input voltage to the LDO is increased to maintain isolation under varying conditions, then the degree of isolation is improved, but the efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the input voltage parameter to the LDO based on monitored operating conditions. By adjusting this parameter in real-time, the system maintains the minimum necessary voltage differential to ensure adequate isolation and noise rejection, while avoiding excessive voltage differences that would cause unnecessary power loss in the LDO.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static voltage differential approach to a dynamic one where the input voltage to the LDO is continuously adapted. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the voltage difference between input and output is always optimized for the current operating conditions, maintaining isolation performance while minimizing energy loss.
3Loss of energy
If a buck regulator is used to reduce input voltage to improve LDO efficiency, then the overall efficiency is improved, but switching noise is introduced at the output
Solution Approach 1:
The LDO acts as an intermediary stage between the buck regulator and the load. It provides high-frequency noise filtering and isolation, removing switching ripple and high-frequency content from the buck regulator output while maintaining DC voltage regulation. This intermediary function allows the system to benefit from buck regulator efficiency while eliminating its noise drawbacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulation function is segmented into two distinct stages: the buck regulator handles bulk voltage reduction and efficiency optimization, while the LDO handles noise filtering and clean voltage output. This functional segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal regime, with the buck regulator operating at high efficiency and the LDO providing clean output by attenuating switching noise.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system includes a regulator for receiving an input voltage and producing an output voltage, the regulator including an output device and a controller coupled to the regulator. The controller is configured to monitor at least one operating parameter of the output device and, in response, generate a control signal that adjusts the input voltage to a minimum input voltage needed to maintain the output device in saturation regardless of variation in the monitored operating parameter.