Dual-Input Linear Regulator Switching for Lower Power Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion circuits, such as linear regulators, face challenges in reducing power consumption and meeting regulatory standards due to high power consumption when the difference between input and output voltages is large.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion circuit design that includes a first and second input circuit, a linear regulator, a switch, and a switch control circuit. The switch control circuit manages the switch to disconnect the first input circuit from the linear regulator when a predetermined input voltage level is reached, allowing the linear regulator to output voltage based on the second input voltage, thereby improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a linear regulator is used with a large difference between input voltage and output voltage, then voltage conversion is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is segmented into multiple input voltage sources (first input circuit with higher voltage, second input circuit with lower voltage) and a switching mechanism. The system divides the operating conditions and selects appropriate input sources based on the voltage difference requirements, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining voltage conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different input voltage sources based on real-time operating conditions. The switch control circuit monitors the voltage difference and automatically selects the most efficient input source (first or second input circuit), making the power conversion system adaptive and energy-efficient under varying load conditions.
2Reliability
If a linear regulator operates with high input voltage to ensure stable output, then output stability is maintained, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameters by selecting different input voltage levels based on the load requirements. When high input voltage is not necessary for maintaining output stability, the system switches to the lower voltage input circuit, thereby reducing power loss while still ensuring adequate output voltage stability through the linear regulator.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple input voltage circuits are provided to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch control circuit serves multiple functions: it monitors the voltage levels from both input circuits, determines the optimal input source based on power consumption considerations, and controls the switching operation. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate control circuits for each input, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion circuit including a first input circuit, a second input circuit, a linear regulator, a switch, and a switch control circuit is provided. The first input circuit receives a first input voltage through a first input terminal. The second input circuit receives a second input voltage through a second input terminal. The first input voltage is higher than the second input voltage. The linear regulator receives the first or the second input voltage to generate an output voltage. The switch has a first terminal coupled to the first input circuit and a second terminal coupled to the second input circuit and the linear regulator. The switch control circuit outputs a control signal to open the switch after receiving the second input voltage that has reached a predetermined level, so that the linear regulator generates the output voltage according to the second input voltage.