Hybrid Switching Linear Regulator for Low-Noise Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators face challenges in balancing efficiency and noise levels, with linear regulators being inefficient and producing heat losses, while switching regulators generate high output ripples and noise, which can interfere with noise-sensitive applications like RF communications and portable wireless devices.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulating power supply that combines a switching regulator and a linear regulator, where the linear regulator generates a low-noise output voltage for noise-sensitive circuits, isolating them from the potentially noisy switching regulator and minimizing heat losses by optimizing the reference voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a switching regulator is used to provide power, then energy efficiency is improved and heat losses are reduced, but output voltage ripples and noise increase which interferes with noise-sensitive circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is segmented into two distinct regulator stages: a switching regulator for bulk voltage conversion and efficiency, followed by a linear regulator for noise filtering. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear regulator acts as an intermediary component between the switching regulator and the noise-sensitive circuit. It mediates by filtering out the noise and ripples from the switching regulator's output before delivering clean power to the sensitive circuit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a linear regulator is used to provide power, then output noise is reduced for noise-sensitive circuits, but energy efficiency deteriorates and significant heat losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is divided into two segments: the switching regulator handles the high-efficiency bulk voltage conversion, while the linear regulator handles the low-noise final regulation. This segmentation prevents the linear regulator from bearing the full burden of large voltage drops that would cause excessive heat loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the advantages of both switching and linear regulators into a single hybrid system. The switching regulator provides high efficiency, while the linear regulator provides low noise, combining their benefits to overcome the limitations of using either regulator type alone.
3Productivity
If a switching regulator is used, then high efficiency and high energy density handling are achieved, but electromagnetic interference increases which adversely affects RF communications and wireless devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a switching regulator stage for efficient energy conversion and a linear regulator stage for electromagnetic noise filtering. This segmentation isolates the electromagnetic interference-generating component from the noise-sensitive circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear regulator serves as an intermediary that blocks electromagnetic interference from propagating to the RF communications and wireless device circuits, allowing the switching regulator to operate at high efficiency without compromising signal integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a high-efficiency, low-noise power supply that ensures proper operation and long battery life for noise-sensitive circuits by isolating them from electrical interference and reducing heat losses, making it suitable for applications like RF communications and portable wireless devices.
Implementation Method 1
A basic configuration of this type makes use of a switch 210, a pulse width modulator 220 to control switch 210, and an LC circuit consisting of an inductor 230 and capacitor 240. When switch 210 is turned on, input voltage 250 is forced across inductor 230 resulting in an inductor current. This will, according to the law of inductance, cause the voltage across the inductor to increase with proportion to the rate of current across it.
Implementation Method 2
The linear regulator 100 makes use of a voltage controlled current source 140 to force a fixed voltage across an output terminal 120. An input voltage 110 is applied to the regulator 100, while a control circuit is used to monitor the output voltage at output terminal 120, and to adjust the voltage controlled current source 140 to maintain the output voltage according to a reference voltage 130.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulating power supply includes: a switching regulator powered by a supply voltage level, the switching regulator for generating a first output voltage in accordance to a first reference voltage; and a linear regulator coupled to the first output voltage, the linear regulator for generating a second output voltage in accordance to a second reference voltage; wherein a noise sensitive circuit draws power from the second output voltage.