LDO Regulator Input Voltage Selection for Power Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power loss occurs in LDO regulators when converting high input voltage to lower output voltage, particularly in power management integrated circuits (PMIC) used in electronic devices like mobile phones and laptops.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controller that selectively supplies the LDO regulators with either main power or DC/DC converter output power, based on detected current values and load conditions, to minimize input voltage and reduce power loss, using switching elements and current detectors to adjust the power source accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LDO regulators convert high input voltage to lower output voltage, then stable voltage output is achieved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the LDO regulator's input voltage adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the input voltage to the LDO regulator based on load conditions, switching between different DC/DC converters to provide optimal input voltage levels. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain stable output voltage (reliability) while minimizing power loss through adaptive input voltage control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of input voltage to the LDO regulator based on operating conditions. By monitoring load current and switching between different DC/DC converters with different output voltages, the system optimizes the input voltage parameter to the LDO regulator. This reduces the voltage differential across the LDO regulator, thereby reducing power loss while maintaining stable output voltage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DC/DC converters and LDO regulators are used to provide different voltage levels, then power supply flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the LDO regulator to accept multiple different input voltage sources (from different DC/DC converters) and still provide stable output voltage. The controller universally manages multiple power paths, selecting the most appropriate DC/DC converter based on load conditions. This multi-functional approach maintains power supply flexibility while simplifying the overall control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between multiple DC/DC converters and the LDO regulator. It monitors system conditions and intelligently selects which DC/DC converter should supply power to the LDO regulator, managing the complexity of coordinating multiple power conversion paths. This intermediary control simplifies the system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic for power path selection.
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 approach reduces power loss by ensuring the LDO regulators receive the lowest possible input voltage, optimizing power usage and efficiency in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The DC/DC converter is a voltage converting device for making an output voltage higher or lower than an input voltage
Implementation Method 2
LDO regulators have the advantage of being capable of supplying a stable voltage having reduced ripple components
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method allows selection of either one of main power supplied from a battery and DC Output power(DCO1) supplied from a DC/DC converter (1101) included in a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) as the input power of an LDO regulator (1201) and supply of the selected power to the LDO regulator. The voltage of the input power of the LDO regulator is as low as possible, thus to reduce power loss caused by the LDO regulator. Also, DCO power supplied from the DC/DC converter included in the PMIC is supplied to the LDO regulator as the input power, and if a load connected to the DC/DC converter is turned off, the DC/DC converter is variably controlled to reduce the voltage of the input power supplied to the LDO regulator to be as low as possible, to thus reduce power loss caused by the LDO regulator.