LDO Voltage Regulator Power Switching Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Power supply interface circuits face challenges when a selected power supply becomes unavailable or current limited, leading to a drop in input voltage below a threshold, causing the voltage regulator to shut down and necessitating power cycling to select a new supply.
Innovation Solution
A low drop-out (LDO) voltage-regulation circuit with switching circuitry that dynamically selects and couples one of multiple voltage sources to maintain power, including a power line and another voltage source, while uncoupling others, to ensure continuous operation without power cycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single power supply is selected and used continuously, then the system operates with a simple power management structure, but the system shuts down when the power supply becomes unavailable or current limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply inputs (USB power line and alternative voltage source) into a unified power management system that automatically selects and switches between sources. The switching circuitry merges these separate power paths into a single regulated output, ensuring continuous operation without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple independent power management circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power source selection where the system can switch between different voltage sources based on real-time availability and conditions. The switching circuitry dynamically responds to power supply status changes, enabling the system to adapt to varying power conditions without shutting down, thus improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power cycling is performed to select a new power supply, then a new power supply can be selected, but the system experiences interruption and loss of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple power supply paths in advance, with switching circuitry ready to immediately transition between sources. By having alternative power sources pre-configured and the switching mechanism pre-established, the system can perform power supply selection without interruption, eliminating the need for power cycling and preventing operation loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous power delivery to the load by maintaining at least one active power supply path at all times. The switching circuitry is designed to preserve power flow continuity during source transitions, allowing the system to adapt between different power supplies without interrupting operation, thus achieving both versatility and uninterrupted service.
3Reliability
If the input voltage drops below the voltage threshold, then the voltage regulator shuts down to protect itself, but power delivery is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by preparing alternative power supply paths before voltage drops occur. When the primary power supply voltage approaches the shutdown threshold, the switching circuitry can pre-transition to an alternative source, cushioning against the voltage drop and preventing regulator shutdown while maintaining continuous power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching circuitry as an intermediary between power sources and the voltage regulator. This intermediary component monitors voltage levels and can redirect power flow from alternative sources before the regulator shuts down, acting as a buffer that maintains power delivery even when primary input voltage drops below the threshold.
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
The solution ensures continuous power delivery by dynamically switching between available voltage sources, maintaining power to the LDO voltage-regulation circuit and preventing shutdowns due to voltage drops or current limitations, thereby enhancing reliability and efficiency in power management.
Implementation Method 1
a low drop-out (LDO) voltage-regulation circuit configured to generate a regulated voltage from a voltage provided to a supply terminal of the LDO voltage-regulation circuit
Implementation Method 2
switching circuitry coupled to the LDO voltage-regulation circuit and to a plurality of voltage sources... to select and couple one of the voltage sources to the supply terminal and uncouple other ones of the voltage sources from the supply terminal
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to circuits, apparatuses, and methods for power management. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a low drop-out (LDO) voltage-regulation circuit configured to generate a regulated voltage from a voltage provided to a supply terminal of the LDO voltage-regulation circuit. The apparatus also includes switching circuitry coupled to the LDO voltage-regulation circuit and to a plurality of voltage sources. The voltage sources include at least power line carried along with a data bus and another voltage source. Each of the plurality of voltage sources provides a respectively different voltage range. The switching circuitry is configured, in response to a power-related condition of the plurality of voltage sources and while maintaining power to the LDO voltage-regulation circuit, to select and couple one of the voltage sources to the supply terminal and uncouple other ones of voltage sources from the supply terminal.