Linear Regulator Current Bypass for Heat Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear regulators are inefficient in power usage, dissipating electrical energy as heat, which is a concern in circuits with limited power supplies like batteries, despite their advantages of low noise, short response time, and low manufacturing cost.
Innovation Solution
The system partitions circuit groups, allowing current to bypass the linear regulator, enhancing power utilization by using a linear regulator responsive to input and regulated voltages, with sub-circuits operating at different voltage differences and a monitoring mechanism to apply appropriate voltage differences to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linear regulator is used to generate regulated voltage, then the output voltage is stable and noise is low, but power efficiency deteriorates and significant energy is dissipated as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into two separate groups: a first circuit group that requires regulated voltage and a second circuit group that can tolerate unregulated voltage. This segmentation allows the linear regulator to serve only the circuits that need stable voltage, while other circuits receive unregulated voltage directly, thereby reducing overall power dissipation while maintaining output stability where required.
2Reliability
If current flows through the linear regulator to provide regulated voltage, then the first circuit receives stable power, but power efficiency deteriorates due to heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into two separate groups: a first circuit group that requires regulated voltage and a second circuit group that can tolerate unregulated voltage. This segmentation allows the linear regulator to serve only the circuits that need stable voltage, while other circuits receive unregulated voltage directly, thereby reducing overall power dissipation while maintaining output stability where required.
3Reliability
If linear regulator is used in battery-powered circuits, then voltage regulation is maintained, but battery life deteriorates due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into two separate groups: a first circuit group that requires regulated voltage and a second circuit group that can tolerate unregulated voltage. This segmentation allows the linear regulator to serve only the circuits that need stable voltage, while other circuits receive unregulated voltage directly, thereby reducing overall power dissipation while maintaining output stability where required.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to systems having linear regulators and methods of operating the systems. The system includes: a linear regulator responsive to an input voltage and operative to output a regulated voltage; a first circuit responsive to the regulated voltage and configured to operate at a first voltage difference between the regulated voltage and a ground level; and a second circuit responsive to the input voltage and the regulated voltage and configured to operate at a second voltage difference between the input voltage and the regulated voltage. The second circuit is coupled to the first circuit so that an entire portion of a current flowing through the second circuit is configured to enter into the first circuit during operation, wherein the current flowing through the second circuit bypasses the linear regulator.