Optoelectronic Linear Regulator for Low-Loss Buck Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear voltage regulators suffer from low efficiency due to significant power dissipation as waste heat, especially when the voltage difference between the input and output terminals is large, and they also generate electromagnetic interference, which is problematic in noise-sensitive applications.
Innovation Solution
A linear voltage regulator design that includes a light emitting section connected in series with the pass device between the input and output terminals, and a photovoltaic section connected to the output terminal, where the voltage drop across the pass device is minimized, and the remaining voltage difference is used to generate photons that are converted into photocurrent, enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional linear voltage regulator is used to buck convert voltage, then the circuit is simple and low cost, but the efficiency is low due to significant power dissipation as waste heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light emitting section and photovoltaic section as intermediary components between the input and output terminals. The light emitting section converts excess voltage into light energy, and the photovoltaic section converts the light back into electrical energy at the output, thereby mediating the voltage conversion process with minimal energy loss as heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional resistive voltage dropping mechanism (mechanical/electrical resistance) with an optoelectronic conversion system. Instead of dissipating voltage difference as heat through resistance, the system uses light emission and photodetection to transfer energy, substituting thermal energy loss with optical energy transfer.
2Loss of energy
If switching regulators are used to improve efficiency, then power dissipation is reduced, but electromagnetic interference is generated which affects noise-sensitive circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the switching mechanism (which generates electromagnetic interference) with a continuous optoelectronic conversion process. The light emitting section continuously converts voltage to light, and the photovoltaic section continuously converts light to electricity, eliminating the switching action that causes EMI while maintaining high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light as an intermediary energy carrier between the electrical domains, avoiding direct electromagnetic coupling that causes interference. The optical domain acts as an isolating medium that transfers energy without generating conductive or radiated EMI that would affect sensitive circuits.
3Loss of energy
If switching regulators are used to achieve high efficiency buck conversion, then battery life is extended, but bulky additional components and filtering circuitry are required increasing footprint and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage conversion function with the existing linear regulator architecture by integrating the light emitting and photovoltaic sections into the regulator circuit. This combination allows the system to achieve switching-regulator-like efficiency while maintaining the simplicity and compactness of linear regulator topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting section serves multiple functions: it acts as a voltage-dropping element, an energy conversion device, and a signal transfer medium. The photovoltaic section simultaneously performs voltage generation and current regulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
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 configuration significantly reduces the voltage drop across the pass device, increasing the efficiency of the buck conversion process from approximately 40% to 70% in certain scenarios, while minimizing electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting section, electrically connected in series with the pass device between the input terminal and the output terminal
Implementation Method 2
a photovoltaic section, electrically connected to the output terminal, that receives photons emitted by the light emitting section and outputs a current to output terminal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a linear voltage regulator with an input terminal, an output terminal, a pass device electrically connected to the input terminal and the output terminal, and an error amplifier that controls the output voltage at the output terminal by controlling the voltage drop across the pass device. The disclosed linear voltage regulator includes a light emitting section electrically connected in series with the pass device between the input terminal and the output terminal and a photovoltaic section, electrically connected to the output terminal, that receives photons emitted by the light emitting section and outputs a current to output terminal. The disclosed linear voltage regulator is more efficient than conventional linear voltage regulators because, unlike in those convention linear voltage regulators, the voltage drop across the pass device is only a fraction of the total potential difference between the input terminal and the output terminal.