Power Stabilization Circuit Using Segmented SMPS and Linear Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems, such as switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) and linear regulators, fail to efficiently deliver high-frequency power components while maintaining high overall efficiency, leading to inefficiencies in devices like RF power amplifiers and digital circuits due to limitations in switching frequencies and power conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with a power stabilization stage that combines a low-speed SMPS output with a high-speed linear regulator output using a power combiner circuit, incorporating output impedances to reduce resonance and stabilize the combined output, allowing for efficient delivery of high-frequency components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a SMPS is used to achieve high power conversion efficiency, then efficiency is improved, but the switching frequency is limited by magnetics which reduces the regulator's bandwidth and prevents delivery of high frequency power components
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is segmented into two separate regulators: a SMPS for high efficiency and a linear regulator for high frequency response. Each regulator operates independently within its optimal frequency range, with the SMPS handling low-frequency power delivery and the linear regulator handling high-frequency components, thereby resolving the contradiction between efficiency and switching frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The outputs of the SMPS and linear regulator are merged through an output combining network (LC circuit) to deliver both high efficiency and high frequency components simultaneously. The combination allows the system to benefit from both regulators' strengths, achieving high overall efficiency while maintaining the capability to deliver high frequency power components.
2Speed
If a linear regulator is used to deliver high frequency power components, then frequency response is improved, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is segmented between two regulators, with the linear regulator specifically assigned to handle high-frequency components where its superior frequency response is needed, while the SMPS handles the bulk power delivery at lower frequencies where efficiency is paramount.
Solution Approach 2:
The output of the linear regulator is combined with the SMPS output through an LC combining network, allowing the high-frequency benefits of the linear regulator to be utilized without requiring it to handle the full power load, thereby maintaining overall system efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If output impedance is increased to counteract unwanted ringing in the combined output, then stability is improved, but efficiency of the power supply circuit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An LC combining network is introduced as an intermediary between the two regulators and the load. This network is specifically designed to counteract unwanted ringing and improve output stability without requiring increases in regulator output impedance, thereby maintaining efficiency while achieving stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A power stabilization circuit including a first reference power supply, a second reference power supply, and a combiner circuit coupled to the first reference power supply and the second reference power supply. The first reference power supply is configured to receive a first control signal, generate a first reference signal based on the first control signal, and provide the first reference signal to a first output power supply. The second reference power supply is configured to receive a second control signal, generate a second reference signal based on the second control signal, and provide the second reference signal to a second output power supply. The combiner circuit is configured to generate a combined reference signal based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal and drive a reference load based on the combined reference signal.