Switching and Linear Regulator Power Management for RF Noise Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in mobile devices is to balance power supply regulation with RF functionality, as switching regulators, though efficient, create RF noise that interferes with RF circuitry, while integrating digital and RF components on a single chip complicates noise isolation.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a combination of switching and non-switching power regulators to regulate power, deactivating the switching regulator during RF activity to minimize interference, and maintaining digital circuit state with leakage current from a linear regulator, allowing seamless transition back to switching regulation after RF events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a switching regulator is used to regulate power to digital logic, then power efficiency is improved, but RF noise is generated that interferes with RF circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between switching regulator and linear regulator based on operational mode. During RF active mode, the switching regulator is replaced by a linear regulator to eliminate RF noise. During non-RF modes, the switching regulator operates to maximize power efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting the power regulation method according to real-time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the power regulation system by switching between two different regulator types. The switching regulator operates with high efficiency but generates RF noise, while the linear regulator operates with lower efficiency but produces minimal RF noise. By changing which regulator is active based on RF circuit state, the system optimizes the trade-off between power efficiency and RF noise generation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a linear regulator is used to regulate power to RF circuitry, then RF noise interference is reduced, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate regulator type based on which circuit (RF or digital) is active. When RF circuitry is active, the linear regulator is used to minimize noise interference. When digital logic is active and RF circuitry is idle, the switching regulator takes over to maximize power efficiency. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction by applying the right regulator type at the right time.
3Volume of moving object
If digital logic and RF circuitry are integrated on a single chip, then device miniaturization is achieved, but noise isolation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic time-division multiplexing where digital logic and RF circuitry operate in alternating time slots. During RF time slots, the digital logic is deactivated and the linear regulator provides power to minimize noise. During digital time slots, the switching regulator powers the digital logic for efficient operation. This periodic separation in time achieves noise isolation despite spatial integration on a single chip.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-regulator system acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables noise isolation between integrated digital and RF circuitry. The switching regulator serves as the primary power source for digital logic, while the linear regulator serves as a noise-free backup during RF operations. This intermediary power regulation system allows the digital and RF sections to coexist on the same chip without significant noise interference.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention is directed towards a switching power regulator and a non-switching power regulator in conjunction to provide regulated power to the digital logic. The digital logic and switching regulator may be deactivated during RF activity so that interference from both the digital circuitry and the switching regulator is significantly reduced. Also, the state of the digital circuitry may be maintained during this standby period by using the non-switching power regulator to provide an as-required leakage current to the digital circuitry in order to maintain state. After the RF event (e.g. sending or receiving data) has concluded, the switching regulator may be activated and digital processing continued using the digital logic with no loss of continuity.