Shared-Switch Power Circuit for PWM and LDO Mode Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power circuits for mobile devices require separate DC-DC converters and LDO regulators, leading to increased circuit area due to the use of two distinct circuits, which is inefficient for low-power operation.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a DC-DC converter and a continuously operating LDO regulator into a single circuit, utilizing a mode common power switch circuit that can operate in both DC-DC converter and LDO modes, reducing the overall circuit area while maintaining efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate DC-DC converter and LDO regulator circuits are used, then power management flexibility is improved, but circuit area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the DC-DC converter and LDO regulator into a single integrated power management circuit. The power switch circuit is configured to operate in different modes (DC-DC converter mode and LDO regulator mode) based on control signals, allowing both functions to share the same physical circuitry rather than requiring separate circuits, thereby reducing overall circuit area while maintaining power management flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power switch circuit is designed as a universal circuit that can perform multiple functions by operating in different modes. The same power switch circuit can function as a DC-DC converter power switch or an LDO regulator power switch depending on the mode control signal, making the circuit multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate power circuits are implemented, then operational modes are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational modesVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the operational capabilities of two separate circuits into one integrated circuit. The control circuit generates mode control signals that switch the power switch circuit between DC-DC converter mode and LDO regulator mode, consolidating multiple operational modes into a single device and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12549087B2Power circuit operating in pulse width modulation mode and low drop-out mode and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 ABOV SEMICON CO LTD

AI summary

A power circuit for generating an output power voltage from an input power voltage includes an input power voltage node configured such that an input power voltage is applied thereto; a first node configured to generate an output power voltage; a mode common power switch circuit connected to the input power voltage node and the first node; and a mode controller circuit configured to generate a mode control signal that controls an operation mode of the mode common power switch circuit to any one of at least one pulse modulation mode and a low-dropout (LDO) mode.