Switching and Linear Regulator Hybrid for Low Noise Power

Solution Overview

Problem

High performance wireless communication apparatus face challenges in minimizing power supply noise affecting sensitive analog circuitry, particularly in battery-powered systems where linear regulator circuits consume significant power.

Innovation Solution

A power regulation circuit comprising a switching regulator and a linear regulator, where the switching regulator provides input power to the linear regulator, effectively filtering noise while minimizing power consumption by using a switching regulator to step down battery voltage before further regulation by the linear regulator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a linear regulator circuit is used to regulate power to analog circuitry, then power supply noise is reduced, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply noiseVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power regulation function is divided into two separate stages: a switching regulator handles the bulk voltage reduction from battery to intermediate level, while a linear regulator provides final noise filtering to the analog circuitry. This segmentation allows each regulator to operate in its optimal efficiency range, resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate voltage node is introduced between the switching regulator and linear regulator. This intermediary allows the switching regulator to perform the energy-intensive voltage reduction task, while the linear regulator only needs to handle small adjustments for noise filtering, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining noise performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a switching regulator is used to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency improves, but power supply noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power regulation function is divided into two separate stages: a switching regulator handles the bulk voltage reduction from battery to intermediate level, while a linear regulator provides final noise filtering to the analog circuitry. This segmentation allows each regulator to operate in its optimal efficiency range, resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate voltage node is introduced between the switching regulator and linear regulator. This intermediary allows the switching regulator to perform the energy-intensive voltage reduction task, while the linear regulator only needs to handle small adjustments for noise filtering, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining noise performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If only a linear regulator is used for power regulation, then noise filtering is effective, but power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise filteringVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power regulation function is divided into two separate stages: a switching regulator handles the bulk voltage reduction from battery to intermediate level, while a linear regulator provides final noise filtering to the analog circuitry. This segmentation allows each regulator to operate in its optimal efficiency range, resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate voltage node is introduced between the switching regulator and linear regulator. This intermediary allows the switching regulator to perform the energy-intensive voltage reduction task, while the linear regulator only needs to handle small adjustments for noise filtering, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining noise performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces power supply noise to sensitive analog circuitry while consuming less power compared to traditional approaches, achieving efficient power regulation with low noise and reduced power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a switching regulator configured to provide input power to the linear regulator from a power source such as a battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwitching regulation:

Implementation Method 2

a linear regulator configured to provide a regulated voltage at the power supply node of the circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear regulation:

Data Source

PatentUS7759915B2System with linear and switching regulator circuits

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 SNAPTRACK INC

AI summary

An apparatus comprises a circuit having a power supply node and a linear regulator configured to provide a regulated voltage at the power supply node of the circuit. The apparatus further comprises a switching regulator configured to provide input power to the linear regulator from a power source such as a battery. In some implementations, the circuit is a transceiver circuit.