Switching Regulator Circuit With Constant Collector-Emitter Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Switching regulator circuits in two-wire transmitters face challenges in achieving high efficiency, stability, and energy buffering across a wide input voltage range, especially during transient peak currents, while ensuring intrinsic safety and efficient energy extraction.
Innovation Solution
A switching regulator circuit comprising a series regulator and a DC-DC converter, where the DC-DC converter is regulated to maintain a constant collector-emitter voltage drop across the series regulator, optimizing component selection for efficiency and incorporating a comparator to adjust operating modes for low and high power conditions, along with an energy extraction circuit for buffering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a DC-DC converter is used to provide energy buffering for transient peak currents, then the power supply stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the series regulator and DC-DC converter into a single integrated switching regulator circuit. The series regulator's regulating transistor is merged with the DC-DC converter's switching mechanism, allowing the same component to perform both linear regulation and switching energy buffering functions. This integration reduces component count and circuit complexity while maintaining power supply stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating transistor in the series regulator serves multiple functions: it performs voltage regulation during normal operation and simultaneously acts as the switching element for the DC-DC converter during transient peak current conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switching components, reducing device complexity while providing energy buffering capability.
2Loss of energy
If the DC-DC converter is regulated to constant collector-emitter voltage drop, then the efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to varying power conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic regulation where the DC-DC converter adjusts the collector-emitter voltage drop of the regulating transistor based on real-time power conditions. During normal operation, the voltage drop is maintained at an optimal constant value for maximum efficiency. During transient peak currents, the converter dynamically modifies the voltage drop to provide necessary energy buffering, thus adapting to varying power conditions while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where the output of the DC-DC converter regulates the collector-emitter voltage drop across the regulating transistor. This feedback mechanism continuously monitors the voltage drop and adjusts the switching duty cycle accordingly, ensuring optimal efficiency during normal operation while automatically adapting to provide energy buffering when transient peak currents are detected.
3Manufacturing precision
If a series regulator with regulating transistor is used, then the voltage control precision is improved, but the energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching action where the regulating transistor operates in pulse-width modulation (PWM) mode rather than continuous linear regulation. The transistor switches on and off periodically, controlling the average voltage output through duty cycle adjustment. This periodic action maintains precise voltage control while minimizing energy loss, as the transistor operates in efficient switching states rather than dissipative linear conduction states during normal operation.
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
The solution ensures reliable and efficient power supply, stability, and energy buffering across varying conditions, optimizing efficiency and intrinsic safety by dynamically adjusting the collector-emitter voltage drop and using a cascode circuit for reduced voltage losses.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-DC converter, in particular a step-down converter, which is connected downstream of the series regulator
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a switching regulator circuit comprising: a series regulator having at least one regulating transistor with the connections collector, base and emitter; and a DC-DC converter, in particular a step-down converter, which is connected downstream of the series regulator, wherein the switching regulator circuit is designed such that the DC-DC converter is regulated to a constant collector-emitter voltage drop across the regulating transistor; in particular, the DC-DC converter is activated such that a constant collector-emitter voltage drop results. In addition, the present disclosure also discloses a corresponding method.