Combined linear and switching voltage regulator

A method for maintaining an output voltage at a predetermined output voltage level comprising:

• providing a switching regulator having a first regulated output maintained at a first output voltage level that is approximately equal to the predetermined output voltage level;
• providing a linear regulator having a second regulated output maintained at a second output voltage level where the second output voltage level is approximately 1.5% less than the first output voltage level;
• coupling the second regulated output to the first regulated output such that the output voltage is maintained at approximately the predetermined output voltage level by operation of the switching regulator until the output voltage falls below the second output voltage level at which time the output voltage is maintained at approximately the predetermined output voltage level by operation of the linear regulator.

A voltage regulator, comprising:

• a switching regulator for generating an output voltage in accordance with a predetermined voltage level;
• a linear regulator for boosting the output voltage generated by the switching regulator when the output voltage of the switching regulator source falls below a predetermined ratio of the predetermined voltage level,
• wherein the switching regulator is driven by a first external voltage source and the linear regulator is driven by a second external voltage source different from the first external voltage source.

A voltage regulator, comprising:

• a switching regulator for generating an output voltage in accordance with a predetermined voltage level;
• a linear regulator for boosting the output voltage generated by the switching regulator when the output voltage of the switching regulator source falls below a predetermined ratio of the predetermined voltage level,
• wherein the predetermined ratio is at least approximately 0.95.

A voltage regulator, comprising:

• a switching regulator for generating an output voltage in accordance with a predetermined voltage level;
• a linear regulator for boosting the output voltage generated by the switching regulator when the output voltage of the switching regulator source falls below a predetermined ratio of the predetermined voltage level,
• wherein the linear regulator is implemented in a single integrated circuit.

A voltage regulator, comprising:

• a switching regulator for generating an output voltage in accordance with a predetermined voltage level;
• a linear regulator for boosting the output voltage generated by the switching regulator when the output voltage of the switching regulator source falls below a predetermined ratio of the predetermined voltage level,
• wherein the voltage regulator is adapted for use in a computer bus termination application.

A method of regulating voltage for use in a computer bus termination application, comprising the steps of:

• generating an output voltage in accordance with a predetermined voltage level;
• boosting the output voltage when the output voltage falls below a predetermined ratio of the predetermined voltage level,
• wherein the predetermined ratio is at least 0.90.