A comparative assessment between linear and switching power supplies in portable electronic devices

The choice between linear and switching power supplies at the board level is sometimes clear cut. However, as the current demands rises and operating voltages sink, considerations must be paid to such factors as power wastage, filtering needs, available board space, and economics. A comparative assessment is made between linear and switching power supplies which should guide the power supply engineer in making intelligent choices as to which option to follow. Design techniques which account for the usage of both linear and switching element in a single board design are also addressed and which may be of future interest to power supply designers.