Many automotive power supply architectures require upstream point-of-load (POL) conversion, particularly Advanced/Autonomous Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) applications where the low core voltage of many System-On-Chips (SoC) and Digital Signal Processors (DSP) are beyond todays Switched Mode Power Supply’s (SMPS) maximum conversion ratio or main switch minimum off-time capability. POL conversion typically involves down conversion from a primary, battery connected rail voltage to a lower secondary voltage rail required by a particular load. Other application and load dependent attributes may be required too, such as low noise, high PSRR or high levels of load transient response. However, adding secondary power supplies upstream of the battery connected primary converter can lead to issues.
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