A DC-to-DC converter as described herein is suitable for use as a variable
voltage supply for an RF power amplifier. The DC-to-DC converter includes
a buck converter for providing relatively low voltage and current output,
and a linear voltage regulator for providing relatively high voltage and
current output. When operating in a buck converter mode, the DC-to-DC
converter disables the linear voltage regulator, thus providing efficient
low-level operation. When operating in a linear regulator mode, the
DC-to-DC converter enables the linear voltage regulator while maintaining
at least some current flow through the buck converter; this is
accomplished by keeping an output transistor of the buck converter
continuously on during the linear regulator mode. The DC-to-DC converter
can transition between operating modes in a smooth manner that does not
result in discontinuous voltage drops.