An active linear regulator circuit in parallel with a filter capacitor of
a switching voltage regulator injects current to a load only when the
switching regulator and capacitor cannot supply adequate current to
follow high frequency load transients in a manner which is compatible
with adaptive voltage positioning (AVP) requirements. control of current
injection and determination of the insufficiency of current from the
switching regulator and capacitors is achieved by impedance matching of
the linear regulator to the switching regulator. The linear regulator
thus operates at relatively low current and duty cycle to limit power
dissipation therein. By matching impedances and increasing the bandwidth
of the switching regulator, filter capacitor requirements can be reduced
to the point of being met entirely by packaging and/or on-die capacitors
which may be placed close to or at the point of load to reduce parasitic
inductance, as can the linear regulator.