Patent ID: 7508179

Claim:
A dual input prioritizing linear regulator for generating a regulated output voltage, the linear regulator comprising: a first voltage input terminal for receiving an unregulated input voltage; a second voltage input terminal for receiving a regulated input voltage; an output voltage terminal; a first regulator circuit including a first output device coupled between the first voltage input terminal and the output voltage terminal, and a first control circuit for controlling the first output device such that the regulated output voltage is generated on the output voltage terminal while the unregulated input voltage is above a predetermined first minimum voltage level; a second regulator circuit including a second output device coupled between the second voltage input terminal and the output voltage terminal, and a second control circuit for controlling the second output device such that the regulated output voltage is generated on the output voltage terminal while the regulated input voltage is above a predetermined second minimum voltage level; and means for disabling the first control circuit while the regulated input voltage is above the predetermined second minimum voltage level.