High efficiency switching regulator with adaptive drive output circuit
US5731731A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B70/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Switching regulator circuits and methods are provided in which the output circuit is adaptable to maintain high efficiency over various load current levels. The regulator circuits generate one or more control signals in response to the load current and selectively route a switch driver control signal to one or more switches in the output circuit. The switches differ in their size, such that the most efficient switch can be used at a particular load current level. At low load current levels, the driver control signal is routed to output circuitry with smaller switch devices, which incur smaller driver current losses for a given frequency of operation, thereby increasing the regulator efficiency. At high load current levels, the driver control signal is routed to large switch devices, which incur greater driver current losses for a given frequency of operation, but which have a lower impedance. The regulator thus maintains high efficiency over a wide range of load currents while operating at a constant frequency.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.