Synchronization and shutdown circuits and methods in high-speed switching regulator drive circuits
US5815015A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/0036
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A drive circuit for a high-speed integrated circuit, bipolar switching regulator is disclosed. The circuit runs at megahertz frequencies, yet is efficient as previously available bipolar integrated circuit switching regulators operating at much lower frequencies. The circuitry provides three switch drive currents: a first (nominal) current that is provided while the switch is off in order to conserve power; a second (boosted) current, provided while the switch is transitioning from off to on in order to increase the speed at which the switching element switches on; and a third (drive) current, provided after the switch has turned on for maintaining the switch at a desired point in saturation. The drive current, additionally, varies as a function of the load on the switch in order, again, to conserve power. Additional circuitry increases the speed at which the switch turns off, by momentarily boosting base discharge current during the on-to-off transition period of the switch. The circuitry also increases speed by enabling the drive current prior to switch turn on. The circuitry can regulate both positive and negative outputs using a common error amplifier, as well as providing a mu…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.