Ultra-low power switching regulator method and apparatus
US6215288A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B70/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A low-power controller for a discontinuous switched mode power converter. The controller has an inductor current sensing circuit to measure the inductor current flowing through an inductive charge storage element as well as an output voltage sensing circuit to monitor output voltage. The controller monitors both the converter output voltage and the inductor current and uses this information to modulate a peak inductor current trip point and controller switching frequency according to a control law curve in order to regulate converter output voltage. The controller prevents the switching frequency from falling below a predetermined minimum frequency. The control law curve is selectable to specify controller operation according to a desired combination of minimum switching frequency and maximum peak inductor current.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.