Method and apparatus for sensing output inductor current in a DC-to-DC power converter
US6441597B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02M1/0009
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A current sense circuit for a DC-to-DC power converter accurately senses the output inductor current without adversely affecting efficiency of the power converter. The current sense circuit produces a current sense signal having amplitude sufficiently above the noise floor so that accurate load control of the power converter is achieved. Specifically, the DC-to-DC power converter includes at least one power switch connected to an input voltage source. At least one phase sensing switch is connected to the input voltage source in parallel with the at least one power switch. A pulse width modulation circuit provides common control pulses for the at least one power switch and the at least one phase sensing switch responsive to a current sense signal. An output inductor is connected to the at least one power switch and to a load. A current sensor is coupled to the output inductor and providing the current sense signal to the pulse width modulation circuit corresponding to current passing through an internal DC resistance of the output inductor. The current sensor further includes a filter that includes an on-state resistance of the at least one power switch. The current sensor further i…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.