Self-clocking multiphase power supply controller
US6495995B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B70/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A ripple-mode controller provides reliable operation in multi-phase power supply circuits, over a variety of operating conditions. Cross-phase blanking allows the controller to preserve the desired phase relationship between the switching pulses its provides to the different output phases, and permits the controller to operate each output phase at nearly 100% duty cycles. Active current sharing compliments blanking operations by adjusting the width of switching pulses the controller provides to one or more of the output phases based on detecting load current imbalances between the different output phases. With active current sharing, the controller prevents one or more output phases from carrying excessive portions of the load current. Further complimenting its operation, the controller may include virtual ripple generation to increase the noise immunity of its ripple-mode regulation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.