Method and apparatus to allow rapid adjustment of the reference voltage in a switching regulator
US6965223B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S323/901
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit and method for enabling a rapid adjustment of a reference voltage during a disable period such as a fault condition, shutdown condition, and the like, of a voltage regulator is described. A soft start circuit that is arranged to couple a reference voltage input of an error amplifier to a portion of an output voltage avoiding high current surges and optimizing start up time is modified to include a low resistance switch that provides a path for a reference node capacitance to rapidly discharge. The faster discharge may allow the reference voltage to match the output voltage even when the switch is activated for a very brief interval. This in return allows the output voltage to start up in a controlled manner after a disable period.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.