Time-based current control in switching regulators
US6987380B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02M1/0009
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Control circuits that employ time-based current control methods for switching voltage regulators are provided. The control circuit includes a current estimation circuit and optionally, a transfer function circuit. The current estimation circuit generates estimates of regulator output current as function of switch period for use as a threshold indicative of peak current limit. This arrangement eliminates the need for error amplifiers to provide effective current mode control. The absence of error amplifiers allows fabrication of switching regulators on smaller die areas and provides switching regulators with reduced power consumption.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.