Detecting overcurrents in a switching regulator using a voltage dependent reference
US7142401B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02M1/0009
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A switching regulator provides energy to an inductor-capacitor combination that supply a DC voltage as an output. The presence of a current that can be significantly lower than the typical load current is detected using a pulse signal that provides a measure of the current supplied by the regulator to the inductor. A comparator compares this signal to a reference voltage that is related to the current level to be detected. This reference voltage is adjustable based on the voltage applied by the regulator and the voltage being ultimately supplied as the DC output voltage. The comparator and a capacitor perform an integration function that results in a voltage that ramps upward if the current threshold is being exceeded. When this ramping voltage passes a predetermined level, a signal is provided to indicate that the threshold has been exceeded.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.