Diode loss detection for low side MOSFET of a synchronous output stage
US7969694B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B70/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An embodiment of the invention relates to a switch-mode power converter including an inductor and an external rectifying diode. A series arrangement of a resistor and a switch are coupled in parallel with the external rectifying diode. The resistor and the switch enable continuous conduction mode, even at substantially no output current. A comparator senses a current level in the resistor. When the current level crosses a threshold level, the power converter is shut down. The current level is sensed with a second resistor coupled to a current source to produce a current sensing arrangement dependent on a ratio of resistances. Advantageously, the current level is sensed with clamp circuits coupled to the comparator, each clamp circuit including a series circuit arrangement of a field-effect transistor with a gate coupled to a voltage source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.