Methods and apparatus for a power supply with sequentially-activated segmented power switch
US8179109B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/164
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for a power supply according various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a voltage converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage. For example, the converter may comprise a controller configured to generate a control signal and an integrated power stage. The power stage may include a segmented switch coupled in parallel between the input voltage and the output, and a driver circuit responsive to the controller and connected to the switches. The segmented switches may be parallel devices with separate gates, which may be activated independently. The driver circuit controls the switches according to the control signal to sequentially activate the switches in the switch circuit. For example, the driver circuit may activate a second switch following a predetermined period after activating a first switch, and the first switch and second switch may be activated sequentially and remain activated simultaneously.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.