Detecting light load conditions and improving light load efficiency in a switching power converter
US8199537B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B70/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A switching power converter detects low load conditions based on the ratio of a first peak current value for peak current switching in constant voltage regulation mode to a second peak current value for peak current switching in constant current regulation mode. The power supply load is considered to have a low load if the ratio is lower than a predetermined threshold. Once a low load condition is detected, the switching frequency of the switching power converter is reduced to a level that minimizes switching loss in the power converter. In addition, the switching power converter also adjusts the switching frequency according to the sensed input line voltage. An offset is added to the switching period to reduce the switching frequency of the switching power converter, as the input line voltage is increased.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.