Current metering for transitioning between operating modes in switching regulators
US9882485B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B70/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Current metering for transitioning to low power operation in switching regulators is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided that includes generating pulse width modulated charging cycles that enable current to flow to an inductor to adjust an output voltage, and detecting a skipped charging cycle. The method also includes determining whether a number of charging cycles are skipped over a time interval that begins when the skipped charging cycle is detected. The method also includes transitioning to a low power operating mode if it determined that the number of charging cycles have been skipped over the selected time interval. During the low power operating mode pulse frequency modulated charging cycles are generated that enable the current to flow to the inductor to generate the output voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.