U.S. patent application number 15/640335 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-03 for resonant switching regulator with continuous current.
This patent application is currently assigned to EMPOWER SEMICONDUCTOR. The applicant listed for this patent is EMPOWER SEMICONDUCTOR. Invention is credited to David Lidsky, Parag Oak, Timothy Alan Phillips.
Application Number | 20190006933 15/640335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64734446 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190006933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lidsky; David ; et
al. |
January 3, 2019 |
RESONANT SWITCHING REGULATOR WITH CONTINUOUS CURRENT
Abstract
A switched-mode power regulator circuit has four solid-state
switches connected in series and a capacitor and an inductor that
regulate power delivered to a load. The solid-state switches are
operated such that a voltage at the load is regulated by
repetitively (1) charging the capacitor causing an increase in
current flow in the inductor followed by a decrease in current flow
in the inductor and before the current flow in the inductor stops,
(2) discharging the capacitor causing an increase in current flow
in the inductor followed by a decrease in current flow in the
inductor and before the current flow in the inductor stops,
repeating (1).
Inventors: |
Lidsky; David; (Oakland,
CA) ; Phillips; Timothy Alan; (Hope, RI) ;
Oak; Parag; (Sunnyvale, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EMPOWER SEMICONDUCTOR |
Newark |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
EMPOWER SEMICONDUCTOR
Newark
CA
|
Family ID: |
64734446 |
Appl. No.: |
15/640335 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 70/10 20130101;
H02M 3/158 20130101; H02M 2001/0003 20130101; H02M 1/08 20130101;
H02M 2001/0058 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02M 1/08 20060101
H02M001/08; H02M 3/158 20060101 H02M003/158 |
Claims
1. A power conversion circuit comprising: a first terminal; a first
solid-state switch having a pair of first switch terminals and a
first control terminal, the pair of first switch terminals
connected between the first terminal and a first junction; a second
solid-state switch having a pair of second switch terminals and a
second control terminal, the pair of second switch terminals
connected between the first junction and a second junction; a third
solid-state switch having a pair of third switch terminals and a
third control terminal, the pair of third switch terminals
connected between the second junction and a third junction; a
fourth solid-state switch having a pair of fourth switch terminals
and a fourth control terminal, the pair of fourth switch terminals
connected between the third junction and a ground; a capacitor
coupled between the first junction and the third junction, and an
inductor coupled between the second junction and a load; and a
controller transmitting control signals to control the first,
second, third and fourth solid-state switches through the first,
second, third and fourth control terminals, respectively, such that
a voltage at the load is regulated by repetitively (1) charging the
capacitor causing an increase in current flow in the inductor
followed by a decrease in current flow in the inductor and before
the current flow in the inductor stops SUBSTANTIALLY 0, (2)
discharging the capacitor causing an increase in current flow in
the inductor followed by a decrease in current flow in the inductor
and before the current flow in the inductor stops, repeating
(1).
2. The power conversion circuit of claim 1 further comprising
generating a first preflux condition in the inductor before
(1).
3. The power conversion circuit of claim 2 wherein during the first
preflux condition the first and the second solid-state switches are
in an on state.
4. The power conversion circuit of claim 1 further comprising
generating a second preflux condition in the inductor before
(2).
5. The power conversion circuit of claim 4 wherein during the
second preflux condition the second and the fourth solid-state
switches are in an on state.
6. The power conversion circuit of claim 1 wherein after the
decrease in current flow the inductor in (1) the first, the third
and the fourth solid-state switches are in an on state.
7. The power conversion circuit of claim 1 wherein after the
decrease in current flow the inductor in (2) the second, the third
and the fourth solid-state switches are in an on state.
8. The power conversion circuit of claim 1 wherein when
repetitively performing (1) and (2) a continuous current flows
through the inductor.
9. The power conversion circuit of claim 1 wherein the controller
allows the current flow in the inductor to stop in (1) and in
response controls the first and the fourth solid-state switches
into an on-state and the second and third solid-state switches into
an off state.
10. The power conversion circuit of claim 9 wherein the controller
controls the first and the fourth solid-state switches into an
on-state and the second and third solid-state switches into an off
state in response to a voltage at the load being above a
predetermined threshold voltage.
11. The power conversion circuit of claim 1 wherein the controller
allows the current flow in the inductor to stop in (2) and in
response controls the second and the third solid-state switches
into an on-state and the first and fourth solid-state switches into
an off state.
12. The power conversion circuit of claim 1 disposed on a unitary
semiconductor die that includes the load.
13. A power conversion circuit comprising: a first terminal; a
first solid-state switch having a pair of first switch terminals
and a first control terminal, the pair of first switch terminals
connected between the first terminal and a first junction; a second
solid-state switch having a pair of second switch terminals and a
second control terminal, the pair of second switch terminals
connected between the first junction and a second junction; a third
solid-state switch having a pair of third switch terminals and a
third control terminal, the pair of third switch terminals
connected between the second junction and a third junction; a
fourth solid-state switch having a pair of fourth switch terminals
and a fourth control terminal, the pair of fourth switch terminals
connected between the third junction and a ground; and a capacitor
coupled between the first junction and the third junction, and an
inductor coupled between the second junction and a load; wherein
the first, second, third and fourth solid-state switches regulate a
voltage at the load by repetitively (1) charging the capacitor
causing an increase in current flow in the inductor followed by a
decrease in current flow in the inductor and before the current
flow in the inductor reaches a first level, (2) discharging the
capacitor causing an increase in current flow in the inductor
followed by a decrease in current flow in the inductor and before
the current flow in the inductor reaches a second level, repeating
(1).
14. The power conversion circuit of claim 13 wherein the first and
the second levels are substantially 0 amperes.
15. The power conversion circuit of claim 13 further comprising
generating a first preflux condition in the inductor before
(1).
16. The power conversion circuit of claim 13 further comprising
generating a second preflux condition in the inductor before
(2).
17. The power conversion circuit of claim 13 wherein when
repetitively performing (1) and (2) a continuous current flows
through the inductor.
18. The power conversion circuit of claim 13 wherein in response to
a voltage at the load being above a predetermined threshold voltage
the controller allows the current flow in the inductor to stop in
(1).
19. The power conversion circuit of claim 13 wherein the first,
second, third and fourth solid-state switches are disposed on a
unitary semiconductor die that is attached to a substrate having a
plurality of contacts for forming electrical connections to a
circuit board.
20. A method of operating a power conversion circuit to deliver
power to a load, the method comprising: supplying power to the
power conversion circuit with a power supply connected to a first
terminal, the power conversion circuit comprising: a first
solid-state switch having a pair of first switch terminals and a
first control terminal, the pair of first switch terminals
connected between the first terminal and a first junction; a second
solid-state switch having a pair of second switch terminals and a
second control terminal, the pair of second switch terminals
connected between the first junction and a second junction; a third
solid-state switch having a pair of third switch terminals and a
third control terminal, the pair of third switch terminals
connected between the second junction and a third junction; a
fourth solid-state switch having a pair of fourth switch terminals
and a fourth control terminal, the pair of fourth switch terminals
connected between the third junction and a ground; a capacitor
coupled between the first junction and the third junction, and an
inductor coupled between the second junction and the load; and a
controller that controls on and off states of the first, second,
third and fourth solid-state switches; and controlling the on and
off states of the first, the second, the third and the fourth
solid-state switches, such that a voltage at the load is regulated
by repetitively (1) charging the capacitor causing an increase in
current flow in the inductor followed by a decrease in current flow
in the inductor and before the current flow in the inductor reaches
a first level, (2) discharging the capacitor causing an increase in
current flow in the inductor followed by a decrease in current flow
in the inductor and before the current flow in the inductor reaches
a second level, repeating (1).
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to switched-mode
power regulators and in particular to power regulators that operate
at high frequencies with high efficiency.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A wide variety of electronic devices are available for
consumers today. Many of these devices have integrated circuits
that are powered by regulated low voltage DC power sources. These
low voltage power sources are often generated by dedicated power
regulator circuits that use a higher voltage input from a battery
or another power source. In some applications, the dedicated power
regulator circuit can be one of the largest power dissipating
components of the electronic device and can sometimes consume more
space than the integrated circuit that it powers.
[0003] As electronic devices become more sophisticated and more
compact, the size, the performance and the efficiency of the
dedicated power regulator circuits needs to be improved. Increased
switching frequency of the power regulator circuit has been one of
the primary design advances to address these competing
requirements. Increased switching frequency reduces the size and
typically the cost of the large passive components (e.g.,
capacitors and inductors) while also enabling the power regulator
to respond to faster transient requirements. The difficulty with
increased switching frequency is typically the increased switching
losses associated with the increased number of switching cycles
(i.e., decreased efficiency). New methods of reducing the size and
improving the efficiency of power regulator circuits are needed to
meet the needs of future electronic devices.
SUMMARY
[0004] In some embodiments a power conversion circuit comprises a
first terminal, a first solid-state switch having a pair of first
switch terminals and a first control terminal wherein the pair of
first switch terminals are connected between the first terminal and
a first junction. A second solid-state switch has a pair of second
switch terminals and a second control terminal wherein the pair of
second switch terminals are connected between the first junction
and a second junction. A third solid-state switch has a pair of
third switch terminals and a third control terminal wherein the
pair of third switch terminals are connected between the second
junction and a third junction. A fourth solid-state switch has a
pair of fourth switch terminals and a fourth control terminal
wherein the pair of fourth switch terminals are connected between
the third junction and a ground. A capacitor is coupled between the
first junction and the third junction, and an inductor is coupled
between the second junction and a load. A controller transmits
control signals to control the first, second, third and fourth
solid-state switches through the first, second, third and fourth
control terminals, respectively, such that a voltage at the load is
regulated by repetitively (1) charging the capacitor causing an
increase in current flow in the inductor followed by a decrease in
current flow in the inductor and before the current flow in the
inductor stops, (2) discharging the capacitor causing an increase
in current flow in the inductor followed by a decrease in current
flow in the inductor and before the current flow in the inductor
stops, repeating (1).
[0005] In some embodiments the power conversion circuit generates a
first preflux condition in the inductor before (1). In various
embodiments during the first preflux condition the first and the
second solid-state switches are in an on state. In some embodiments
a second preflux condition is generated in the inductor before (2).
In various embodiments during the second preflux condition the
second and the fourth solid-state switches are in an on state.
[0006] In some embodiments after the decrease in current flow the
inductor in (1) the first, the third and the fourth solid-state
switches are in an on state. In various embodiments after the
decrease in current flow the inductor in (2) the second, the third
and the fourth solid-state switches are in an on state. In some
embodiments when repetitively performing (1) and (2) a continuous
current flows through the inductor.
[0007] In some embodiments the controller allows the current flow
in the inductor to stop in (1) and in response controls the first
and the fourth solid-state switches into an on-state and the second
and third solid-state switches into an off state. In various
embodiments the controller controls the first and the fourth
solid-state switches into an on-state and the second and third
solid-state switches into an off state in response to a voltage at
the load being above a predetermined threshold voltage. In some
embodiments the controller allows the current flow in the inductor
to stop in (2) and in response controls the second and the third
solid-state switches into an on-state and the first and fourth
solid-state switches into an off state. In various embodiments the
circuit is disposed on a unitary semiconductor die that includes
the load.
[0008] In some embodiments a power conversion circuit comprises a
first terminal, a first solid-state switch having a pair of first
switch terminals and a first control terminal wherein the pair of
first switch terminals are connected between the first terminal and
a first junction. A second solid-state switch having a pair of
second switch terminals and a second control terminal wherein the
pair of second switch terminals areconnected between the first
junction and a second junction. A third solid-state switch having a
pair of third switch terminals and a third control terminal wherein
the pair of third switch terminals are connected between the second
junction and a third junction. A fourth solid-state switch having a
pair of fourth switch terminals and a fourth control terminal
wherein the pair of fourth switch terminals are connected between
the third junction and a ground. A capacitor coupled between the
first junction and the third junction, and an inductor coupled
between the second junction and a load. Wherein the first, second,
third and fourth solid-state switches regulate a voltage at the
load by repetitively (1) charging the capacitor causing an increase
in current flow in the inductor followed by a decrease in current
flow in the inductor and before the current flow in the inductor
reaches a first level, and (2) discharging the capacitor causing an
increase in current flow in the inductor followed by a decrease in
current flow in the inductor and before the current flow in the
inductor reaches a second level, repeating (1).
[0009] In some embodiments the first and the second levels are
substantially 0 amperes. In various embodiments a first preflux
condition is generated in the inductor before (1). In some
embodiments a second preflux condition is generated in the inductor
before (2). In various embodiments when repetitively performing (1)
and (2) a continuous current flows through the inductor. In some
embodiments in response to a voltage at the load being above a
predetermined threshold voltage the controller allows the current
flow in the inductor to stop in (1). In various embodiments the
first, second, third and fourth solid-state switches are disposed
on a unitary semiconductor die that is attached to a substrate
having a plurality of contacts for forming electrical connections
to a circuit board.
[0010] In some embodiments a method of operating a power conversion
circuit to deliver power to a load comprises supplying power to the
power conversion circuit with a power supply connected to a first
terminal. The power conversion circuit comprises a first
solid-state switch having a pair of first switch terminals and a
first control terminal wherein the pair of first switch terminals
are connected between the first terminal and a first junction. A
second solid-state switch having a pair of second switch terminals
and a second control terminal wherein the pair of second switch
terminals are connected between the first junction and a second
junction. A third solid-state switch having a pair of third switch
terminals and a third control terminal wherein the pair of third
switch terminals are connected between the second junction and a
third junction. A fourth solid-state switch having a pair of fourth
switch terminals and a fourth control terminal wherein the pair of
fourth switch terminals are connected between the third junction
and a ground. A capacitor coupled between the first junction and
the third junction, and an inductor coupled between the second
junction and the load and a controller that controls on and off
states of the first, second, third and fourth solid-state switches.
The on and off states of the first, the second, the third and the
fourth solid-state switches are controlled such that a voltage at
the load is regulated by repetitively (1) charging the capacitor
causing an increase in current flow in the inductor followed by a
decrease in current flow in the inductor and before the current
flow in the inductor reaches a first level, (2) discharging the
capacitor causing an increase in current flow in the inductor
followed by a decrease in current flow in the inductor and before
the current flow in the inductor reaches a second level, repeating
(1).
[0011] To better understand the nature and advantages of the
present invention, reference should be made to the following
description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood,
however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of
illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits
of the scope of the present invention. Also, as a general rule, and
unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where
elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the
elements are generally either identical or at least similar in
function or purpose.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a unitary die containing a power
regulator portion and a load portion according to an embodiment of
the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
that has been removed from the power regulator portion of the
schematic in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a repetitive switching sequence for
the switched regulation circuit in FIG. 2 according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the flowchart in FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the flowchart in FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the flowchart in FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the flowchart in FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a timing diagram of voltages and currents within
the switched regulation circuit of FIG. 2 according to the
switching sequence in FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a is a flowchart of a repetitive switching
sequence for the switched regulation circuit in FIG. 3 according to
an embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the flowchart in FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the flowchart in FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic of a switched regulation circuit with
parasitic elements according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 with an added power supply coupled to the circuit
with a pair of switches according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a repetitive switching sequence
for the switched regulation circuit in FIG. 2 according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a timing diagram of voltages and currents within
the switched regulation circuit of FIG. 2 according to the
switching sequence in FIG. 14;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a timing diagram of voltages and currents within
the switched regulation circuit of FIG. 2 according to the
switching sequence in FIG. 14 including "soft braking";
[0028] FIG. 17 is a method of controlling the preflux time with a
variable timer;
[0029] FIG. 18 is an alternative method of controlling the preflux
time with a variable timer;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a repetitive switching sequence
providing a continuous current output for the switched regulation
circuit in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a timing diagram of voltages and currents within
the switched regulation circuit of FIG. 2 according to the
switching sequence in FIG. 19;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the switching sequence in FIG. 19;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the switching sequence in FIG. 19;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the switching sequence in FIG. 19;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the switching sequence in FIG. 19;
[0036] FIG. 25 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the switching sequence in FIG. 19;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a schematic of the switched regulation circuit
shown in FIG. 2 in a particular switch configuration according to
the switching sequence in FIG. 19; and
[0038] FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a example switching sequences for
the switched regulation circuit in FIG. 2 according to embodiments
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to power
regulator circuits. While the present invention can be useful for a
wide variety of power regulator circuits, some embodiments of the
invention are particularly useful for power regulator circuits that
can operate at relatively high frequencies and high efficiencies
enabling the circuits to be completely contained on a unitary
integrated circuit (IC) device adjacent to the load that it powers,
as described in more detail below.
[0040] Now referring to FIG. 1 a non-limiting example block diagram
of a power regulator circuit and a load integrated on a unitary IC
device is illustrated. Unitary IC 100 may have a power regulator
portion 105 and a load portion 110 monolithically integrated. Load
portion 110 may perform any function including, but not limited to,
a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, an
application processing unit, a display driver, or other function.
Load portion 110 may be illustrated schematically by a load
resistor 115.
[0041] Power regulator portion 105 may be configured to receive an
input voltage from a first terminal 120 and supply a regulated
output voltage to load 115. Power regulator portion 105 may have a
switched regulation circuit 125 that is operated and controlled by
one or more peripheral circuits, as discussed in more detail
below.
[0042] Switched regulation circuit 125 may comprise four
solid-state switches connected in series, an LC circuit and an
output capacitor. More specifically, power regulation circuit 125
may be supplied with DC power through first terminal 120. A first
solid-state switch 130 has a pair of first switch terminals 133a,
133b connected between first terminal 120 and a first junction 135,
respectively. First solid-state switch 130 may also have a first
control terminal 137 that may be used to transition the first
solid-state switch between an on state and an off state, as
discussed in more detail below.
[0043] A second solid-state switch 140 has a pair of second switch
terminals 143a, 143b connected between first junction 135 and a
second junction 145, respectively. Second solid-state switch 140
further has a second control terminal 147. A third solid-state
switch 150 has a pair of third switch terminals 153a, 153b
connected between second junction 145 and a third junction 155,
respectively. Third solid-state switch further has a third control
terminal 157. Fourth solid-state switch 160 has a pair of fourth
switch terminals 163a, 163b connected between third junction 155
and a ground 165, respectively. Fourth solid-state switch 160
further has a fourth control terminal 167. An LC circuit includes a
capacitor 170 connected between first junction 135 and third
junction 155, and an inductor 173 connected between second junction
145 and load 115. In further embodiments, inductor 173 may be in
series with capacitor 170. An output capacitor 175 is connected
between inductor 173 and load 115 and coupled to ground 165. An
output node 176, to which inductor 173, output capacitor 175 and
load 115 are connected may be used to monitor an output voltage
(Vout) of switched regulation circuit 125. For ease of
identification, labels M1, M2, M3 and M4 may be used throughout
this disclosure to identify first solid-state switch 130, second
solid-state switch 140, third solid-state switch 150 and fourth
solid-state switch 160, respectively. In some embodiments, the
inductor 173 can be located between the capacitor 170 and either
node 135 or node 155.
[0044] A controller is configured to receive inputs from the
switched regulation circuit and control the operation of the solid
state switches to provide a substantially constant output, as
discussed in more detail below. Controller 180 may be coupled to
driver circuits 183 with control lines 185(1) . . . 185(4) such
that each control line controls the operation of one solid-state
switch. In one embodiment, controller 180 may transmit high and low
control signals through control lines 185(1) . . . 185(4) to
operate a corresponding driver circuit 183. Driver circuits 183 may
be coupled to first, second, third and fourth control terminals
137, 147, 157, 167, respectively of first, second, third and fourth
solid state switches, 130, 140, 150, 160, respectively. Driver
circuits 183 may receive commands from controller 180 and control
the operation of first, second, third and fourth solid state
switches, 130, 140, 150, 160, respectively by sending signals
through first, second, third and fourth control terminals 137, 147,
157, 167, respectively. Driver circuits 183 can have other
functions, for example, converting the voltage level of the control
circuitry to voltages for the drivers.
[0045] In some embodiments, controller 180 may regulate the voltage
at output node 176 by controlling the first, second, third and
fourth solid state switches, 130, 140, 150, 160, respectively, by
repetitively (1) charging capacitor 170 causing a current to flow
in inductor 173 and (2) discharging the capacitor causing current
to flow in the inductor, as discussed in more detail below.
[0046] In some embodiments, one or more peripheral circuits may be
employed individually or in combination with each other to aid
controller 180 in operating switched regulation circuit 125. In one
embodiment, a first comparator 187 may be connected from first
terminal 120 to a first side 181 of capacitor 170 and be configured
to compare the respective voltage levels. By comparing voltage
levels, first comparator 187 may monitor the current flowing
through first solid-state switch 130 (i.e., zero volts across the
comparator equates to zero current flowing through first solid
state switch). Similarly, second comparator 190 may be connected
between ground 165 and a second side 191 of capacitor 170 and be
configured to detect current flowing through fourth solid-state
switch 160. Thus, first and second comparators 187, 190,
respectively may be used to monitor current flowing through
inductor 173 when first or fourth solid-state switches, 130, 160,
respectively, are coupled in series with the inductor, as described
in further detail below. In some embodiments, first comparator 187
may be connected between terminals 120 and 145 to detect current
flowing through switches 130 and 140 (e.g., to detect preflux
current). In some embodiments, second comparator 190 may be
connected between terminals 145 and 165 to detect current flowing
through switches 150 and 160 (e.g. to detect softbrake
current).
[0047] In another embodiment a third comparator 193 may be
connected between second junction 145 and a first voltage source
194. In one embodiment first voltage source 194 may be a ground
connection (i.e., having a potential of 0 volts). In some
embodiments, a voltage level of first voltage source 194 may be
used to create a timing offset for controller 180 to accommodate
for delays in switch actuation. Third comparator 193 may be used to
detect the voltage at second junction 145 when it is equivalent to
the voltage of first voltage source 194 Similarly, fourth
comparator 195 may be connected between output node 176 (Vout) and
a second voltage source 196 such that it notifies controller 180
when it detects that Vout is equivalent to the second voltage
source. Second voltage source 196 may also be adjusted to
compensate for switch actuation delays. The combination of first,
second, third and fourth comparators, 187, 190, 193, 195,
respectively, may be used to aid controller 180 in detecting the
current in inductor 173, the voltage across capacitor 170, and the
voltage at output node 176 (Vout). In other embodiments different
methods may be used to detect voltages and currents in switched
regulation circuit 125 without departing from this invention. For
example, in one embodiment a voltage across inductor 173 may be
used to detect current in the inductor.
[0048] Although FIG. 1 illustrates a unitary IC 100 with all
components integrated within the unitary IC, other embodiments may
have the components disposed on more than one IC, while further
embodiments may have one or more components that are not on an IC
and disposed on circuitry adjacent the IC. For example, one
embodiment may have output capacitor 175 or inductor 173 disposed
adjacent one or more ICs. In other embodiments, one or more
switches or drivers or control circuits may be on a separate
IC.
[0049] Now referring to FIG. 2, for simplicity of illustration,
switched regulation circuit 125 has been removed from power
regulator portion 105 of unitary IC device 100 shown in FIG. 1.
Switched regulation circuit 125 will be used to show the repetitive
switching sequence used by the power regulator to control the
voltage at output node 176 (Vout) delivered to load 115 (see FIG.
1).
[0050] Now referring simultaneously to FIGS. 3-8 a first embodiment
of a switching sequence and timing diagram for switched regulation
circuit 125 is illustrated. FIG. 3 identifies four different
solid-state switch configurations, the order in which the
solid-state switches are turned on and off and the decisions
between each step. FIGS. 4-7 illustrate simplified circuit
schematics of each of the four different solid-state switch
configurations. Solid-state switches in the on state are depicted
with solid lines and solid-state switches that are in the off state
are depicted with dashed lines. FIG. 8 illustrates an example
timing diagram, showing the control signals delivered to each of
the four solid-state switches as well as the voltage at second
junction 145, the current within inductor 173, an inductor current
comparator output and the voltage across capacitor 173. The
switching sequence illustrated in FIGS. 3-8 is only an example and
other sequences, timings and configurations are within the scope of
this disclosure.
[0051] Now referring to FIG. 3, a first switching sequence 300
having sequential steps 305 through 360 is illustrated. In step
305, second and third solid-state switches M2, M3, respectively,
are controlled to be in an on state and first and fourth
solid-state switches M1, M4 are controlled to be in an off state. A
simplified schematic of switched regulation circuit 125 in step 305
is illustrated in FIG. 4. Second and third solid-state switches
140, 150, respectively are in an on state (solid lines) and first
and fourth solid-state switches 130, 160, respectively are in an
off state (dashed lines). Therefore, capacitor 170 is in a shorted
condition, allowing any residual charge within the capacitor to
dissipate such that the capacitor is discharged.
[0052] Now referring to timing diagram 800 in FIG. 8, first step
305 occurs at time t1. Trace 805 illustrates a control voltage
applied to first solid-state switch 130. In the particular
embodiment depicted in diagram 800, switches are turned on when
approximately 1 volt is applied. At time t1 trace 805 is at
approximately 0 volts thus first solid-state switch 130 is off.
Trace 810 illustrates a control terminal voltage applied to second
solid-state switch 140. At time t1 trace 810 is at approximately 1
volt thus second solid-state switch is on. Trace 815 illustrates a
control terminal voltage applied to third solid-state switch 150.
At time t1 trace 815 transitions to approximately 1 volt thus third
solid-state switch 150 transitions from off to on. Trace 820
illustrates a control terminal voltage applied to fourth
solid-state switch 160. At time t1 trace 820 is at approximately 0
volts thus fourth solid-state switch is off.
[0053] Trace 825 illustrates a voltage at second junction 145. At
time t1, capacitor 170 is shorted. Trace 830 illustrates current
through inductor 173. At time t1 inductor 173 is decoupled from the
remainder of switched regulation circuit 125 thus the current in
inductor 173 is zero. Trace 835 illustrates a comparator output
corresponding to a zero current condition in inductor 173, as
discussed in more detail below. Trace 840 illustrates the voltage
across capacitor 170. At time t1 capacitor 170 is shorted causing
the voltage across capacitor 173 to decrease as the capacitor is
discharged.
[0054] Now referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, after the controller
sets the solid-state switches to their respective states identified
in step 305, it advances to step 310 were it detects the voltage at
output node 176 (Vout). In some embodiments Vout may be detected
using comparator 195 (see FIG. 1) as discussed above, or by any
other method. Advancing to step 315 the controller may detect if
the voltage at output node 176 has decreased below a first
threshold voltage (V.sub.TH1). If Vout remains above V.sub.TH1 then
the controller continues to detect Vout (i.e., returns to step 310)
until Vout drops below V.sub.TH1. In some embodiments the
controller may cyclically detect Vout then compare it to V.sub.TH1,
while in other embodiments the controller may respond to a signal,
such as from a comparator, that Vout has decreased below V.sub.TH1.
Myriad methods may be used to detect Vout, compare it to V.sub.TH1
and notify the controller.
[0055] Now referring back to FIG. 3, step 315, once Vout drops
below V.sub.TH1 the controller advances to step 320 where third
solid-state switch M3 remains on while first solid-state switch M1
is turned on simultaneously with turning second solid-state switch
M2 off. Thus, first and third solid-state switches, M1, M3,
respectively, are on while second and fourth solid-state switches
M2, M4, respectively, are off. A simplified schematic of switched
regulation circuit 125 in step 320 is illustrated in FIG. 5. In
this state the voltage at first terminal 120 (Vin) is applied
directly to second junction 145. Capacitor 170 was fully discharged
in the previous step and now begins to charge. Capacitor 170
charges with a time constant set by capacitor 170 and inductor 173
values. Further, as capacitor 170 begins to charge, current flow in
inductor 173 increases as the voltage between 145 and the output is
positive.
[0056] Step 320 is illustrated in timing diagram 800 (see FIG. 8)
at time t2. Now referring simultaneously to FIGS. 5 and 8, at time
t2, first solid-state switch 130 (i.e., trace 805) turns on almost
simultaneously with second solid-state switch 140 (i.e., trace 810)
turning off. The voltage at second junction 145 (i.e., trace 825)
increases rapidly to the voltage at first terminal 120 (Vin), in
this application (or embodiment) approximately 2 volts. Between
time t1 and t2 the voltage at second junction 145 may fluctuate At
time t2, current in inductor 173 (i.e., trace 830) begins to
increase. As capacitor 170 becomes charged (i.e., trace 840
approaches 2 volts), Voltage at 145 start to decrease. When the
voltage at 145 goes below the load voltage 176, the current in
inductor 173 (i.e., trace 830) starts to decrease. Thus, in step
320 capacitor 170 becomes charged, causing a current to flow in
inductor 173, and increasing the voltage at output node 176 (Vout).
The controller then proceeds to step 325 (see FIG. 3).
[0057] In step 325, the current in inductor 173 (L.sub.I) is
detected. In some embodiments the current may be detected as
illustrated in FIG. 1 with comparator 187. In one embodiment
comparator 187 monitors current flow through first solid-state
switch 130 by comparing a voltage difference between first terminal
120 and first side 181 of capacitor 170. As the voltage difference
decreases, the current commensurately decreases in both first
solid-state switch 130 and inductor 173. Referring now to step 330
in FIG. 3, once current in inductor 173 is approximately equal to
zero, the controller proceeds to step 335 where first and third
solid-state switches M1, M3, respectively, turn off and fourth
solid-state switch M4 turns on while second solid-state switch M2
remains off. As discussed above, since the transition to step 335
only occurs when the current in inductor 176 is approximately zero,
the transition to step 335 may employ zero current switching of
first solid-state switch M1. Zero current switching occurs when the
current through the solid-state switch is approximately zero,
before changing the state of the switch. This reduces switching
losses, reduces input supply noise, and improves the efficiency of
switched regulation circuit 125, as discussed in more detail
below.
[0058] Continuing to refer to step 335 in FIG. 3, in some
embodiments the switching transitions may occur simultaneously
while in other embodiments there may be slight delays between
switch transitions. A simplified schematic of switched regulation
circuit 125 in step 335 is illustrated in FIG. 6. Fourth
solid-state switch 160 ties second side 191 of capacitor 170 to
ground, however first side 181 of the capacitor is left floating
such that the capacitor remains charged. This configuration is
essentially an off state, where the system is substantially at
steady-state. Other embodiments may have a different off state
configuration. In one embodiment, all solid-state switches may be
in an off position, while in further embodiments third solid-state
switch 150 may be the only switch in an on state which connects
capacitor 170 to inductor 173. In another embodiment both first and
fourth solid-state switches 130, 160, respectively may be on
simultaneously. Other off state solid-state switch configurations
are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0059] Step 335 of FIG. 3 is illustrated in timing diagram 800 of
FIG. 8, at time t3. Now referring simultaneously to FIGS. 6 and 8,
at time t3 first and third solid-state switches, 130, 150,
respectively, turn off and fourth solid-state switch 160 turns on
while second solid-state switch 140 remains off. After the
switching transitions, second junction 145 (i.e., trace 825) is
disconnected from the solid-state switches and its voltage starts
to increase. Capacitor 170 (i.e., trace 840) remains charged and
the current in inductor 173 (i.e., trace 830) remains near zero. In
step 340 the voltage at output node 176 (Vout) may be detected with
comparator 195 (see FIG. 1) as discussed above in step 310. In
other embodiments, Vout may be detected using a different method.
As shown in step 345, the controller advances to step 350 when Vout
drops below a second threshold voltage (V.sub.TH2).
[0060] Now referring to FIG. 3, step 350, fourth solid-state switch
M4 remains on and second solid-state switch M2 is turned on while
first and third solid-state switches M1, M3, respectively, remain
off. A simplified schematic of switched regulation circuit 125 in
step 350 is illustrated in FIG. 7. Capacitor 170 is connected
between inductor 173 and ground 165, allowing the charge stored in
the capacitor to discharge through the inductor to load 115 (see
FIG. 1). As capacitor 170 begins to discharge (with a time constant
set by capacitor 170 and inductor 173), current in inductor 173
starts to increase and voltage at output node 176 (Vout) increases.
This condition is illustrated in timing diagram 800 in FIG. 8 at
time t4.
[0061] Now simultaneously referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, at time t4
second solid-state switch 140 (i.e., trace 810) turns on. The
voltage at second junction 145 (i.e., trace 825) makes an
adjustment to approximately 2 volts as it is connected to fully
charged capacitor 170. As capacitor 170 resonates with inductor
173, it discharges (i.e., trace 840) causing current to increase in
inductor 173 (i.e., trace 830). This causes the voltage at Vout to
increase. As the charge in capacitor 170 is reduced, current in
inductor 173 decreases (i.e., trace 830). After configuring the
solid-state switches, controller advances to steps 355 and 360 (see
FIG. 3).
[0062] In step 355, the current in inductor 173 is detected. In
some embodiments the current may be detected as illustrated in FIG.
1 with comparator 190. In further embodiments, comparator 190 (see
FIG. 1) may be used to monitor the current through fourth
semiconductor switch 160 and indirectly through inductor 173, by
detecting a voltage differential between ground 165 and second side
191 of capacitor 170. For example, at time t5 in timing diagram 800
in FIG. 8, trace 835 illustrates a comparator output corresponding
to a zero current condition in inductor 173. In other embodiments
different methods may be used to detect current in inductor
173.
[0063] Referring now simultaneously to FIGS. 3 and 7, in step 360,
once the current in inductor 173 is approximately equal to zero,
the controller proceeds back to step 305, where third solid-state
switch M3 is turned on and second solid-state switch M2 remains on
while first solid-state switch M1 remains off and fourth
solid-state switch M4 is turned off. Thus, M2 and M3 are on while
M1 and M4 are off. This configuration shorts capacitor 170,
repeating the entire switching sequence 300. As discussed above,
since the current in inductor 173 and fourth solid-state switch M4
is at or near zero during the transition from step 360 to 305, zero
current switching methods may be used to decrease switching losses,
reduce input supply noise and improve efficiency, as discussed in
more detail below.
[0064] In the particular switching sequence illustrated in FIG. 3,
each solid-state switch turns on and off only once during each
repetitive switching cycle. Such a sequence may enable improved
efficiency by minimizing switching losses. In other embodiments,
different switching configurations and sequences may be used where
one or more switches may be turned on and off more than once.
[0065] As discussed above in FIG. 1, power regulator portion 105
and a load portion 110 may be monolithically integrated on unitary
IC 100. In one embodiment unitary IC 100 may comprise silicon and
first, second, third and fourth solid-state switches 130, 140, 150,
160 may be junction gate field effect devices (JFETs) while in
other embodiments they may be metal-oxide semiconductor
field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), bi-polar devices or any other
type of solid-state transistor. In further embodiments other
materials may be used for unitary IC 100 such as silicon-germanium,
silicon-carbide, gallium-nitride, gallium-arsenide and other
materials. In one embodiment, unitary IC 100 may use a 28 nm and 40
nm fabrication process with an on die inductor in the range of 1-5
nH and an on die capacitor in the range of 100-300 pF, resulting in
an on-time in the range of 1-5 ns.
[0066] In further embodiments, although solid-state switches 130,
140, 150 and 160 may be referred to in singular form, in some
embodiments one or more of them may comprise more than one switch.
More specifically, in one embodiment first solid state switch M1
may be made from two solid-state switches connected in series. In
other embodiments one or more of the solid-state switches may
comprise two or more solid-state switches that operate in
conjunction with one another.
[0067] Now referring to FIG. 9 another embodiment of a sequential
switching sequence 900 is illustrated. Sequence 900 has many
similar steps as sequence 300 in FIG. 3 such as steps 305-325 and
335-355. Thus steps that are the same between the sequences use the
same reference numbers and the same schematics in FIGS. 4-7.
However, sequence 900 has added steps including two added switch
configurations, steps 328 and 358, the schematics for which are
illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Reference will now be made
simultaneously to FIGS. 4-7 and 9-11.
[0068] Now referring to FIG. 9, a second switching sequence 900
having sequential steps 305 through 361 is illustrated. In step
305, second and third solid-state switches M2, M3, respectively,
are controlled to be in an on state and first and fourth
solid-state switches M1, M4 are controlled to be in an off state. A
simplified schematic of switched regulation circuit 125 in step 305
is illustrated in FIG. 4. Second and third solid-state switches
140, 150, respectively are in an on state (solid lines) and first
and fourth solid-state switches 130, 160, respectively are in an
off state (dashed lines). Therefore, capacitor 170 is in a shorted
condition, allowing any residual charge within the capacitor to
dissipate such that the capacitor is discharged.
[0069] Now referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, after the controller
sets the solid-state switches to their respective states identified
in step 305, it advances to step 310 were it detects the voltage at
output node 176 (Vout). In some embodiments the voltage at output
node 176 (Vout) may be detected using comparator 195 (see FIG. 1)
as discussed above, or by any other method. Advancing to step 315
the controller may detect if the voltage at output node 176 has
decreased below a first threshold voltage (V.sub.TH1). If Vout
remains above V.sub.TH1 then the controller continues to detect
Vout (i.e., returns to step 310) until Vout drops below V.sub.TH1.
In some embodiments the controller may cyclically detect Vout then
compare it to V.sub.TH1, while in other embodiments the controller
may respond to a signal, such as from a comparator, that Vout has
decreased below V.sub.TH1 and respond accordingly. Myriad methods
may be used to detect Vout, compare it to V.sub.TH1 and notify the
controller.
[0070] Now referring back to FIG. 9, step 315, once Vout drops
below V.sub.TH1 the controller advances to step 320 where third
solid-state switch M3 remains on while first solid-state switch M1
is turned on simultaneously with turning second solid-state switch
M2 off. Thus, first and third solid-state switches, M1, M3,
respectively, are on while second and fourth solid-state switches
M2, M4, respectively, are off. A simplified schematic of switched
regulation circuit 125 in step 320 is illustrated in FIG. 5. In
this state the voltage at first terminal 120 (Vin) is applied
directly to second junction 145. Capacitor 170 was fully discharged
in the previous step and now begins to charge. Capacitor 170
charges with a time constant set by capacitor 170 and inductor 173
values. Further, as capacitor 170 begins to charge, current flow in
inductor 173 increases then decrease.
[0071] In some embodiments, steps 325 and 326 may occur
simultaneously using one or more comparators or other techniques,
as discussed in more detail below. In step 325, the current in
inductor 173 (L.sub.1) is detected. In some embodiments this may be
performed as illustrated in FIG. 1 with comparator 187. In one
embodiment comparator 187 monitors current flow through first
solid-state switch 130 by comparing a voltage difference between
first terminal 120 and first side 181 of capacitor 170. As the
voltage difference decreases, the current commensurately decreases
in both first solid-state switch 130 and inductor 173. In step 326
the voltage drop across capacitor 170 (V.sub.CAP) is detected,
using one or more comparators, as discussed above. More
specifically the controller is configured to continue charging the
capacitor until a voltage potential on the second junction is
approximately 0 volts. In step 327 the controller determines if the
voltage on capacitor (V.sub.CAP) 170 is equivalent to the voltage
at (Vin) 120 before current in inductor 173 is zero. More
specifically, during steps 320, 325, 326 and 327, capacitor 170 is
being charged and once it reaches full charge (i.e., voltage on
capacitor 170 is equivalent to the voltage at (Vin) 120 the
controller determines if there is still current flowing in inductor
170. If there is still current in inductor 170, the controller
proceeds to step 328, however it there is no current in the
inductor then it proceeds to step 335.
[0072] Proceeding now to step 328, assuming the condition
L.sub.I>0 when V.sub.CAP=Vin, first and third solid-state
switches M1, M3 remain on while fourth solid-state switch M4 is
turned on simultaneously with turning second solid-state switch M2
off. Thus, first, third and fourth solid-state switches, M1, M3 and
M4, respectively, are on while second solid-state switch M2 is off.
In some embodiments, M4 may be turned on slowly so that the current
in M1 is slowly reduced so as to reduce the amount of supply noise.
A simplified schematic of switched regulation circuit 125 in step
328 is illustrated in FIG. 10. In this state inductor 173 is
shorted to ground 165, resulting in a discharge of any remaining
current within it. After configuring the solid-state switches,
controller advances to steps 329 and 331 (see FIG. 9).
[0073] In step 329, the current in inductor 173 is detected. In
some embodiments the current may be detected as illustrated in FIG.
1 with comparator 190. In some embodiments, comparator 190 (see
FIG. 1) may be used to monitor the current through fourth
semiconductor switch 160 and indirectly through inductor 173, by
detecting a voltage differential between ground 165 and second side
191 of capacitor 170. In other embodiments different methods may be
used to detect current in inductor 173.
[0074] Referring now simultaneously to FIGS. 3 and 7, in step 331,
once the current in inductor 173 is approximately equal to zero,
the controller proceeds to step 335. In summary, steps 328, 329 and
331 discharge the remaining current in inductor 170 and transition
to the waiting state in step 335.
[0075] Referring now back to step 327, assuming condition L.sub.I=0
(i.e., there is no current in inductor 170), instead of going to
step 328, the controller goes directly to step 335 where first and
third solid-state switches M1, M3, respectively, turn off and
fourth solid-state switch M4 turns on while second solid-state
switch M2 remains off. Thus, M4 is on while M1, M2 and M3 are off.
As discussed above, since the transition to step 335 only occurs
when the current in inductor 176 is approximately zero, the
transition to step 335 may employ zero current switching of first
solid-state switch M1. Zero current switching occurs when the
current through the solid-state switch is approximately zero,
before changing the state of the switch. This reduces switching
losses, reduces input supply noise and improves the efficiency of
switched regulation circuit 125, as discussed in more detail
below.
[0076] Continuing to refer to step 335 in FIG. 9, in some
embodiments the switching transitions may occur simultaneously
while in other embodiments there may be slight delays between
switch transitions. A simplified schematic of switched regulation
circuit 125 in step 335 is illustrated in FIG. 6. Fourth
solid-state switch 160 ties second side 191 of capacitor 170 to
ground, however first side 181 of the capacitor is left floating
such that capacitor remains charged. This configuration is
essentially an off state, where the system is substantially at
steady-state. Other embodiments may have a different off state
configuration. In one embodiment, all solid-state switches may be
in an off position, while in further embodiments third solid-state
switch 150 may be the only switch in an on state which connects
capacitor 170 to inductor 173. In another embodiment both first and
fourth solid-state switches 130, 160, respectively may be on
simultaneously. Other off state solid-state switch configurations
are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0077] After the switches are configured in step 335 the controller
advances to step 340 where the voltage at output node 176 (Vout)
may be detected with comparator 195 (see FIG. 1) as discussed above
in step 310. In other embodiments, Vout may be detected using a
different method. As shown in step 345, the controller advances to
step 350 when the voltage at output node 176 (Vout) drops below a
second threshold voltage (V.sub.TH2).
[0078] Now referring to FIG. 9, step 350, fourth solid-state switch
M4 remains on and second solid-state switch M2 is turned on while
first and third solid-state switches M1, M3, respectively, remain
off. A simplified schematic of switched regulation circuit 125 in
step 350 is illustrated in FIG. 7. Capacitor 170 is connected
between inductor 173 and ground 165, allowing the charge stored in
the capacitor to discharge through the inductor to load 115 (see
FIG. 1). As capacitor 170 begins to discharge (with a time constant
set by capacitor 170 and inductor 173), current in inductor 173
starts to increase and voltage at output node 176 (Vout)
increases.
[0079] In some embodiments, steps 355 and 356 may occur
simultaneously. After configuring the solid-state switches, the
controller advances to step 355 where the current in inductor 173
is detected and 356 where the voltage drop across capacitor 170
(V.sub.CAP) is detected, as discussed above. More specifically, in
one embodiment controller may continue discharging the capacitor
until a voltage potential on the second junction is approximately 0
volts. Then, in step 357 the controller determines if the voltage
across capacitor (V.sub.CAP) 170 is zero volts before current in
inductor 173 is zero. More specifically, during steps 350, 355, 356
and 357, capacitor 170 is being discharged and once it reaches near
zero charge the controller determines if there is still current
flowing in inductor 170. If there is no current in inductor 170,
the controller proceeds back to the beginning of the switching
sequence, step 305. However, if there is still current in inductor
170 then the controller proceeds to step 358.
[0080] Proceeding now to step 358, assuming the condition
L.sub.1>0 when V.sub.CAP=0 volts (i.e., there is still current
in the inductor when the capacitor is discharged), second and
fourth solid-state switches M2, M4, respectively, remain on while
third solid-state switch M3 is turned on and first solid-state
switch M1 is off. Thus, second, third and fourth solid-state
switches, M2, M3 and M4 respectively, are on while first
solid-state switch M1 is off. A simplified schematic of switched
regulation circuit 125 in step 358 is illustrated in FIG. 11. In
this state inductor 173 is shorted to ground 165, resulting in
discharge of any remaining current within it. After configuring the
solid-state switches, controller advances to steps 359 and 361 (see
FIG. 9).
[0081] In step 359, the current in inductor 173 is detected. In
some embodiments the current may be detected as illustrated in FIG.
1 with comparator 190. In some embodiments, comparator 190 (see
FIG. 1) may be used to monitor the current through fourth
semiconductor switch 160 and indirectly through inductor 173, by
detecting a voltage differential between ground 165 and second side
191 of capacitor 170. In other embodiments different methods may be
used to detect current in inductor 173.
[0082] Referring now simultaneously to FIGS. 7 and 9, in step 361,
once the current in inductor 173 is approximately equal to zero,
the controller proceeds back to step 305, where third solid-state
switch M3 is turned on and second solid-state switch M2 remains on
while first solid-state switch M1 remains off and fourth
solid-state switch M4 is turned off. Thus, M2 and M3 are on while
M1 and M4 are off. This configuration shorts capacitor 170,
repeating the entire switching sequence 900. As discussed above,
since the current in inductor 173 and fourth solid-state switch M4
is zero during the transition from step 361 to 305, zero current
switching methods may be used to decrease switching losses, reduce
input supply noise and improve efficiency, as discussed in more
detail below.
[0083] In the particular switching sequence illustrated in FIG. 9,
each solid-state switch turns on and off only once during each
repetitive switching cycle. Such a sequence may enable improved
efficiency by minimizing switching losses. In other embodiments,
different switching configurations and sequences may be used where
one or more switches may be turned on and off more than once. Other
embodiments may use switching sequences where one or more on the
solid-state switches are turned on and off more than once per
switching cycle.
[0084] Some embodiments may employ one or more comparators such as
comparators 187, 190, 193, 195 in FIG. 1 to provide information to
the controller to operate switched regulation circuit 125 (see FIG.
1). Further embodiments may use a combination of comparators and
timers to operate switched regulation circuit 125. More
specifically, with knowledge of certain switched regulation circuit
125 parameters reasonably accurate timers may be used in the place
of comparators to trigger the controller to change switch
configurations. In one embodiment, with knowledge of one or more
electrical characteristics of switched regulation circuit 125, such
as for example, Vin, Vout, inductance of inductor 17 or capacitance
of capacitor 170, one or more timers may be used to estimate one or
more electrical characteristics of the switched regulation circuit,
such as for example current in inductor or voltage on capacitor,
and trigger the transitions between switch configurations. In some
embodiments, timers may be faster and easier to implement than
comparators. In one embodiment, only one comparator may be used to
look at Vout, and timers may be used for all other transitions.
[0085] Multiple circuit characteristics are discussed above and as
discussed one or more of these characteristics may be used to
determine when to change a state of the switches such as, but not
limited to, Vcap, Vout, Vin and Li. In such embodiments the circuit
characteristics may be continuously monitored and decisions may be
made at particular times during each switch sequence as noted in
the flow charts. Further, the waveforms shown in the timing
diagrams, such as FIG. 8 are for illustration only and the actual
waveforms may be different.
[0086] As discussed above, in some switching transitions zero
current switching may be used. As used herein, zero current
switching means that the solid-state switch may be turned off only
when the current running through the switch is at or near zero.
Switching losses (i.e., turning a switch off while it is conducting
current or turning a switch on when it has a voltage potential
across it) may be a significant contributor to power loss in the
system. Thus, the use of zero current switching may result in
reduced switching losses, increased frequency of operation and in
some embodiments, reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI)
generation, as discussed in more detail below.
[0087] Now referring to FIG. 12, in some embodiments zero current
switching and the solid-state switching transition speed may be
reduced to suppress input supply noise (i.e., a type of EMI) as
described in more detail below. FIG. 12 shows a simplified
schematic 1200 of a power regulator circuit 1205 containing FETs
and other circuitry that is powered by an input supply 1210 (Vin)
and grounded to a ground terminal 1215. In one embodiment, power
regulator circuit 1205 may be disposed on a unitary die that is
encapsulated in a semiconductor package. First and second inductors
1220a, 1220b, respectively, represent the parasitic inductance
associated with the power connections to power regulator circuit
1205. Parasitic inductance may result from traces on a circuit
board, interconnects within an electronic package, wire bonds to a
die, traces on an integrated circuit or any other conductor.
Capacitor 1225a represents parasitic capacitance between the power
supply lines on the supply side and capacitor 1225b represents
parasitic capacitance between the input and the output power supply
lines on the receiving side.
[0088] During operation of power regulator circuit 1205, first and
second parasitic inductors 1220a, 1220b, respectively, cannot
immediately cease carrying current when the power regulator stops
drawing current from input supply 1210 (Vin), such as for example
when M1 (see FIG. 1) switches off. When M1 shuts off abruptly while
carrying current, the residual energy within first and second
parasitic inductors 1220a, 1220b, may ring with one or more
components within power regulator circuit 1205.
[0089] To minimize or reduce the ringing (i.e., input supply
noise), zero current switching may be used, where the current in
first and second parasitic inductors 1220a, 1220b, respectively is
brought to near zero before turning off M1. Such transitions are
described in more detail above where current in the circuit may be
detected and the switch is operated once the current has decayed to
approximately zero. In other embodiments, the abrupt transition
from carrying current through M1 to M1 opening and immediately
ceasing carrying current may be slowed, by transitioning M1 more
slowly from the on state to the off state. More specifically, in
one embodiment if there is residual current in inductor 173, M4 may
be turned on to dissipate the current in the inductor. However, if
the current transitions too quickly from M1 to M4 noise may be
created in the system. Thus, in some embodiments M4 may be turned
on relatively slowly so the current may slowly transition from
going through M1 to going through M4, creating a "quieter"
switching transition. In one example embodiment, a transistor may
be fabricated with a 28 nm process having a normal solid-state
switching transition speed of approximately 10 ps. To reduce
ringing, in one embodiment a slowed transition may be approximately
ten times slower at 100 ps. In further embodiments the slowed
transition may be between five times and fifteen times slower. In
other embodiments, the slowed transition may be between 3 times and
17 times slower, as compared to a normal transition time. The
slower transition turning M1 off may allow the current be slowly
reduced in first and second parasitic inductors 1220a, 1220b, such
that the ringing with on chip components is minimized or
eliminated.
[0090] In further embodiments, zero current switching and the power
regulation circuits disclosed herein may enable switching speeds
that operate between 1 MHz and 500 MHz. In other embodiments the
switching speed may be between 50 MHz and 200 MHz. In further
embodiments the switching speed may be approximately 100 MHz.
[0091] Now referring to FIG. 13, in further embodiments a boost
circuit 1300 may be made by combining switched regulation circuit
125 with a power supply 1305 that is coupled to capacitor 170 with
first and second solid-state switches 1310a, 1310b, respectively.
In this embodiment capacitor 170 may be precharged by power supply
1305 such that when the capacitor is connected to input terminal
120 (Vin) it acts like a battery and increases or decreases the
voltage potential supplied to switched regulation circuit 125. In
one example embodiment, capacitor 170 may be precharged to -2
volts, such that when the switching sequence starts and the
capacitor and inductor are connected to first terminal 120 (Vin) at
2.5 volts, a potential of 4.5 volts is applied to the capacitor and
the inductor.
[0092] More specifically, referring to FIG. 3, step 305 and FIG. 9,
step 305, instead of shorting capacitor 170 and completely
discharging it, the capacitor may alternatively be coupled to power
supply 1305 where it is precharged, such that in step 320 in FIGS.
3 and 9 when the capacitor is connected to Vin, the voltage applied
to capacitor 170 and inductor 176 may be higher than Vin. In other
embodiments the precharging may be used to increase the range of
switched regulation circuit 125 when not operating under boost.
Other configurations and variations of switched regulation circuit
125 and methods of precharging the capacitor are within the scope
of this disclosure. For example, in one embodiment the power supply
that is used for the precharging may be located on the same die as
switched regulation circuit 125. In some embodiments the power
supply may be a low drop out regulator, a switched capacitor or a
switching regulator that are on the same die. In other embodiments
the power supply may not be located on the same die as switched
regulation circuit 125.
Regulator with Inductor Preflux
[0093] In another embodiment a switched regulation circuit 125 (see
FIG. 2) may be configured to preflux the inductor 173 such that the
switched regulation circuit may deliver an increased output voltage
and/or increased output current, as discussed in more detail
below.
[0094] Now referring simultaneously to FIGS. 2, 14 and 15 an
embodiment of a switching sequence and timing diagram for switched
regulation circuit 125 with inductor preflux is illustrated. More
specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified schematic of the
switched regulation circuit 125, FIG. 14 illustrates a switching
sequence 1400 having sequential steps 1405 through 1460 for the
four switches in switched regulation circuit and FIG. 15
illustrates an example timing diagram, showing the control signals
delivered to each of the four solid-state switches as well as the
voltage at second junction 145, the current within inductor 173
(I.sub.L), and the voltage across capacitor 170
(V.sub.135-V.sub.155). The switching sequence illustrated in FIGS.
14 and 15 is for example only and other sequences, timings and
configurations are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0095] Now referring to FIG. 14, a switching sequence 1400 having
sequential steps 1405 through 1460 is illustrated. In step 1405,
second and third solid-state switches M2, M3, respectively, are
controlled to be in an on state and first and fourth solid-state
switches M1, M4 are controlled to be in an off state. Capacitor 170
is in a shorted condition, allowing any residual charge within the
capacitor to dissipate such that the capacitor is discharged.
[0096] Example currents and voltages within switched regulation
circuit 125 for step 1405 are illustrated in timing diagram 1500 in
FIG. 15. For signals M1, M2, M3, M4, the logic levels are
indicated. A logic high level (sometimes noted as 1) indicates the
switch (or composite switch) is on, a logic low (sometimes noted as
0) indicates the switch is off. First step 1405 occurs at time t1.
Trace 1505 illustrates a control signal applied to first
solid-state switch 130. In the particular embodiment depicted in
diagram 1500, switches are turned on when approximately 1 volt is
applied. At time t1 trace 1505 is at approximately 0 volts thus
first solid-state switch 130 is off. Trace 1510 illustrates a
control terminal voltage applied to second solid-state switch 140.
At time t1 trace 1510 is at approximately 1 volt thus second
solid-state switch is on. Trace 1515 illustrates a control terminal
voltage applied to third solid-state switch 150. At time t1 trace
1515 is approximately 1 volt thus third solid-state switch 150 is
on. Trace 1520 illustrates a control terminal voltage applied to
fourth solid-state switch 160. At time t1 trace 1520 is at
approximately 0 volts thus fourth solid-state switch is off.
[0097] Trace 1525 illustrates a voltage at second junction 145. At
time t1, inductor current (I.sub.L) is approximately zero and
capacitor 170 is shorted so second junction 145 is approximately at
a voltage of (Vout) 176. Trace 1530 illustrates current through
inductor 173. At time t1 inductor 173 is decoupled from the
remainder of switched regulation circuit 125 thus the current in
inductor 173 is approximately zero. Trace 1540 illustrates the
voltage across capacitor 170. At time t1 capacitor 170 is shorted
causing the voltage across capacitor 173 to decrease to
approximately zero volts as the capacitor is discharged.
[0098] Now referring back to FIG. 14, after the controller sets the
solid-state switches to their respective states identified in step
1405, it advances to step 1410 were it detects the voltage at
output node 176 (Vout). In some embodiments Vout may be detected
using comparator 195 (see FIG. 1) as discussed above, or by any
other method. Advancing to step 1415 the controller may detect if
the voltage at output node 176 has decreased below a first
threshold voltage (V.sub.TH1). If Vout remains above V.sub.TH1 then
the controller continues to detect Vout (i.e., returns to step
1410) until Vout drops below V.sub.TH1. In some embodiments the
controller may cyclically detect Vout then compare it to V.sub.TH1,
while in other embodiments the controller may respond to a signal,
such as from a comparator, that Vout has decreased below V.sub.TH1.
Myriad methods may be used to detect Vout, compare it to V.sub.TH1
and notify the controller.
[0099] Now referring back to FIG. 14, step 1415, once Vout drops
below V.sub.TH1 the controller advances to step 1416 where first
solid-state switch M1 is turned on, second and third solid-state
switches M2 and M3 remain on and fourth solid-state switch M4
remains off. Step 1416 is the first inductor prefluxing state where
current in the inductor is linearly increased by the application of
a voltage at first output terminal 120 (Vin) to the inductor before
capacitor 170 is charged. The prefluxing step enables switched
regulation circuit 125 circuit to deliver increased output voltage
and/or output current as compared to the switching configurations
described above. In this state the voltage at first terminal 120
(Vin) is applied directly across inductor 173.
[0100] Now referring to timing diagram 1500, the first prefluxing
state is shown at t2. The voltage at second junction 145 rapidly
increases to the Vin voltage (minus a relatively small voltage drop
across M1 and M2) at first node 120 shown by trace 1525. Current in
inductor 170 (trace 1530) increases rapidly, corresponding to the
applied voltage and the characteristics of inductor 173. For some
embodiments, the voltage at 176 may change a relatively small
amount compared with the voltage across the inductor and thus the
current may increase substantially linear at a rate approximated by
Vin-Vout where Vout is the voltage at 176. The current in inductor
173 continues until the switch state is changed, which in one
embodiment may be controlled by a timer shown in step 1418. In some
embodiments the timer in step 1418 may be a variable timer that can
use a lookup table to adjust according to different load conditions
and demands on switched regulation circuit 125. In further
embodiments the timer in step 1418 may be variable and may be
controlled by a feedback loop based on one or more characteristics
of switched regulation circuit 125. In some embodiments the timer
may be adjusted by the feedback loop to energize inductor 173 with
an appropriate amount of current so that the inductor current
resonates to zero just when capacitor 170 becomes fully charged
(discussed in the next step 1420).
[0101] In some embodiments, the timer can be made utilizing a
current on a capacitor. That current starts charging at the
beginning of the preflux cycle and may be compared to a voltage.
When the voltage on the capacitor reaches a specified voltage the
timer indicates that the preflux cycle should end. In other
embodiments this function can be done utilizing logic gates. Other
timers disclosed herein may use similar techniques.
[0102] In one embodiment a feedback loop may be used to monitor the
current in inductor 173 and adjust the timer. In some embodiments,
if the current is still positive when capacitor 170 becomes fully
charged, the timer may be reduced for the next charging cycle.
Conversely, if the current in inductor 173 goes to zero before
capacitor 170 becomes fully charged, the timer may be increased for
the next cycle. In some embodiments, the loop may use an analog
loop. In some embodiments, a DAC can be used to adjust the timer by
changing one or more of a current, a capacitor, a voltage threshold
on a comparator or a numbers of logic gates.
[0103] In some embodiments, instead of a timer for setting the
preflux, the current can be monitored during preflux and have the
preflux cycles end when the current reaches a specified level. That
specified level can be adjusted on a cycle by cycle basis to
optimize performance. That performance can be to reach a specified
average current supplied or so that the voltage on the capacitor
and current in the inductor reaches zero at approximately the same
time. Other timers disclosed herein may use similar techniques.
[0104] In further embodiments that employ a soft braking
methodology, discussed in more detail below, the timer can be set
to be at least as long as needed to preflux inductor 173 so the
current never reaches zero before capacitor 170 is fully charged
and soft braking can be used to transition the remaining current in
inductor 173. Other embodiments may use different techniques to
control the timer and are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0105] Now referring back to FIG. 14, after the timer has run, the
controller advances to step 1420 where first and third solid-state
switches M1 and M3 remain on while the second solid-state switch M2
is turned off and the fourth solid-state switch remains off. Thus,
first and third solid-state switches, M1, M3, respectively, are on
while second and fourth solid-state switches M2, M4, respectively,
are off. In this state the voltage at first terminal 120 (Vin) is
applied directly to second junction 145. Capacitor 170 was fully
discharged in the step 1405 and now begins to charge. Capacitor 170
charges with a time constant set by capacitor 170 and inductor 173
values. Further, as capacitor 170 begins to charge, current flow in
inductor 173 increases as the voltage between 145 and the output is
positive. Because of the prefluxing operation in step 1416, the
current that was already flowing in inductor 173 continues to
increase, as discussed in more detail below.
[0106] Step 1420 is illustrated in timing diagram 1500 (see FIG.
1500) at time t3. Now referring simultaneously to FIGS. 2 and 15,
at time t3, second solid-state switch 140 (i.e., trace 1510) turns
off. The voltage at second junction 145 (i.e., trace 1525) begins
to decrease. Current in inductor 173 (trace 1530) continues to
build as capacitor 170 charges. Voltage in capacitor 170 (trace
1540) increases towards Vin. As capacitor 170 becomes charged the
current increases in inductor 173 (trace 1530) slows and reverses
when the voltage at node 145 equals the voltage at 176 and starts
reducing as the capacitor gets fully charged at t4. Thus, in step
1420 capacitor 170 charges, causing a current to flow in inductor
173, and increasing the voltage at output node 176 (Vout). The
controller then proceeds to step 1425 (see FIG. 14).
[0107] In step 1425, the current in inductor 173 (LI) is detected.
In some embodiments the current may be detected as illustrated in
FIG. 1 with comparator 187. In one embodiment comparator 187
monitors current flow through first solid-state switch 130 by
comparing a voltage difference between first terminal 120 and first
side 181 of capacitor 170. As the voltage difference decreases, the
current commensurately decreases in both first solid-state switch
130 and inductor 173. Referring now to step 1430 in FIG. 14, once
current in inductor 173 is approximately equal to zero, the
controller proceeds to step 1435. In the timing diagram 1425 and
1430 are shown as discrete steps, while in one embodiment, the
current in Li can be continuously monitored during the 1420
conduction cycle. In further embodiments steps 1425 and 1455 can be
similar to steps 356 and 355 in FIG. 9 where both inductor current
and capacitor voltage are monitored.
[0108] In step 1435, third solid-state switch M3 turns off and
fourth solid-state switch M4 turns on while second solid-state
switch M2 remains off. As discussed above, since the transition to
step 1435 only occurs when the current in inductor 176 is
approximately zero, the transition to step 1435 may employ zero
current switching. Zero current switching occurs when the current
through the solid-state switch is approximately zero, before
changing the state of the switch. This reduces switching losses,
reduces input supply noise, and improves the efficiency of switched
regulation circuit 125, as discussed in more detail below.
[0109] Continuing to refer to step 1435 in FIG. 14, in some
embodiments the switching transitions may occur simultaneously
while in other embodiments there may be slight delays between
switch transitions. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, at t4
switch M4 may have a slight delay such that it turns on after M3
turns off. This configuration is essentially an off state, where
the system is substantially at steady-state. Other embodiments may
have a different off state configuration. In some embodiments only
M4 may be on while M1, M2 and M3 are off. In further embodiments,
all solid-state switches may be in an off position, while in other
embodiments third solid-state switch 150 may be the only switch in
an on state which connects capacitor 170 to inductor 173. Other off
state solid-state switch configurations are within the scope of
this disclosure.
[0110] Step 1435 of FIG. 14 is illustrated in timing diagram 1500
of FIG. 15, at time t4. Now referring simultaneously to FIGS. 2 and
15, at time t4 third solid-state switch 150 turns off and fourth
solid-state switch 160 turns on slightly afterwards. First
solid-state switch 130 remains on and second solid-state switch 140
remains off. After the switching transitions, second junction 145
(i.e., trace 1525) goes to the voltage at Vout (e.g., it resonates
with inductor 173 and parasitic capacitance at junction 145).
Voltage across capacitor 170 (i.e., trace 1540) remains at a
charged level and the current in inductor 173 (i.e., trace 1530)
remains near zero. In step 1440 the voltage at output node 176
(Vout) may be detected with comparator 195 (see FIG. 1) as
discussed above in step 1410. In other embodiments, Vout may be
detected using a different method. As shown in step 1445, the
controller advances to step 1446 when Vout drops below a second
threshold voltage (V.sub.TH2).
[0111] Now referring to FIG. 14, step 1446, first fourth
solid-state switches, M1 and M4 remain on, second solid-state
switch M2 turns on, and third solid-state switches M3 remains off.
This is the second inductor prefluxing stage where current in
inductor 173 is increased by applying voltage at first output
terminal 120 (Vin) to the inductor before the energy within
capacitor 170 is discharged to the inductor. The prefluxing step
enables switched regulation circuit 125 circuit to deliver
increased output voltage and/or output current as compared to the
switching configurations described above. In this state the voltage
at first terminal 120 (Vin) is applied directly across inductor
173.
[0112] Now referring to timing diagram 1500, the second prefluxing
state is shown at t5. The voltage at second junction 145 rapidly
increases to the Vin voltage at first node 120 shown by trace 1525.
Current in inductor 170 (trace 1530) increases rapidly,
corresponding to the applied voltage and the characteristics of
inductor 173. In some embodiment the rate of current increase can
be substantially similar to the rate of current increase in the
time between t2 and t3. The current in inductor 173 continues to
increase until the switch state is changed, which in one embodiment
may be controlled by a timer shown in step 1448. In some
embodiments the timer in step 1448 may be a variable timer that can
use a lookup table to adjust according to different load conditions
and demands on switched regulation circuit 125. In further
embodiments the timer in step 1448 may be variable and may be
controlled by a feedback loop based on one or more characteristics
of switched regulation circuit 125. In some embodiments the timer
may be adjusted by the feedback loop to energize inductor 173 with
an appropriate amount of current so that the inductor current
resonates to zero just when capacitor 170 becomes fully discharged
(discussed in the next step 1450). Other timer techniques as
discussed herein may be used and are within the scope of this
disclosure. In some embodiments the timer technique may be the same
for multiple steps within the switching sequence.
[0113] In one embodiment a feedback loop may be used to monitor the
current in inductor 173 and if the current is still positive when
capacitor 170 becomes fully discharged, the timer may be reduced
for the next charging cycle. Conversely, if the current in inductor
173 goes to zero before capacitor 170 becomes fully discharged, the
timer may be increased for the next cycle. In further embodiments
that employ a soft braking methodology, discussed in more detail
below, the timer can be set to be at least as long as needed to
preflux inductor 173 so the current never reaches zero before
capacitor 170 is fully discharged and soft braking can be used to
transition the remaining current in inductor 173. Other embodiments
may use different techniques to control the timer and are within
the scope of this disclosure.
[0114] Now referring to FIG. 14, step 1450, second and fourth
solid-state switches M2, M4 remain on and first solid-state switch
M1 is turned on while third solid-state switch M3 remains off.
Capacitor 170 is connected between inductor 173 and ground 165,
allowing the charge stored in the capacitor to discharge through
the inductor to load 115 (see FIG. 1). As capacitor 170 begins to
discharge (with a time constant set by capacitor 170 and inductor
173), current in inductor 173 continues to increase and voltage at
output node 176 (Vout) increases. This condition is illustrated in
timing diagram 1500 in FIG. 15 at time t6.
[0115] Now simultaneously referring to FIGS. 2 and 15, at time t6
first solid-state switch 130 (i.e., trace 1505) turns off. The
voltage at second junction 145 (i.e., trace 825) begins to
decrease. As capacitor 170 resonates with inductor 173, it
discharges (i.e., trace 1540) causing current to continue to
increase in inductor 173 (i.e., trace 1530). This causes the
voltage at Vout to increase. As the charge in capacitor 170 is
reduced, current in inductor 173 may reverse and decreases (i.e.,
trace 1530). The controller then advances to steps 1455 and 1460
(see FIG. 14).
[0116] In step 1455, the current in inductor 173 is detected. In
some embodiments the current may be detected as illustrated in FIG.
1 with comparator 190. In further embodiments, comparator 190 (see
FIG. 1) may be used to monitor the current through fourth
semiconductor switch 160 and indirectly through inductor 173, by
detecting a voltage differential between ground 165 and second side
191 of capacitor 170. In other embodiments different methods may be
used to detect current in inductor 173.
[0117] Referring now simultaneously to FIGS. 14 and 15, in step
1460, once the current in inductor 173 is approximately equal to
zero, the controller proceeds back to step 1405, where third
solid-state switch M3 is turned on and second solid-state switch M2
remains on while first solid-state switch M1 remains off and fourth
solid-state switch M4 is turned off. Thus, M2 and M3 are on while
M1 and M4 are off. In some embodiments, M4 may be turned on
slightly before M3 is turned off. This configuration shorts
capacitor 170, repeating the entire switching sequence 1400. As
discussed above, since the current in inductor 173 and fourth
solid-state switch M4 is at or near zero during the transition from
step 1460 to 1405, zero current switching methods may be used to
decrease switching losses, reduce input supply noise and improve
efficiency, as discussed in more detail below.
[0118] In the particular switching sequence illustrated in FIG. 14,
each solid-state switch may be configured to turn on and off only
once during each repetitive switching cycle. Such a sequence may
enable improved efficiency by reducing the number of switching
transitions and minimizing switching efficiency losses. In other
embodiments, different switching configurations and sequences may
be used where one or more switches may be turned on and off more
than once.
[0119] Now referring to FIG. 16, timing diagram 1600 is illustrated
which is a timing diagram for a similar switching sequence as
sequence 1500 in FIG. 15, however timing diagram 1600 has two added
"soft braking" steps. As discussed above, in some embodiments the
timer steps (1418 and 1448 in FIG. 14) may be set to ensure that
the prefluxing steps add sufficient energy to inductor 173 so the
current never reaches zero before capacitor 170 is fully charged
during the charging cycle (or fully discharged during the
discharging cycle) and soft braking can be used to transition the
remaining current in inductor 173. Soft braking may enable a higher
current per phase and/or a smaller capacitor 170 per phase as
compared to the methodologies discussed above.
[0120] In one embodiment a switching sequence where M1, M3 and M4
are on while M2 is off may be located after step 1430 in FIG. 14.
In another embodiment a switching sequence where M2, M3 and M4 are
on while M1 is off may be added after step 1460. The first soft
braking sequence is labeled as t4 in FIG. 16 and the second soft
braking switch sequence is labeled as t8. Other methodologies and
switching sequences may be used and are within the scope of this
disclosure.
[0121] Now referring to FIG. 17 one embodiment of a preflux timer
method 1700 will be described. Preflux timer method 1700 is an
example of a preflux timer that is proportional to one or more of
the various characteristics of the regulator, however other preflux
timers may also be proportional to one or more of the various
characteristics of the regulator and may have different schematics
and/or configurations which are within the scope of this
disclosure.
[0122] In some embodiments the pre-flux timer may be a digitally
programmed timer based on Vout/Vin (i.e., the duty factor) as
described in more detail below. In further embodiments the accuracy
of the timer may effect the efficiency of the circuit and thus it
may be desirable to implement methods of increased accuracy.
[0123] In one embodiment preflux timer 1700 may use a switched
capacitor bank 1710 that can be programmed to activate a specific
number of capacitors using the most significant bits (MSB) of a
digital to analog conversion (DAC) code that represents a target
output voltage of the circuit. That is, the MSB's may represent and
be used set the target output voltage for the circuit. For example,
in one embodiment a higher target output voltage may correspond to
a higher number of active capacitors in capacitor bank 1710 and a
lower target output voltage may correspond to a lower number of
active capacitors in the capacitor bank.
[0124] In some embodiments the active capacitors in capacitor bank
1710 may be charged using a fixed current source 1715 in
combination with a variable current source 1720. Variable current
source 1715 may be controlled by a variable feedback signal which
is an output of a preflux tuning algorithm 1725. Tuning algorithm
1725 may be configured to adjust variable current source 1720 based
on input from a Cres comparator and a current comparator, such as
those discussed above. In one embodiment tuning algorithm 1725 may
be configured to adjust the variable feedback signal to control the
variable current source 1720 with a goal of the Cres comparator and
the current comparator tripping at the same time. In further
embodiments tuning algorithm 1720 may cause the inductor to be
energized with an appropriate amount of current so current within
the inductor resonates to zero at the same time as when the
capacitor becomes fully charged. A timer window 1730 may be set at
a value such that if the Cres comparator and the current comparator
trip within the timer window time, that tuning algorithm 1725 makes
no changes to variable current source 1720. However, if Cres
comparator trips faster or slower than the current comparator by a
time that is greater than timer window 1730, tuning algorithm 1725
adjusts feedback/variable current 1720 in a way to make Cres
comparator closer in time to the current comparator. In some
embodiments timer window 1730 may be fixed while in other
embodiments it may be variable and may be programmable.
[0125] In one embodiment tuning algorithm 1725 may use the
following steps, while other embodiments may use different steps:
[0126] Step 1: If current comparator trips first, increase the
pre-flux time. Otherwise go to Step 2. [0127] Step 2: Start 100 pS
timer window after Cres comparator trips. Go to Step 3. [0128] Step
3: If 100 pS timer window expires before the current comparator
trips reduce the pre-flux time. If 100 pS timer window does not
expire before the current comparator trips make no changes to the
preflux time. Go to Step 1.
[0129] In some embodiments, capacitor bank 1710 may have a
capacitor bank output voltage that feeds into a comparator 1735. In
one embodiment comparator 1735 may include a sample and hold
function as well as a comparator function and may have a set point
that is adjusted with the variable feedback signal, as discussed
above. Comparator 1735 may also use a output voltage of the circuit
(Vout) as an input to compare with the capacitor bank output
voltage. In one embodiment comparator 1735 may sample the output
voltage of the circuit (Vout) when the preflux operation begins,
then continuously sample the capacitor bank output voltage and
compare it to the Vout. Once the capacitor bank output voltage
ramps up and becomes equal to Vout, comparator 1735 may transmit a
signal to stop the preflux operation.
[0130] In one embodiment the sample and hold function may have an
auto zero comparator and may be employed to compare the ramping
capacitor bank output voltage with the sampled value of Vout. In
some embodiments Vout sampling may avoid any active/continuous
(destabilizing) feedback from Vout on the timer calculation since
in some embodiments the preflux Vout may ramp up very fast. The
output of comparator 1735 may be used to send a signal to stop the
inductor prefluxing operation.
[0131] Thus, in some embodiments preflux timer 1700 may have three
variables to control the preflux time including, 1) the tuning
algorithm 1725, 2) the DAC MSB setting (i.e. the target output
voltage) and 3) the actual output voltage of the circuit (Vout). In
further embodiments one or a combination of these variables may be
used. For example in one embodiment only the DAC MSB setting may be
used to adjust the target output voltage and the tuning algorithm
may have a fixed current (as opposed to a variable current) and the
Vout may use a fixed reference voltage (as opposed to the actual
Vout voltage).
[0132] Now referring to FIG. 18 another embodiment of a preflux
timer method 1800 will be described. Preflux timer method 1800 is
similar to method 1700 however method 1800 is a simplified version
removing the programmable capacitor bank and the sample and hold
functions. Similar to preflux timer method 1700, preflux timer
method 1800 is also proportional to one or more of the various
characteristics of the regulator.
[0133] In one embodiment preflux timer 1800 may use a reference
generator 1810 to generate a reference voltage from two inputs. The
first input may be the DAC/MSBs described above that represents a
target output voltage of the circuit. The second input may be a
comparator set point that uses a variable input from a feedback
loop controlled by the output of a preflux tuning algorithm 1825.
Tuning algorithm 1825 may be configured to adjust the feedback
based on input from a Cres comparator and a current comparator,
such as those discussed above. In one embodiment tuning algorithm
1825 may be configured to adjust the feedback with a goal of the
Cres comparator and the current comparator tripping at the same
time. In further embodiments tuning algorithm 1820 may cause the
inductor to be energized with an appropriate amount of current so
current within the inductor resonates to zero at the same time as
when the capacitor becomes fully charged. A timer window 1830 may
be set at a value such that if the Cres comparator and the current
comparator trip within the timer window time, that tuning algorithm
1825 makes no changes to the feedback. However, if Cres comparator
trips faster or slower than the current comparator by a time that
is greater than timer window 1830, tuning algorithm 1825 adjusts
the feedback in a way to make Cres comparator closer in time to the
current comparator. In some embodiments timer window 1830 may be
fixed while in other embodiments it may be variable and may be
programmable.
[0134] In some embodiments, reference voltage generator 1810 may
have a reference voltage output that feeds into a comparator 1835.
Comparator 1835 may also use a voltage across one of the
solid-state switches described above in FIG. 1 such as M1, M2, M3
or M4. In one embodiment the voltage across M1 (V.sub.M1) may be
used as an input to comparator 1835 to compare with reference
generator 1810 voltage. In some embodiments the first solid-state
switch M1 may have a characteristic resistance so the input (e.g.,
V.sub.M1) is proportional to the current in the inductor 173 (see
FIG. 1) when M1 is in an on state allowing current to flow through
the inductor. The output of comparator 1835 may be used to send a
signal to stop the inductor prefluxing operation.
[0135] In further embodiments a comparator to monitor a voltage
across a one of the solid-state switches described above in FIG. 1
such as M1, M2, M3 or M4 may be made using a ratiometric circuit.
For example, in one embodiment a voltage across a relatively large
M1 solid-state transistor may be monitored by fabricating a scaled
down solid-state transistor M1x on the same die. In some
embodiments, for example, M1x may be one one-thousandth the size of
M1 and M1x may have the same gate voltage and source voltage as M1.
The current of M1x may go to a current sink and a current
comparator may be used to monitor the current through M1x as
compared to a reference current. Since M1x is one one-thousandth
the size of M1 the reference current may be set to one
one-thousandth of the desired current in M1 so the comparator trips
when the desired current in M1 is reached. In one embodiment second
junction 145 (see FIG. 1) can be used as the reference input to the
comparator. This may enable the copied current in M1x to match the
current in M1. Note that in some embodiments the M1 solid-state
switch may be in linear conduction (not saturation), therefore M1x
may need the same gate drive voltage and same drain source voltage
to copy the current accurately. In other embodiments a different
ratio or other comparator methods may be used and are within the
scope of this disclosure.
Regulator with Continuous Current
[0136] In other embodiments switched regulation circuit 125 (see
FIG. 2) can be configured to provide continuous current and/or an
increase in current to load 115 by maintaining the current in
inductor 173 above zero, as described in more detail below.
[0137] Now referring simultaneously to FIGS. 2, and 19-26 an
example switching sequence and timing diagram for an embodiment of
switched regulation circuit 125 (see FIG. 2) with continuous and/or
increased current is illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 2
illustrates a simplified schematic of switched regulation circuit
125; FIG. 19 illustrates an example switching sequence 1900 having
sequential steps 1905 through 1940 for the four switches in
switched regulation circuit 125; FIG. 20 illustrates an example
timing diagram showing the control signals delivered to each of the
four solid-state switches as well as the current within inductor
173 (I.sub.L), and the voltage at second junction 145 (V.sub.145)
during switching sequence 1900; and FIGS. 21-26 illustrate
simplified circuit schematics of each of the six different
solid-state switch configurations described in switching sequence
1900. In FIGS. 21-26 solid-state switches that are in an on state
are depicted with solid lines and solid-state switches that are in
an off state are depicted with dashed lines. The switching sequence
illustrated in FIG. 19 is for example only and other switching
sequences, timings and configurations are within the scope of this
disclosure.
[0138] Now referring to FIG. 19, switching sequence 1900 having
sequential steps 1905 through 1940 is illustrated. In step 1905,
first, second and third solid-state switches M1, M2 and M3,
respectively, are controlled to be in an on state and fourth
solid-state switch M4 is controlled to be in an off state. A
simplified schematic of switched regulation circuit 125 in step
1905 is illustrated in FIG. 21. Step 1905 is a first inductor
prefluxing state where current in inductor 173 (see FIG. 2) is
increased at a substantially linear rate by the application of the
input voltage at first terminal 120 (Vin) across the inductor, at a
time before capacitor 170 is charged.
[0139] Example currents and voltages within switched regulation
circuit 125 for step 1905 are illustrated in timing diagram 2000
(see FIG. 20). The logic levels for solid-state switch control
signals M1, M2, M3, M4 are indicated by traces 2005, 2010, 2015 and
2020, respectively. A high logic level (sometimes noted as 1)
indicates the switch (or composite switch) is in an on state, and a
low logic level (sometimes noted as 0) indicates the switch is in
an off state.
[0140] Timing diagram 2000 illustrates that first step 1905 occurs
at time t1. At time t1, trace 2005 shows that a high logic level
control signal is applied to first solid-state switch 130, placing
it in an on state. Trace 2010 illustrates that at time t1 a high
logic level control signal is applied to second solid-state switch
140, placing it in an on state. Trace 2015 illustrates that at time
t1 a high logic level control signal is applied to third
solid-state switch 150, placing it in an on state. Trace 2020
illustrates that at time t1 a low logic level control signal is
applied fourth solid-state switch 160, placing it in an off
state.
[0141] Continuing to refer to timing diagram 2000, at t1 a voltage
at second junction 145 (see FIG. 2) is illustrated by trace 2025
and is substantially equivalent to the Vin voltage (minus a
relatively small voltage drop across M1 and M2) at first node 120.
Current in inductor 170 (I.sub.L trace 2030) increases rapidly,
corresponding to the applied voltage and the characteristics of
inductor 173. For some embodiments, the voltage at node 176 (see
FIG. 2) may change a relatively small amount compared with the
voltage across the inductor and thus the current may increase
substantially linear at a rate approximated by (Vin-Vout)/L where
Vout is the voltage at node 176. The current in inductor 173
continues to increase while in this switch state, the duration of
which may be controlled by a timer, shown in step 1910 as a
delay.
[0142] In some embodiments the timer in step 1910 can be fixed
while in other embodiments it can be a variable timer. In one
example the variable timer can use a lookup table to adjust
according to different load conditions and demands on switched
regulation circuit 125. More specifically, in some embodiments the
timer can be set proportional to a "duty factor" (e.g., Vout/Vin)
such that a longer amount of time is selected when a higher Vout is
required. In further embodiments the timer in step 1910 can be
controlled by a feedback loop based on one or more characteristics
of switched regulation circuit 125. In some embodiments the timer
may be adjusted by the feedback loop to energize inductor 173 with
an appropriate amount of current so that the inductor current
resonates to a predetermined current when the first resonating
state is engaged (discussed in the next step 1915). In further
embodiments the timer can use a comparator that compares the
current in the inductor to a programmable current threshold.
[0143] In other embodiments, the timer can be made utilizing a
current on a capacitor wherein the current starts charging at the
beginning of the preflux cycle and may be compared to a
predetermined voltage. When the voltage on the capacitor reaches a
specified voltage the timer indicates that the preflux cycle should
end. In other embodiments the timer function can be performed
utilizing logic gates.
[0144] In some embodiments, instead of a timer for setting the
amount of preflux, the current in the inductor can be monitored
during preflux (e.g., step 1905) and the preflux cycle can be set
to end when the current reaches a specified level. That specified
current level can be adjusted on a cycle by cycle basis to optimize
performance. Other timer techniques and timer architectures can be
used and are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0145] Now referring to FIG. 19, after the delay in step 1910, the
controller advances to step 1915 where first and third solid-state
switches M1 and M3 remain on while the second solid-state switch M2
is turned off and the fourth solid-state switch M4 remains off.
Thus, first and third solid-state switches, M1, M3, respectively,
are on while second and fourth solid-state switches M2, M4,
respectively, are off. A simplified schematic of switched
regulation circuit 125 in step 1915 is illustrated in FIG. 22. This
state couples capacitor 170 in series with inductor 173 and the
voltage at first terminal 120 (Vin) is applied directly to second
junction 145. Capacitor 170 now begins to charge. Capacitor 170
charges with a time constant set by capacitor 170 and inductor 173
values. Further, as capacitor 170 begins to charge, current flow in
inductor 173 continues to increase as the voltage between second
junction 145 and the output is positive. Because of the prefluxing
operation in step 1905, the current that was already flowing in
inductor 173 continues to increase, as discussed in more detail
below.
[0146] Step 1915 is illustrated in timing diagram 2000 (see FIG.
20) at time t2. Now referring simultaneously to FIGS. 2 and 20, at
time t2, second solid-state switch 140 (i.e., trace 2010) turns
off. The voltage at second junction 145 (i.e., trace 2025) begins
to decrease. Current in inductor 173 (trace 2030) continues to
build as capacitor 170 charges. Voltage in capacitor 170 increases
towards Vin. As capacitor 170 becomes charged the current in
inductor 173 (trace 2030) peaks, then begins to decrease when the
voltage at node 145 equals the voltage at node 176 and continues to
decrease towards time t3. Thus, in step 1915, capacitor 170
charges, causing a current to flow in inductor 173, and increasing
the voltage at output node 176 (Vout). When capacitor 170 is fully
charged to the voltage at (Vin) 120, the controller proceeds to
step 1920 (see FIG. 19) which is a first "soft braking"
configuration that can be used to transition the current remaining
in inductor 173. Soft braking can enable a higher current per phase
and/or a smaller capacitor 170 per phase as compared to the
methodologies discussed above and as explained in more detail
below.
[0147] In the first soft braking configuration (step 1920) first,
third and fourth solid-state switches M1, M3 and M4, respectively,
are on while second solid-state switch M2 is turned off. A
simplified schematic of switched regulation circuit 125 in step
1920 is illustrated in FIG. 23. In this state inductor 173 is
coupled to Vin (node 120) through capacitor 170 and also to ground
165 through third and fourth solid-state switches, M3 and M4,
respectively, allowing the residual current in the inductor to
continue to decrease down to a non-zero minimum current (Imin).
[0148] Step 1920 is illustrated in timing diagram 2000 (see FIG.
20) at time t3. Now referring simultaneously to FIGS. 2 and 20, at
time t3, fourth solid-state switch 160 (i.e., trace 2020) turns on
adding a path between inductor 173 and ground 165. The voltage at
second junction 145 (i.e., trace 2025) remains at the ground
potential and current in inductor 173 (trace 2030) continues to
decrease as the inductor dissipates its stored energy. Current in
inductor 173 continues to decrease to a predetermined minimum
current (Imin) that is non-zero in this particular embodiment. In
some embodiments the minimum current (Imin) can be between 10
milliamps and 50 amperes, while in other embodiments it can be
between 100 milliamps and 1 ampere and in another embodiment it can
be between 200 milliamps and 400 milliamps. The controller then
proceeds to step 1925 (see FIG. 19) that is a second prefluxing
state that can be used to increase current flowing through inductor
173.
[0149] Now referring to FIG. 19, in step 1925 first fourth
solid-state switches, M1 and M4 remain on, second solid-state
switch M2 turns on, and third solid-state switches M3 remains off.
A simplified schematic of switched regulation circuit 125 in step
1925 is illustrated in FIG. 24. This is the second inductor
prefluxing stage where current in inductor 173 is increased at a
substantially linear rate by applying voltage at first output
terminal 120 (Vin) to the inductor. In this state the voltage at
first terminal 120 (Vin) is applied directly across inductor
173.
[0150] Now referring to timing diagram 2000, the second prefluxing
state (step 1925) is shown at t4. The voltage at second junction
145 rapidly increases to the Vin voltage at first node 120 shown by
trace 2025. Current in inductor 170 (trace 2030) increases rapidly,
corresponding to the applied voltage and the characteristics of
inductor 173. In some embodiments the rate of current increase can
be substantially similar to the rate of current increase in the
time between t1 and t2. The current in inductor 173 continues to
increase until the switch state is changed, which in one
embodiment, may be controlled by a delay shown in step 1930 that
can be controlled by a timer, as discussed above.
[0151] Now referring to FIG. 19, in step 1935 fourth solid-state
switch M4 remains on and second solid-state switch M2 is turned on
while first and third solid-state switches M1, M3, respectively,
remain off. A simplified schematic of switched regulation circuit
125 in step 1935 is illustrated in FIG. 25. Capacitor 170 is
connected between inductor 173 and ground 165, allowing the charge
stored in the capacitor to discharge through the inductor to load
115 (see FIG. 1). As capacitor 170 begins to discharge (with a time
constant set by capacitor 170 and inductor 173), current in
inductor 173 increases. This condition is illustrated in timing
diagram 2000 in FIG. 20 at time t5 showing the voltage at second
junction 145 (i.e., trace 2025) at a voltage that is close to the
voltage at Vin (120) as it is connected to fully charged capacitor
170. As capacitor 170 resonates with inductor 173, it discharges
causing current to increase in inductor 173 (i.e., trace 2030). The
increase in current causes the voltage at Vout (node 176) to
increase. As the charge stored in capacitor 170 is reduced, current
in inductor 173 peaks (Ipeak), then begins to decrease (trace
2030).
[0152] The controller then proceeds to step 1940 (see FIG. 19)
which is a second "soft braking" configuration that can be used to
transition the remaining current in inductor 173. Soft braking can
enable a higher current per phase and/or a smaller capacitor 170
per phase as discussed above.
[0153] More specifically, in step 1940 second, third and fourth
solid-state switches M2, M3 and M4, respectively, are on while
first solid-state switch M1 is turned off. A simplified schematic
of switched regulation circuit 125 in step 1935 is illustrated in
FIG. 26. In this state inductor 173 is coupled to ground 165
through third and fourth solid-state switches, M3 and M4,
respectively, allowing the residual current in the inductor to
continue to decrease down to a non-zero minimum current (Imin).
[0154] Step 1940 is illustrated in timing diagram 2000 (see FIG.
20) at time t6. Now referring simultaneously to FIGS. 2 and 20, at
time t6, third solid-state switch 150 (i.e., trace 2015) turns on
adding a path between inductor 173 and ground 165. The voltage at
second junction 145 (i.e., trace 2025) remains at the ground
potential and current in inductor 173 (trace 2030) continues to
decrease as the inductor dissipates its stored energy. Current in
inductor 173 continues to decrease to a predetermined minimum
current (Imin) that is non-zero in this particular embodiment. The
controller then returns to step 1905 (see FIG. 19) which is the
first prefluxing state that can be used to increase current flowing
through inductor 173.
[0155] Timing diagram 2000 in FIG. 20 is for illustration only and
is one example of the function of circuit 125 (see FIG. 2)
operating with a non-zero inductor current. Other switching
algorithms, control functions and features can be implemented
without departing from this disclosure. To control the duration of
any of steps 1905-1940 illustrated in FIG. 19 any type of timer or
control circuit can be used, including those disclosed herein. For
example, in some embodiments a comparator can be used to compare
output voltage (Vout) to a commanded voltage. If the output voltage
is too low the controller can shorten the soft brake duration and
start the next preflux step early, leading to a higher output
voltage and higher average output current delivered to load 115
(see FIG. 1). This control algorithm can also provide a relatively
fast response time to loads having high transient voltage
requirements. In further embodiments a multi-phase architecture can
be employed where multiple switched regulation circuits 125 (see
FIG. 2) are used together to provide power to load 115.
[0156] In further embodiments alternative switching sequences 1900
can be used to provide additional features and functions of
switched regulation circuit 125 (see FIG. 2). For example, wait
states can be added after first and second soft brake steps (steps
1920 and 1940, respectively) to provide light load performance.
More specifically, when load 115 (see FIG. 1) requires a reduced
amount of current and/or voltage, after first softbrake (step 1920)
a wait state can be commanded where first and fourth solid-state
switches, M1 and M4, respectively are on and second and third
solid-state switches, M2 and M3 are off. This essentially halts
current flow through circuit 125 to load 115 (see FIG. 1) until the
subsequent preflux step 1925 is commanded. Similarly, after second
soft brake (step 1940) a second wait state can be commanded where
second and third solid-state switches, M2 and M3, respectively, are
on and first and fourth solid-state switches, M1 and M4,
respectively, are off. This state essentially halts current flow
through circuit 125 until the subsequent preflux step 1905 is
commanded.
[0157] Now referring to FIG. 27 a switching sequence 2700 is
illustrated that depicts additional example switching sequences
that can be used to provide additional features and functions of
switched regulation circuit 125 (see FIG. 2). Many of the switch
configurations in switching sequence 2700 are similar to the switch
configurations in FIG. 19, where like numbers refer to similar
configurations (e.g., switch configuration 1905 in FIG. 19
corresponds to switch configuration 1905 in FIG. 27), however
switching sequence 2700 adds two additional switch configurations
(step 2723) and (step 2743) that are waiting states that allow the
switched regulation circuit 125 to operate under light load
conditions. As further illustrated in switching sequence 2700 there
are also several alternative switching sequences, identified by
lines 2750, 2755, 2760, 2765, 2770, 2775, 2780 and 2785, each of
which will be discussed in more detail below.
[0158] In one example, switching sequence 2700 includes steps
(1915, 1920, 2723, 1935, 1949 and 2743) and thus first and second
preflux steps 1905, 1925, respectively, are not performed. Instead
of following the sequential switching sequence, in this example,
switching sequence 2700 follows paths 2760 and 2775, skipping first
and second preflux steps 1905, 1925, respectively. The omission of
first and second preflux steps 1905, 1925, respectively, can result
in a reduction of the current flowing through inductor 173. This
sequence can be used to deliver lower current and/or voltage to
load 115 (see FIG. 1). In some embodiments either first preflux
step 1905 or second preflux step 1925 can be skipped independently
of each other to provide a relatively fast response to changing
load requirements.
[0159] In another example, switching sequence 2700 includes steps
(1905, 1915, 2723, 1925, 1935 and 2743) and thus first and second
soft brake steps 1920, 1940, respectively, are not performed.
Instead of following the sequential switching sequence, in this
example switching sequence 2700 follows paths 2755 and 2765,
skipping first and second soft brake steps 1920, 1940,
respectively. The omission of first and second soft brake steps
1920, 1940, respectively, can be used in embodiments where
capacitor 170 (see FIG. 2) is relatively large and becomes fully
charged/discharged at the same time the current in inductor 173
nears zero. Therefore, since the capacitor can "absorb"
substantially all of the energy from the inductor, there is little
to no current left in the inductor at the end of the resonating
steps for the soft brake steps to dissipate. In a similar example,
switching sequence 2700 can skip not only first and second soft
brake steps 1920, 1940, respectively, but can also skip first and
second wait steps, 2723 and 2743, respectively. In this case the
loading conditions on switched regulation circuit 125 are
sufficient that the controller does not need to lower output
current and/or voltage by using waiting states (steps 2723 and
2743). In this example switching sequence 2700 follows paths 2780
and 2785, skipping steps 1920, 2723, 1940 and 2743.
[0160] In another example, switching sequence 2700 can be used to
change the operation of switched regulation circuit 125 (see FIG.
2) between a continuous current output mode and a discontinuous
current output mode of operation based on one or more parameters of
switched regulation circuit 125. More specifically, in some
embodiments, during operation the demands of load 115 can change
and controller 180 can respond by increasing or decreasing the
output current of switched regulation circuit 125 by altering
switching sequence 2700, as described in more detail below.
[0161] In some embodiments under light load conditions, controller
180 can skip one or more steps in switching sequence 2700 during
the continuous uninterrupted operation of switched regulation
circuit 125. In one example an autonomous transition to an
alternative switching sequence can occur during first and/or second
softbrake steps, steps 1920 and 1940, respectively. The transition
can be the result of the voltage at (Vout) 176 being above or below
a predetermined threshold voltage or in response to any parameter
of the circuit.
[0162] In one example the voltage at (Vout) 176 is above a
predetermined threshold voltage, (e.g., the load does not need
additional power) and controller 180 seamlessly transitions
switching sequence 2700 to a discontinuous current mode of
operation. In some embodiments a discontinuous current mode results
when controller 180 ends first and/or second softbrake steps, steps
1920 and 1940, respectively when the current in inductor 173
reaches zero (e.g., a discontinuous current output). Controller 180
can further proceed to first and/or second wait states, steps 2723
and 2743, respectively until the controller 180 determines that
load 115 requires more power (e.g. (Vout) 176 drops below the
predetermined threshold voltage).
[0163] In some embodiments if during first and/or second softbrake
steps, steps 1920 and 1940, respectively, the voltage at (Vout) 176
is below the predetermined threshold voltage, (e.g., the load
requires additional power) controller 180 can truncate the duration
of first and/or second softbrake steps, steps 1920 and 1940,
respectively, and advance to first and/or second preflux states,
steps 1905 and 1925, respectively, to increase the output current
and/or transition to a continuous current mode of operation.
[0164] In further embodiments controller 180 can shorten or
lengthen the duration of any step within switching sequence 2700 in
response to one or more parameters of switched regulation circuit
125. As another illustrative example, if the current in inductor
173 is decreasing while switched regulation circuit 125 is in first
and/or second resonating modes, steps 1915 and 1935, respectively,
and load 115 requires additional power, controller 180 can end the
step early and can transition to first and/or second preflux
states, steps 1905 and 1925, respectively, to increase the output
current and/or transition to a continuous current mode of
operation.
[0165] In further embodiments switched regulation circuit 125 can
use a first and a second levels of current within inductor 173 to
control operation of the operation of the circuit. More
specifically a voltage at the load can be regulated by repetitively
(1) charging the capacitor causing an increase in current flow in
the inductor followed by a decrease in current flow in the inductor
and before the current flow in the inductor reaches a first level,
(2) discharging the capacitor causing an increase in current flow
in the inductor followed by a decrease in current flow in the
inductor and before the current flow in the inductor reaches a
second level, repeating (1). The first and the second levels can be
set by controller 180 or any other circuit and are based on one or
more electrical characteristics of switched regulation circuit 125.
In some embodiments first and second levels can be substantially
equal to 0 amperes however in other embodiments they may have a
positive or a negative value. In further embodiments the first and
the second levels can have different values.
[0166] Other switching sequences are within the scope of this
disclosure and the switch configurations shown in FIG. 27 do not
need to be performed in any particular order or for a particular
time. Further, the switch configurations shown in FIG. 27 do not
indicate that the same sequence must be repetitively performed
during operation of switched regulation circuit 125 (see FIG. 2).
More specifically, because of the flexibility of the design of
switched regulation circuit 125 (see FIG. 2) the switching sequence
can be modified at any time by controller 180 (see FIG. 1) as
illustrated by, but not limited to lines 2750, 2755, 2760, 2765,
2770, 2775, 2780 and 2785. That is, based on the inputs to
controller, controller 180 can immediately change switching
sequences, for example by skipping first softbrake (step 1920) and
proceeding to first wait state (step 2723), proceeding to second
preflux (step 1925), proceeding to second resonating (step 1935)
and proceeding to second softbrake (step 1940). Thus, just because
the controller skipped the first softbrake (step 1920) it does not
necessarily have to skip second softbrake (step 1940).
[0167] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention
have been described with reference to numerous specific details
that may vary from implementation to implementation. The
specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an
illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and
exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what is
intended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention, is the
literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from
this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue,
including any subsequent correction.
* * * * *