Optimized digital regulation of switching power supply

A controller for controlling a power supply for conversion of power between a source and a load, the power supply including a power switch that, when coupled to the source and cycled ON and OFF, supplies a pulse of power to the load, the controller comprising:

• a first pulse generator for generating switch activation power pulses for cycling the power switch, wherein the power switch, when cycled ON and OFF by a power pulse, supplies a substantial pulse of power to the load;
• a second pulse generator for generating switch activation sense pulses for cycling the power switch, wherein the power switch, when cycled ON and OFF by a sense pulse, supplies a an insubstantial pulse of power to the load;
• the first and second pulse generators generating respective power and sense pulses at a same frequency, the production of a respective pulse by the first and second pulse generators defining a new switching cycle;
• and
• pulse optimization circuitry coupled to the first and second pulse generators, the pulse optimization circuitry controlling when the first and second pulse generators generate respective power and sense pulses to initiate a switching cycle.

A power supply for conversion of power between a source and a load, comprising:

• a power switch that, when coupled to the source and cycled ON and OFF, supplies a pulse of power to the load;
• pulse generation circuitry for generating switch activation pulses to cycle the power switch, each switch activation pulse produced by the pulse generator defining a new switching cycle;
• and
• pulse optimization circuitry coupled to the pulse generation circuitry for controlling when a switch activation pulse is generated to initiate a switching cycle.

A power supply for controlling a power supply for conversion of power between a source and a load, comprising:

• a power switch that, when coupled to the source and cycled ON and OFF, supplies a pulse of power to the load;
• a first pulse generator for generating switch activation power pulses for cycling the power switch, wherein the power switch, when cycled ON and OFF by a power pulse, supplies a substantial pulse of power to the load;
• a second pulse generator for generating switch activation sense pulses for cycling the power switch, wherein the power switch, when cycled ON and OFF by a sense pulse, supplies a an insubstantial pulse of power to the load;
• the first and second pulse generators generating respective power and sense pulses at a same frequency, the production of a respective pulse by the first and second pulse generators defining a new switching cycle;
• and
• pulse optimization circuitry coupled to the first and second pulse generators, the pulse optimization circuitry controlling when the first and second pulse generators generate respective power and sense pulses to initiate a switching cycle.