Circuits and methods for flexible current partitioning in monolithic switching regulators

A method for flexibly distributing the output current of a monolithic switching regulator among its output channels, the method comprising:

• providing one or more middle channels for connecting to the output channels;
• autosensing the connection of the one or more middle channels to the output channels;
• and
• distributing the output current among the output channels according to the connection of the one or more middle channels to the output channels.

A monolithic switching regulator for flexibly distributing an output current among its output channels, the monolithic switching regulator comprising:

• one or more middle channels for connecting to the output channels;
• a programmable input pin for programming the connection of the one or more middle channels to the output channels;
• and
• a switching logic circuit for distributing the output current among the output channels according to the connection of the one or more middle channels to the output channels.

A method for flexibly distributing the output current of a monolithic switching regulator among its output channels, the method comprising:

• providing one or more middle channels for connecting to the output channels;
• programming the connection of the one or more middle channels to the output channels;
• and
• distributing the output current among the output channels according to the connection of the one or more middle channels to the output channels.