Methods and Circuits for Improving the Dynamic Response of a DC-DC Converter
OwnerLiang Jia, Yan-Fei Liuinventors
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Abstract
Methods and circuits are described herein which may be used to improve the unloading transient response of a DC-DC converter. In some embodiments the transient response may be improved by improving the way MOSFET switches in the buck converter are controlled at the point in time when a current transient is detected, and subsequently during the transient, in such a way that the impact of the current transient is mitigated. In other embodiments an auxiliary current source is used to provide rapid transient response required by the overall power converter, leaving the main portion of the DC-DC converter to provide long term stability.
Claims20
A method for operating a DC-DC converter;
- comprising:
- using a controlled auxiliary current to divert current from an output capacitor of the DC-DC converter to an input of the DC-DC converter during an unloading current step;
- wherein controlling the controlled auxiliary current comprises using at least one switch and operating the at least one switch for a selected constant number of switching cycles;
- wherein the method minimizes output voltage deviation of the DC-DC converter during the unloading current step.
A DC-DC converter;
- comprising:
- a controlled auxiliary current circuit comprising at least one auxiliary switch that diverts current from an output capacitor of the DC-DC converter to an input of the DC-DC converter during an unloading current step;
- and
- a control circuit that controls operation of the controlled auxiliary current circuit;
- wherein the control circuit operates the at least one auxiliary switch for a selected number of switching cycles to divert current from the output capacitor of the DC-DC converter to the input of the DC-DC converter during the unloading current step;
- wherein the controlled auxiliary current circuit minimizes output voltage deviation of the DC-DC converter during the unloading current step.
A controller for a DC-DC converter;
- comprising:
- a circuit that controls operation of an auxiliary current circuit including at least one auxiliary switch that diverts current from an output capacitor of the DC-DC converter to an input of the DC-DC converter during an unloading current step;
- wherein the circuit operates the at least one auxiliary switch for a selected number of switching cycles to divert current from the output capacitor of the DC-DC converter to the input of the DC-DC converter during the unloading current step;
- wherein the auxiliary current circuit minimizes output voltage deviation of the DC-DC converter during the unloading current step.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.