Switching regulator with improved efficiency and method thereof
AssigneeChengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.
InventorsXudong Zhang, Yike Li
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A switching regulator with constant on time control adopts a timer to time when the system is in discontinuous current mode (DCM). If the DCM lasted for a set time, a power stage in the switching regulator is controlled to be ON for a minimum on time duration, so as to ensure the switching regulator enters sleep mode.
Claims18
A switching regulator, comprising:
- a power stage, operable to convert an input voltage into an output voltage;
- a DCM detector, configured to generate a detect signal in response to a current flowing through the power stage;
- a timer, operable to start to time if the detect signal indicates the switching regulator is in discontinuous current mode, and to generate a timeout signal when timing out;
- a minimum on time circuit, configured to generate a minimum on time signal in response to the timeout signal;
- and
- a logic & drive circuit, configured to generate a drive signal in response to the timeout signal and the minimum on time signal, to control the operation of the power stage.
A control circuit used in a switching regulator, the switching regulator including a power stage configured to convert an input voltage to an output voltage, the control circuit comprising:
- a DCM detector, configured to generate a detect signal in response to a current flowing through the power stage;
- a timer, operable to start to time if the detect signal indicates the switching regulator is in discontinuous current mode, and to generate a timeout signal when timing out;
- a minimum on time circuit, configured to generate a minimum on time signal in response to the timeout signal;
- and
- a logic & drive circuit, configured to generate a drive signal in response to the timeout signal and the minimum on time signal, to control the operation of the power stage.
A method used in a switching regulator, the switching regulator including a power stage configured to convert an input voltage to an output voltage, the method comprising:
- detecting whether the switching regulator is in discontinuous current mode;
- starting to time a preset time duration if the detection indicates the switching regulation is in discontinuous current mode;
- and
- controlling the power stage to be ON for a minimum on time when timing out.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.