Buck-boost switching converter

A method of controlling the operation of a buck-boost switching converter of the type comprising a first set of switches comprising a first power switch and a first ground switch, and a second set of switches comprising a second power switch and a second ground switch, the method comprising:

• sending control signals to the first set of switches and the second set of switches;
• in a buck mode, operating the first set of switches to provide buck regulation whilst holding the second power switch in a closed state;
• in a boost mode, operating the second set of switches to provide boost regulation whilst holding the first power switch in a closed state;
• detecting when the first power switch and the second power switch are in a similar state;
• and
• selectively operating the switching converter in the buck mode or the boost mode based on a length of a time period throughout the course of which both of the first power switch and the second power switch are in a similar state.

A buck-boost switching converter with an input for receiving an input voltage and an output for providing an output voltage, comprising:

• a first set of switches comprising a first power switch and a first ground switch;
• a second set of switches comprising a second power switch and a second ground switch;
• a comparator;
• an energy storage element, the output is coupled with the energy storage element when the second power switch is in a closed state, and the input is coupled with the energy storage element when the first power switch is in a closed state;
• an input of a first integration circuit coupled to a first terminal of the energy storage element, the first integration circuit arranged to receive a first voltage signal from the first terminal of the energy storage element and to provide an integrated first voltage signal at an output of the first integration circuit;
• and
• an input of a second integration circuit coupled to a second terminal of the energy storage element, the second integration circuit arranged to receive a second voltage signal from the second terminal of the energy storage element and to provide an integrated second voltage signal at an output of the second integration circuit;
• wherein
• the comparator has a first input coupled to the output of the first integration circuit, a second input coupled to the output of the second integration circuit, the comparator is arranged to output the control signals at an output of the comparator and to provide control signals to the first set of switches and the second set of switches and arranged such that:
• in a buck mode, the first set of switches operates to provide buck regulation while the second power switch is held in a closed state;
• and
• in a boost mode, the second set of switches operates to provide boost regulation while the first power switch is held in a closed state.

A method of controlling the operation of a buck-boost switching converter of the type comprising a first set of switches comprising a first power switch and a first ground switch, and a second set of switches comprising a second power switch and a second ground switch, the method comprising:

• integrating a first voltage signal from a first terminal of an energy storage element, wherein the input is coupled with the energy storage element when the first power switch is in a closed state;
• providing an integrated first voltage signal to a first input of a comparator;
• integrating a second voltage signal from a second terminal of the energy storage element, wherein the output is coupled with the energy storage element when the second power switch is in a closed state;
• providing an integrated second voltage signal to a second input of the comparator;
• and
• receiving control signals at the first set of switches and the second set of switches, from an output of the comparator;
• wherein:
• in a buck mode, the first set of switches operates to provide buck regulation while the second power switch is held in a closed state;
• and
• in a boost mode, the second set of switches operates to provide boost regulation while the first power switch is held in a closed state.