Circuits and methods for pfm operation

Abstract

Described herein is a power converter operable in a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) mode. The power converted may be configured for maintaining a PFM frequency above a predetermined frequency threshold when a load current at an output node of the power converter decreases. The power converter may comprise an inductor. The power converter may be configured to, in a PFM switching cycle: during a positive charge phase of the PFM switching cycle, generate a positive charge across the inductor; and during a negative charge phase of the PFM switching cycle, generate a negative charge across the inductor smaller than or equal to the positive charge, such that a total net charge transferred to the output node during the PFM switching cycle is reduced, so as to maintain the PFM frequency above the predetermined frequency threshold.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.