Control module and method for a dc-dc switching converter with a single inductor and at least two outputs

A control module for a DC-DC switching converter, where said DC-DC switching converter comprises an electrical network configured to couple to a source generator and including an inductor, a plurality of electronically controllable switches and first and second output capacitors, which, in use, are subject to first and second output voltages, respectively, wherein said control module is configured to generate first and second control signals to control the electronically controllable switches so as to implement a sequence of switching periods and to implement, for each switching period, a phase succession;

• wherein the phase succession comprises:
• a charge phase of the inductor, wherein the inductor is coupled to the source generator and a current flowing through the inductor increases over time, said charge phase of the inductor having a first duration which is a function of the first control signal;
• a first discharge phase of the inductor, wherein the inductor is coupled to the first output capacitor such that the current discharges towards the first output capacitor, said first discharge phase of the inductor having a second duration which is a function of the second control signal;
• and
• a second discharge phase of the inductor, wherein the inductor is coupled to the second output capacitor such that the current discharges towards the second output capacitor;
• wherein the control module is further configured to couple to the electrical network so as to form a signal vector including at least first, second and third input signals which are indicative respectively of the first and second output voltages and of said current;
• wherein the control module further comprises a gain stage configured to generate the first and second control signals by multiplying the signal vector by a gain matrix, the gain matrix being such that the control module forms a linear-quadratic regulator.