Multi-Stage Fast Dynamic Response Power Architecture and Controller

A controller for a DC-DC converter comprising a plurality of DC-DC converter circuits connected together in parallel and adapted to receive a DC input voltage and output a DC output voltage, wherein the controller controls operation of the plurality of DC-DC converter circuits to regulate the output voltage, comprising:

• using a sensed output voltage to generate a current reference signal and to generate at least one of a current control accelerating mode signal and a current control braking mode control signal;
• wherein applying the current control accelerating mode signal controls operation of the plurality of DC-DC converter circuits in response to a loading transient;
• wherein the controller terminates the current control accelerating mode signal when the output voltage recovers to a selected value;
• wherein applying the current control braking mode signal controls operation of the plurality of DC-DC converter circuits in response an unloading transient;
• wherein the controller terminates the current control braking mode signal when the output voltage recovers to a selected value.

A method for implementing a DC-DC converter, comprising:

• providing a plurality of DC-DC converter circuits connected together in parallel and adapted to receive a DC input voltage and output a DC output voltage;
• and
• using a controller that implements current mode control of the plurality of DC-DC converter circuits;
• wherein the controller senses the DC output voltage and generates a current reference signal based on the sensed DC output voltage;
• wherein the current reference signal is transmitted to the plurality of DC-DC converter circuits;
• wherein an output current of each of the plurality of DC-DC converter circuits is based on the current reference signal;
• wherein the plurality of DC-DC converter circuits together produce a total load current.

A method for controlling for a DC-DC converter comprising a plurality of DC-DC converter circuits connected together in parallel and adapted to receive a DC input voltage and output a DC output voltage, wherein the controller controls operation of the plurality of DC-DC converter circuits to regulate the output voltage, comprising:

• using a sensed output voltage to generate a current reference signal and to generate at least one of a current control accelerating mode signal and a current control braking mode control signal;
• wherein applying the current control accelerating mode signal controls operation of the plurality of DC-DC converter circuits in response to a loading transient;
• wherein the controller terminates the current control accelerating mode signal when the output voltage recovers to a selected value;
• wherein applying the current control braking mode signal controls operation of the plurality of DC-DC converter circuits in response an unloading transient;
• wherein the controller terminates the current control braking mode signal when the output voltage recovers to a selected value.