Power converter with power switch operable in controlled current mode

#The present invention is directed, in general, to power electronics and, more specifically, to a power converter and method of controlling a power switch therein to improve power conversion efficiency at low output current.

#A switch-mode power converter (also referred to as a “power converter” or “regulator”) is a power supply or power processing circuit that converts an input voltage waveform into a specified output voltage waveform. DC-DC power converters convert a dc input voltage into a dc output voltage. Controllers associated with the power converters manage an operation thereof by controlling the conduction periods of power switches employed therein. Generally, the controllers are coupled between an input and output of the power converter in a feedback loop configuration (also referred to as a “control loop” or “closed control loop”).

#Typically, the controller measures an output characteristic (e.g., an output voltage, an output current, or a combination of an output voltage and an output current) of the power converter, and based thereon modifies a duty cycle of the power switches of the power converter. The duty cycle is a ratio represented by a conduction period of a power switch to a switching period thereof. Thus, if a power switch conducts for half of the switching period, the duty cycle for the power switch would be 0.5 (or 50%). Additionally, as voltage or current for systems, such as a microprocessor powered by the power converter, dynamically change (e.g., as a computational load on the microprocessor changes), the controller should be configured to dynamically increase or decrease the duty cycle of the power switches therein to maintain an output characteristic such as an output voltage at a desired value.

#For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of a power converter constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of portions of the power converter illustrated in FIG. 1 constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

#Corresponding numerals and symbols in the different figures generally refer to corresponding parts unless otherwise indicated, and may not be redescribed in the interest of brevity after the first instance. The FIGUREs are drawn to clearly illustrate the relevant aspects of exemplary embodiments.

#The making and using of the presently exemplary embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

#The present invention will be described with respect to exemplary embodiments in a specific context, namely, a power converter including a controller responsive to a level of output current to regulate an output characteristic and methods of forming the same. While the principles of the present invention will be described in the environment of a power converter, any application that may benefit from a power converter, such as a power amplifier, including a controller responsive to a level of current to regulate an output characteristic is well within the broad scope of the present invention.