Switching regulator providing current regulation based on using switching transistor current to control on time

A method for controlling a switching regulator including a switching transistor to regulate current supplied to a load, comprising:

• generating a sense signal based on a current through the transistor corresponding to the current through the load;
• generating a compensated reference signal using the sense signal, the compensated reference signal associated with an average of the current through the transistor;
• comparing the compensated reference signal and the sense signal and providing an on-time control signal indicating when the sense signal reaches the compensated reference signal;
• adjusting a switching control signal based on the on-time control signal;
• and
• providing the switching control signal to the transistor to control an on time period TON during which the transistor is switched on, with the end of the TON period determined by the on-time control signal, thereby regulating current through the load.

A system comprising:

• a load;
• a switching regulator, including a switching transistor configured to regulate current through the load by controlling switching of the transistor;
• and
• a control circuit comprising:
• a sense element configured to generate a sense signal based on a current through the switching transistor corresponding to the current through the load;
• a current control unit configured to generate a compensated reference signal using the sense signal, the compensated reference signal associated with an average of the current through the transistor;
• a comparator configured to provide an on-time control signal indicating when the sense signal reaches the compensated reference signal;
• and
• a switching control unit configured to adjust a switching control signal based on the on-time control signal and to provide the switching control signal to the transistor to control an on time period TON during which the transistor is switched on, with the end of the TON period determined by the on-time control signal, thereby regulating current through the load.