Energy predictive buck converter

Abstract

A switched-mode buck power converter includes a power source, a first switch, an inductor for storing energy, a diode or second switch, and control circuitry. The inductor has a first end connected to an output node of the power converter, wherein the first switch is connected between the power source and a second end of the inductor. The diode or second switch is connected, at the second end of the inductor, between the first switch and a common node of the power converter. The control circuitry is configured to (i) characterize per cycle energy demand of the power converter, (ii) characterize per cycle inductive energy of the power converter, and (iii) compare the characterized energy demand to the characterized inductive energy to control the first switch.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.