Multiple-output dual-polarity DC/DC converters and voltage regulators

A dual-polarity multi-output synchronous boost converter comprising:

• an inductor;
• first, second, third, fourth and fifth output nodes;
• and
• a switching network, the switching network being configured to provide a first mode of circuit operation in which a positive electrode of the inductor is connected to an input voltage and a negative electrode of the inductor is connected to ground, a second mode of circuit operation in which the negative electrode of the inductor is connected to ground and the positive electrode of the inductor is connected in sequence to each of the fourth and fifth output nodes, and-a third mode of circuit operation in which the positive electrode of the inductor is connected to the input voltage and the negative electrode of the inductor is connected in sequence to each of the first, second and third output nodes.

A method for operating a dual-polarity multi-output synchronous boost converter which includes an inductor and first, second, third, fourth and fifth output nodes, the method comprising:

• configuring a switching network so that the boost converter operates in a first mode in which a positive electrode of the inductor is connected to an input voltage and a negative electrode of the inductor is connected to ground;
• configuring the switching network so that the boost converter operates in a second mode in which the negative electrode of the inductor is connected to ground and the positive electrode of the inductor is connected in sequence to each of the fourth and fifth output nodes;
• and
• configuring the switching network so that the boost converter operates in a third mode in which the positive electrode of the inductor is connected to the input voltage and the negative electrode of the inductor is connected in sequence to each of the first, second and third output nodes.

A dual-polarity multi-output synchronous boost converter comprising:

• an inductor;
• a high-side switch and low-side switch connected in a series conduction path, the inductor being connected in the series conduction path between the high-side switch and the low-side switch;
• a first node between the inductor and the low-side switch in the series conduction path, the first node being connected through a first positive-output synchronous rectifier switch to a first positive output terminal, through a second positive-output synchronous rectifier switch to a second positive output terminal, and through a third positive-output synchronous rectifier switch to a third positive output terminal, the first positive synchronous rectifier switch including a first MOSFET having a source-body short so as to create a first diode between a source and a drain of the first MOSFET;
• a second node between the inductor and the high-side switch in the series conduction path, the second node being connected through a first negative-output synchronous rectifier switch to a first negative output terminal, and through a second negative-output synchronous rectifier switch to a second negative output terminal, the first negative-output synchronous rectifier switch including a second MOSFET having a source-body short so as to create a second diode between a source and a drain of the second MOSFET;
• and
• a controller for controlling the on-time of the high-side and low-side switches being coupled to the high-side and low-side switches.