×

DC-to-DC converter having charge pump and associated methods

  • US 5,808,883 A
  • Filed: 02/14/1997
  • Issued: 09/15/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/15/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A DC-to-DC power converter for supplying power to a load from a source, the converter comprising:

  • a switch for supplying power from the source to the load;

    switch drive means for controlling said switch and being operable from a supply voltage;

    a charge pump, connected to said switch drive means and to an input voltage, for selectively boosting the supply voltage to said switch drive means; and

    charge pump control means cooperating with said charge pump for controlling the supply voltage to said switch drive means, said charge pump control means comprisingpass through means for passing through the input voltage to the supply voltage based upon the input voltage being above a first voltage,constant boost means for boosting the supply voltage to a substantially constant value based upon the input voltage being less than the first voltage and greater than or equal to a second voltage wherein the second voltage is less than the first voltage, andmultiple boost means for boosting the supply voltage by a multiple of the input voltage based upon the input voltage being less than the second voltage.

View all claims
  • 8 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×