Polyphase PWM converter with high efficiency at light loads
First Claim
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1. A multi-channel multi-phase voltage regulator, the regulator comprising:
- a high frequency power inductor in a power loop of each channel of the regulator, the inductor that provides a portion of an output current of the regulator, and wherein the inductor exhibits non-linear inductance over the operational range of the regulator; and
at least one detection circuit that compares the output current of the regulator to a first threshold current and that shuts down a select one channel of the multi-channel multi-phase regulator when the detection circuit determines that, based on the comparison, the output current is less than the first threshold current.
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Abstract
A multi-phase multi-channel voltage regulator having high efficiency at light loads is provided. The regulator increases efficiency at light loads by shutting down a select channel of the regulator. In addition, the regulator may place remaining channels in Burst Mode.
40 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A multi-channel multi-phase voltage regulator, the regulator comprising:
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a high frequency power inductor in a power loop of each channel of the regulator, the inductor that provides a portion of an output current of the regulator, and wherein the inductor exhibits non-linear inductance over the operational range of the regulator; and
at least one detection circuit that compares the output current of the regulator to a first threshold current and that shuts down a select one channel of the multi-channel multi-phase regulator when the detection circuit determines that, based on the comparison, the output current is less than the first threshold current. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for regulating a voltage using a multi-phase multi-channel regulator, the method comprising:
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periodically charging and discharging an inductor in a power loop of each channel of the voltage regulator to provide a portion of an output current of the regulator;
comparing the output current to a first threshold current; and
when the comparison determines that the output current is less than the first threshold current, shutting down a select first channel of the regulator. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
comparing the output current to a second threshold current to form a second comparison, and when the second comparison reveals that the output current is less than the second threshold current, shutting down a second channel of the regulator.
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9. The method of claim 7 further comprising placing at least one remaining channel in stand-by mode when the comparison reveals that the output current is less than the first threshold current.
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10. The method of claim 7 further comprising:
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comparing the output current to a second threshold current to form a second comparison; and
when the second comparison reveals that the output current is less than the second threshold current, placing at least one remaining channel in stand-by mode.
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11. The method of claim 7 the comparing further comprising comparing using a current comparator circuit.
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12. The method of claim 7 further comprising renumbering phases of the regulator after the shutting down of the select one channel.
Specification