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Voltage regulator with optimal efficiency selection and a master-slave zero cross detection configuration

  • US 8,358,115 B2
  • Filed: 04/14/2010
  • Issued: 01/22/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/14/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A voltage regulator comprising:

  • a first phase power stage including;

    a first high side transistor configured to activate and deactivate to regulate an input voltage;

    a first low side transistor coupled to the first high side transistor, the first low side transistor configured to deactivate when a current level in the first phase power stage is substantially equal to zero; and

    a zero cross detection circuit in communication with the first low side transistor, the zero cross detection circuit configured to measure the current level for the first phase power stage, and to deactivate the first low side transistor when the current level is substantially equal to zero;

    a second phase power stage connected in parallel with the first phase power stage, the second phase power stage including;

    a second high side transistor configured to activate and deactivate to regulate the input voltage; and

    a second low side transistor coupled to the second high side transistor, the second low side transistor configured to deactivate in response to a signal from the zero cross detection circuit, the signal indicating when the current level in the first phase power stage is substantially equal to zero; and

    a controller coupled to the first phase power stage and to the second phase power stage, the controller configured to measure an output current of the voltage regulator and to activate the second phase power stage when the output current is above a first threshold current level.

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