US6462525B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Polyphase PWM converter with high efficiency at light loads
Assignee: Analog Devices International ULC
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Filing: 2001-11-29
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Granted: 2002-10-08
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Expires: 2021-11-29
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Wei Chen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 13:39
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02M; H02M3/00; H02M3/02; H02M3/04; H02M3/10; H02M3/145; H02M3/155; H02M3/156; H02M3/158; H02M3/1584; H02M1/00; H02M1/0003; H02M1/0032; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B70/00; Y02B70/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
The regulator of claim 1 , wherein the detection circuit further compares the output current to a second threshold current to form a second comparison, and shuts down at least a second channel of the regulator when the detection circuit determines that, based on the comparison to the second threshold current, the output current is below the second threshold current.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The regulator of claim 1 , wherein the detection circuit places at least one remaining regulator channel in stand-by mode in the light load condition.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
The regulator of claim 1 , wherein the detection circuit places at least one remaining regulator channel in stand-by mode when the detection circuit determines that, based on a comparison to a second threshold current, the output current is less than the second threshold current, and wherein the second threshold current is different from the first threshold current.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The regulator of claim 1 , wherein the detection circuit comprises a current comparator circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The regulator of claim 1 , wherein the regulator renumbers phases of the regulator after the channel has been shut down.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for regulating a voltage using a multi-phase multi-channel regulator, the method comprising: 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.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for regulating a voltage using a multi-phase multi-channel regulator, the method comprising: 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.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising: 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.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
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.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising: 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.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 7 the comparing further comprising comparing using a current comparator circuit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising renumbering phases of the regulator after the shutting down of the select one channel.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-10-07 | 2006-04-08 | 2006-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-10-07 | 2010-04-08 | 2010-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-10-07 | 2014-04-08 | 2014-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |