US6674274B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple phase switching regulators with stage shedding
Assignee: Analog Devices International ULC
•
Filing: 2001-02-08
•
Granted: 2004-01-06
•
Expires: 2021-02-08
Abstract
Abstract Multiple phase switching regulators with stage shedding are provided. Multiple phase switching regulators of the present invention have a plurality of single phase switching regulators coupled in parallel to an output capacitor. The plurality of single phase switching regulators supply current to a load at a regulated voltage. A comparator monitors the load current and causes one or more of the single phase switching regulators to be OFF at a low load current threshold. At least one of the single phase switching regulators that remains ON increases its output current so that the multiple phase switching regulator output current continues to match the load current. The present invention may include a second comparator that causes additional single phase switching regulators to be OFF at a second low load current threshold that is lower than the first low load current threshold.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen W. Hobrecht
- 👤 Randy G. Flatness
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 00:45
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02M; H02M3/00; H02M3/02; H02M3/04; H02M3/10; H02M3/145; H02M3/155; H02M3/156; H02M3/158; H02M3/1584; H02J; H02J1/00; H02J1/10; H02J1/102; H02M1/00; H02M1/0003; H02M1/0032; H02M3/1588; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B70/00; Y02B70/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A multiple phase switching regulator, comprising: a plurality of single phase switching regulators coupled to an output; and a first comparator coupled to a feedback loop circuit that prevents a first one of the single phase switching regulators from providing output current to a load coupled to the output after the load current drops below a threshold of the first comparator, wherein at least a second one of the single phase switching regulators comprises: a first gain control circuit coupled to the first comparator that causes the output current of the second single phase switching regulator to increase after the load current drops below the threshold of the first comparator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A multiple phase switching regulator, comprising: a plurality of single phase switching regulators coupled to an output; and a first comparator coupled to a feedback loop circuit that prevents a first one of the single phase switching regulators from providing output current to a load coupled to the output after the load current drops below a threshold of the first comparator, wherein at least a second one of the single phase switching regulators comprises: a first gain control circuit coupled to the first comparator that causes the output current of the second single phase switching regulator to increase after the load current drops below the threshold of the first comparator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 1 wherein the feedback loop further comprises: a first amplifier coupled to a resistor divider and at least one of the single phase switching regulators.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 2 wherein the first amplifier is coupled to each of the single phase switching regulators.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 1 wherein the plurality of single phase switching regulators comprises three single phase switching regulators.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 4 wherein the first comparator prevents two of the single phase switching regulators from outputting current to the load when the load current drops below the threshold of the first comparator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 1 wherein the plurality of single phase switching regulators comprises four single phase switching regulators.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 6 wherein the first comparator prevents three of the single phase switching regulators from outputting current to the load when the load current drops below the threshold of the first comparator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 6 wherein the first comparator prevents two of the single phase switching regulators from outputting current to the load when the load current drops below the threshold of the first comparator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The multiple phase switching regulato of claim 1 wherein the plurality of single phase switching regulators are synchronous switching regulators.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 1 wherein the first gain control circuit comprises: an amplifier coupled to the feedback loop circuit that increases a current threshold of the second single phase switching regulator.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 1 wherein the first gain control circuit further comprises: a resistor; and a transistor coupled to the resistor and the first comparator, wherein the transistor shorts the resistor when the load current drops below the threshold of the first comparator.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
55 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 1 further comprising: a second comparator coupled to the feedback loop circuit that prevents the second single phase switching regulator from outputting current to the load when the load current drops below a threshold of the second comparator that is less than the threshold of the first comparator.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
57 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 12 wherein at least a third one of the single phase switching regulators comprises: a second gain control circuit coupled to the second comparator that causes the output current of the third single phase switching regulator to increase after the load current falls below the threshold of the second comparator.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
48 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 13 wherein the second gain control circuit comprises further comprises: a resistor; and a transistor coupled to the resistor and the second comparator, wherein the transistor shorts the resistor when the load current drops below the threshold of the second comparator.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
53 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 1 wherein the first gain control circuit further comprises: a resistor divider; and a transistor coupled to the resistor divider and the first comparator, wherein the transistor shorts a resistor in the resistor divider when the load current is below the threshold of the first comparator.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 1 wherein the first gain control circuit further comprises: first and second resistors coupled in parallel such that current flows through both resistors after the load current drops below the threshold of the first comparator.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
53 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 1 wherein the first gain control circuit comprises: a resistor coupled to the feedback loop circuit; a current mirror circuit coupled to the resistor and the second single phase switching regulator, wherein the current mirror adjusts the output current of the second single phase switching regulator.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for supplying current from a multiple phase switching regulator to a load coupled to an output, the method comprising: regulating the voltage at the output using a plurality of single phase switching regulators coupled to the output and a feedback loop circuit; and preventing at least one of the single phase switching regulators from supplying current to the output at low load current in a first low power mode, wherein current supplied to the output by at least one of the remaining single phase switching regulators in the first low power mode is increased after the load current drops below a threshold using a first gain control circuit.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for supplying current from a multiple phase switching regulator to a load coupled to an output, the method comprising: regulating the voltage at the output using a plurality of single phase switching regulators coupled to the output and a feedback loop circuit; and preventing at least one of the single phase switching regulators from supplying current to the output at low load current in a first low power mode, wherein current supplied to the output by at least one of the remaining single phase switching regulators in the first low power mode is increased after the load current drops below a threshold using a first gain control circuit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 18 wherein regulating the voltage at the output using the plurality of single phase switching regulators and the feedback loop circuit further comprises: monitoring the output voltage using an amplifier that is coupled to at least one of the single phase switching regulators.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the amplifier is coupled to each of the single phase switching regulators.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the plurality of single phase switching regulators comprises three single phase switching regulators.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 21 wherein preventing at least one of the single phase switching regulators from supplying current to the output at low load current in the first low power mode further comprises preventing two of the single phase switching regulators from outputting current to the load at low load current.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of the claim 18 wherein the plurality of single phase switching regulators comprises four single phase switching regulators.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 23 wherein preventing at least one of the single phase switching regulators from supplying current to the output at low load current in the first low power mode further comprises preventing three of the single phase switching regulators from outputting current to the load at low load current.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 23 wherein preventing at least one of the single phase switching regulators from supplying current to the output at low load current in the first low power mode further comprises preventing two of the single phase switching regulators from outputting current to the load at low load current.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the plurality of single phase switching regulators are synchronous switching regulators.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 18 wherein using the first gain control circuit further comprises: monitoring an output signal of the feedback loop circuit and adjusting an inductor current threshold of at least one of the remaining single phase switching regulators using an amplifier.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 18 wherein using the first gain control circuit further comprises: shorting a resistor by turning ON a transistor coupled to the resistor when the load current drops below the load current threshold.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the first gain control circuit comprises a first resistor coupled in parallel with a second resistor so that current flows through both resistors in the first low power mode.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of the claim 18 wherein the plurality of single phase switching regulators comprises two single phase switching regulators.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
176 words
A method for supplying current from a multiple phase switching regulator to a load coupled to an output, the method comprising: regulating the voltage at the output using a plurality of single phase switching regulators coupled to the output and a feedback loop circuit; preventing at least one of the single phase switching regulators from supplying current to the output at low load current in a first low power mode, wherein the preventing at least one of the single phase switching regulators from supplying current to the output at low load current in the first low power mode further comprises preventing at least one single phase switching regulator from supplying current to the output when the load current falls below a threshold of a first comparator that is coupled to the feedback loop circuit; and preventing a second single phase switching regulator from outputting current to the load when the load current drops below a threshold of a second comparator that is less than the threshold of the first comparator, in a second low power mode.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
176 words
A method for supplying current from a multiple phase switching regulator to a load coupled to an output, the method comprising: regulating the voltage at the output using a plurality of single phase switching regulators coupled to the output and a feedback loop circuit; preventing at least one of the single phase switching regulators from supplying current to the output at low load current in a first low power mode, wherein the preventing at least one of the single phase switching regulators from supplying current to the output at low load current in the first low power mode further comprises preventing at least one single phase switching regulator from supplying current to the output when the load current falls below a threshold of a first comparator that is coupled to the feedback loop circuit; and preventing a second single phase switching regulator from outputting current to the load when the load current drops below a threshold of a second comparator that is less than the threshold of the first comparator, in a second low power mode.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 31 wherein a current supplied to the output by a third of the single phase switching regulators in the second low power mode is increased using a second gain control circuit after the load current drops below the threshold of the second comparator.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 32 wherein a resistor is shorted by turning ON a transistor coupled to the resistor when the load current drops below the threshold of the second comparator.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 31 wherein a resistor in a resistor divider is shorted only when the load current is below the threshold of the first comparator.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
71 words
A multiple phase switching regulator, comprising: means for regulating the voltage at an output using a plurality of single phase switching regulators and a feedback loop circuit; and means for causing a first of the single phase switching regulators to be OFF below a low load current threshold; and means for increasing an output current threshold of a second of the single phase switching regulators below the low load current threshold.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
71 words
A multiple phase switching regulator, comprising: means for regulating the voltage at an output using a plurality of single phase switching regulators and a feedback loop circuit; and means for causing a first of the single phase switching regulators to be OFF below a low load current threshold; and means for increasing an output current threshold of a second of the single phase switching regulators below the low load current threshold.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 35 wherein: the feedback loop circuit includes an amplifier coupled to at least one of the single phase switching regulators.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 36 wherein the amplifier is coupled to each of the single phase switching regulators.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
48 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 35 wherein: the means for causing the first of the single phase switching regulators to be OFF below the low load current threshold further comprises a first comparator coupled to the feedback loop circuit and the first single phase switching regulator.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 35 wherein the plurality of single phase switching regulators comprises four single phase switching regulators.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
43 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 35 wherein: the means for increasing the output current threshold of the second single phase switching regulator below the low load current threshold further comprises means for shorting a resistor that determines the output current threshold.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
54 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 35 wherein: the means for increasing the output current threshold of the second single phase switching regulator below the low load current threshold further comprises means for directing current through a resistor in a resistor divider after the load current falls below the low load current threshold.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
55 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 35 wherein: the means for increasing the output current threshold of the second single phase switching regulator below the low load current threshold further comprises means for coupling a first resistor in parallel with a second resistor after the load current falls below the low load current threshold.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
54 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 35 wherein: the means for increasing the output current threshold of the second single phase switching regulator in the first low power mode further comprises means for shorting a resistor coupled to a current mirror circuit after the load current falls below the low load current threshold.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 35 wherein the plurality of single phase switching regulators are synchronous switching regulators.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
The multiple phase switching regulator of claim 35 wherein the plurality of single phase switching regulators comprises three single phase switching regulators.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
92 words
A multiple phase switching regulator, comprising: means for regulating the voltage at an output using a plurality of single phase switching regulators and a feedback loop circuit; means for causing a first of the single phase switching regulators to be OFF below a low load current threshold; means for causing a second of the single phase switching regulators to be OFF below a second low load current threshold; and means for increasing an output current threshold of a third of the single phase switching regulators below the second low load current threshold.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
92 words
A multiple phase switching regulator, comprising: means for regulating the voltage at an output using a plurality of single phase switching regulators and a feedback loop circuit; means for causing a first of the single phase switching regulators to be OFF below a low load current threshold; means for causing a second of the single phase switching regulators to be OFF below a second low load current threshold; and means for increasing an output current threshold of a third of the single phase switching regulators below the second low load current threshold.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
114 words
A multiple phase switching regulator, comprising: a plurality of single phase switching regulator stages couple to an output; and a first comparator coupled to a feedback loop circuit that prevents a first one of the single phase switching regulator stages from providing output current to a load coupled to the output after the load current drops below a threshold of the first comparator, wherein at least a second one of the single phase switching regulators stages comprises: a first gain control circuit coupled to the first comparator that causes the output current of the second single phase switching regulator stage to increase after the load current drops below the threshold of the first comparator.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
114 words
A multiple phase switching regulator, comprising: a plurality of single phase switching regulator stages couple to an output; and a first comparator coupled to a feedback loop circuit that prevents a first one of the single phase switching regulator stages from providing output current to a load coupled to the output after the load current drops below a threshold of the first comparator, wherein at least a second one of the single phase switching regulators stages comprises: a first gain control circuit coupled to the first comparator that causes the output current of the second single phase switching regulator stage to increase after the load current drops below the threshold of the first comparator.
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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) | 2007-01-05 | 2007-07-07 | 2008-01-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-01-05 | 2011-07-07 | 2012-01-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-01-05 | 2015-07-07 | 2016-01-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |