US6873140B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Digital contoller for DC-DC switching converters
Assignee: STMicroelectronics SRL
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Filing: 2003-07-09
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Granted: 2005-03-29
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Expires: 2023-07-09
Abstract
Abstract A voltage regulator includes an input terminal adapted for being coupled to an input voltage and an output terminal adapted for being coupled to a load. The voltage regulator includes a first switch adapted for selectively coupling to the input terminal and to the output terminal, a current sensor for measuring an output current flowing towards the output terminal, a voltage sensor for measuring the output voltage from the output terminal, and a digital controller which drives the first switch. The controller closes the first switch when the error voltage is less than a first preset value of voltage and opens the first switch when the output current is greater than a first preset value of current.
Inventors
- 👤 Stefano Saggini
- 👤 Massimo Ghioni
- 👤 Angelo Geraci
- 👤 Francesco Villa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 20:56
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02M; H02M3/00; H02M3/02; H02M3/04; H02M3/10; H02M3/145; H02M3/155; H02M3/156; H02M3/157; H02M3/158; H02M3/1584; H02M3/1588; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B70/00; Y02B70/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A voltage regulator comprising: an input terminal for receiving an input voltage; an output terminal coupled to a load; a first switch for selectively coupling said input terminal to said output terminal; a current sensor for measuring an output current flowing towards said output terminal; a voltage sensor for measuring an output voltage on said output terminal; a digital controller coupled to said first switch, which closes said first switch when an error voltage, obtained by subtracting from said output voltage a constant reference voltage, is less than a preset first value of voltage, and opens said first switch when said output current is greater than a preset first value of current.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A voltage regulator comprising: an input terminal for receiving an input voltage; an output terminal coupled to a load; a first switch for selectively coupling said input terminal to said output terminal; a current sensor for measuring an output current flowing towards said output terminal; a voltage sensor for measuring an output voltage on said output terminal; a digital controller coupled to said first switch, which closes said first switch when an error voltage, obtained by subtracting from said output voltage a constant reference voltage, is less than a preset first value of voltage, and opens said first switch when said output current is greater than a preset first value of current.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The voltage regulator of claim 1 wherein said error voltage is obtained by subtracting from said output voltage a constant reference voltage and a variable ramp voltage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The voltage regulator of claim 1 wherein said first value of preset voltage and said first value of preset current each comprise a plurality of discrete levels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The voltage regulator of claim 1 wherein said first value of preset voltage and said first value of preset current are linked to each other through a preset function.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The voltage regulator of claim 1 wherein said first value of preset voltage and said first value of preset current are linked to each other through a linear function.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The voltage regulator of claim 1 wherein said first value of preset voltage and said first value of preset current are linked to each other through a linear function at times comprising at least two different slopes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The voltage regulator of claim 1 wherein said first value of preset voltage and said first value of preset current are linked to each other through a function comprising an integral component and a linear component.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The voltage regulator of claim 1 wherein said first value of preset voltage and said first value of preset current are a function of the switching frequency of said first switch.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
The voltage regulator of claim 1 wherein said first value of preset voltage decreases by a second value of preset voltage and wherein said first value of preset current increases by a third value of preset current when the driving frequency of said first switch is greater than a first preset frequency value.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
The voltage regulator of claim 1 wherein said first value of preset voltage increases by a fourth value of preset voltage and wherein said first value of preset current decreases by a fifth value of preset current when the driving frequency of said first switch is less than a second preset frequency value.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The voltage regulator of claim 1 further comprising a second switch for selectively coupling said output terminal to ground.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-03-28 | 2008-09-27 | 2009-03-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-03-28 | 2012-09-27 | 2013-03-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-03-28 | 2016-09-27 | 2017-03-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |