Inductive Load Driver Slew Rate Controller

摘要

A circuit and method for digital controlling the slew rate of load voltage are provided. The circuit is comprised of a digital slew-rate control unit that utilizes a feedback signal to generate control signals where the feedback signal indicates the observed rate of voltage change on the load. The circuit is further comprised of a load driver circuit that is operated by the control signals and provides a slew-rate controlled output voltage used to operate a load switch, where the load switch provides power to the load. The circuit is configured to operate the load switch using a slew-rate controlling driver, depending on the state of the load switch transition, and a non-controlling driver.

主权项

1. An integrated circuit for driving a first load switch wherein the first load switch powers a current load, the integrated circuit comprising:
a first digital slew-rate control unit for generating first control signals, wherein the first digital slew-rate control unit generates the first control signals based on a feedback signal that indicates the rate of voltage change on the load; and a first driver operated by the first control signals, wherein the first driver generates a slew-rate controlled output signal that operates the first load switch, wherein the first driver is modulated to generate the slew-rate controlled output signal during state transitions of the first load switch.