CIRCUITS AND METHODS PROVIDING HIGH EFFICIENCY OVER A WIDE RANGE OF LOAD VALUES

摘要

An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing efficient operation in a feedback loop having a synchronous buck converter. The synchronous buck converter includes a plurality of individually selectable phases, where each of the phases has a plurality of individually selectable and parallel switching legs. The circuit stores information that associates multiple different load values with respective configuration settings that each define a number of phases and a number of switching legs. As the load changes, the circuit measures the load and selects an appropriate configuration setting. The circuit applies the selected configuration setting to operate the number of phases and a number of parallel switching legs in the buck converter.

主权项

1. A voltage regulator comprising:
a plurality of buck converter phases arranged in parallel and configured to provide an output voltage from a supply voltage and to provide the output voltage to a load; each of the buck converter phases including a plurality of parallel switching legs configured to receive a pulse width modulated signal from a control system of the voltage regulator, each of switching legs including at least a pair of switches arranged between the supply voltage and a low voltage; measuring circuitry configured to measure power usage at the load; and a logic circuit in communication with the measuring circuit and configured to receive an indication of power usage at the load from the measuring circuit, the logic circuit further configured to select a setting defining a number of phases and switching legs in response to the indication of power usage at the load.