Measuring current in a power regulator system

摘要

One embodiment includes a power regulator system. The system includes a gate driver circuit configured to generate switching signal and a switching circuit package configured to receive the switching signal at a gate terminal. A signal return associated with the switching signal is provided at a gate return terminal. The switching circuit package also includes a switch that is periodically activated in response to the switching signal to generate a switching voltage at a switching node terminal. A filter stage includes an inductor interconnecting the switching node terminal and a node. The inductor can be configured to conduct a current in response to the switching voltage to generate an output voltage. A current sense circuit interconnects the gate return terminal and the node and measures a magnitude of the output current.

主权项

1. A power regulator system comprising:
a gate driver circuit configured to generate switching signal; a switching circuit package configured to receive the switching signal at a gate terminal, and to provide a signal return associated with the switching signal at a separate gate return terminal providing a Kelvin gate drive connection, the switching circuit package comprising a switch that is periodically activated in response to the switching signal to generate a switching voltage at a switching node terminal; a filter stage comprising an inductor interconnecting the switching node terminal and another node, the inductor being configured to conduct a current in response to the switching voltage to generate an output voltage; anda current sense circuit interconnecting the gate return terminal and the other node and being configured to measure a magnitude of the current whereby a cumulative path resistance associated with parasitic resistance of the switching circuit package increases the voltage related to the current.