Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices relating to inverters. A control system for use with photovoltaic panel coupled inverters controls the function and operation of the inverter based on the voltage at the point of common coupling. The inverter is operated in either current control mode or in voltage control mode based on whether or not the inverter is coupled to a grid or whether other energy sources are available to control the voltage at the point of common coupling.

Abstract: Circuits, devices and methods for achieving fast changes in voltage regulator outputs are disclosed. In some embodiments, a voltage regulation system can include a voltage regulator configured to receive an input voltage Vin and generate an output voltage Vout at an output node, and a transition circuit coupled to the output node, the transition circuit including one or more voltage sources, each voltage source switchably coupled to the output node and configured to provide a respective voltage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for DC-DC soft start are disclosed herein, an example DC-DC voltage converter includes at least two transistors to at least charge or discharge an inductor from an input source and to ground respectively, the inductor to output an output voltage. A synchronize and track circuit generates a bias current based on a reference voltage. An amplifier generates an error current based on an output voltage and the reference voltage. An oscillator oscillates at a switching frequency based on the bias current and the error current. A multiplexer selects between (1) a first input signal generated based on the switching frequency, and (2) a second input signal generated based on the switching frequency and the error current, for output as a reset signal. A latch provides a control signal to the at least two transistors based on the reset signal and the switching frequency.

Abstract: A control circuit of a flyback power converter according to the present invention comprises a low-side transistor, an active-clamper, a high-side drive circuit, and a controller. The low-side transistor is coupled to switch a transformer. The active-clamper is coupled in parallel with the transformer. The high-side drive circuit is coupled to drive the active-clamper. The controller generates a switching signal and an active-clamp signal. The switching signal is coupled to drive the low-side transistor. The switching signal is generated in accordance with a feedback signal for regulating an output voltage of the flyback power converter. The active-clamp signal is coupled to control the high-side drive circuit and the active-clamper. The active-clamp signal is generated in response to a predicted time of the transformer. The predicted time is determined in accordance with an input voltage, the output voltage and an on time of the switching signal.

Abstract: An LED arrangement comprising at least one LED, which receives an LED illumination voltage in accordance with a square-wave signal, wherein the brightness of the LED is dependent on the ambient luminosity, which is measured by means of the LED, which is switched in a non-illuminated state as a light sensor. The at least one LED is arranged together with a first and a second transistor in a bridge circuit such that the first transistor applies the LED illumination voltage to the LED in accordance with the square-wave signal, and the second transistor applies a voltage having inverted polarity as the LED illumination voltage to the LED in intervals of the turned-off times of the LED, wherein the duty cycle of the square-wave signal is dependent on the strength of a photocurrent, which flows through the LED when the voltage having inverted polarity is applied thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes aspects of voltage settling detection for switching regulators. In some aspects, an integrated circuit for controlling a switching regulator includes a modulator having an output coupled to switch drive circuitry of the switching regulator. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) has a first output coupled to an input of the modulator and a second output configured to indicate when a digital-to-analog conversion is complete. A voltage settling detector is configured to receive, from the second output of DAC, an indication that the digital-to-analog conversion is complete and detect a signal transition at the output of the modulator. Based on the indication and the signal transition, the voltage settling detector can provide a status indication for the switching regulator. By so doing, the voltage settling detector may indicate that an output voltage of the switching regulator is proximate a target output voltage level set by the DAC.

Abstract: In a multi-phase power converter using a phase-locked loop (PLL) arrangement for interleaving of pulse frequency modulated (PFM) pulses of the respective phases, improved transient response, improved stability of high bandwidth output voltage feedback loop, guaranteed stability of the PLL loop and avoidance of jittering and phase cancellation issues are achieved by anchoring the bandwidth at the frequency of peak phase margin. This methodology is applicable to multi-phase power conveners of any number of phases and any known or foreseeable topology for individual phases and is not only applicable to power converters operating under constant on-time control, but is extendable to ramp pulse modulation (RPM) control and hysteresis control. Interleaving of pulses from all phases is simplified through use of phase managers with a reduced number of PLLS using hybrid interleaving arrangements that do not exhibit jittering even when ripple is completely canceled.

Abstract: A method of controlling a power supply to a semiconductor device including a first region having a high-side drive circuit, a second region having a signal processing circuit, a low-side drive circuit and a voltage control circuit, and a separation region formed between the first and second regions and having a rectifying element, includes turning on a first control signal to the voltage control circuit, turning off the first control signal to the voltage control circuit, and repeating the turning on of the first control signal and the turning off the first control signal.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and device provide for the detection of the adequacy of the current sourcing capability of a power source. The current sourcing capability of the power source is dynamically detected by sampling comparison values obtained during one or more sampling sub-windows and determining a sample density of comparison values. In response to the sample density of comparison values crossing a selectable density threshold, an insufficient-supply indication is generated.

Abstract: A battery voltage detection device includes a battery; a voltage detection circuit; and a low-pass filter provided between the battery and the voltage detection circuit. The low-pass filter includes a capacitor of which one end is connected to a terminal of the battery and the other end is connected to a voltage source outputting a voltage higher than a terminal voltage of the battery.

Abstract: A power control IC has a switching control circuit of a fixed on-period type which generates an output voltage from an input voltage by driving a coil by turning on and off an output transistor according to a result of comparison between a feedback voltage and a reference voltage, and a quieting circuit which forcibly turns on the output transistor by ignoring the result of comparison when, after an on-timing of the output transistor, a predetermined threshold time elapses without the next on-timing coming.

Abstract: A DC-DC power converter converts a DC input voltage at an input node into a DC output voltage at an output node. The converter has a main control loop that generates control signals used to control series-connected p-type and n-type switches that selectively connect an inductor to the input node or to ground while operating the converter in either a continuous-conduction mode (CCM) or a discontinuous-conduction mode (DCM). Zero-crossing detection (ZCD) circuitry detects when the inductor current reaches zero and generates a ZCD control signal used to control the n-type switch to inhibit negative inductor currents during the DCM mode. Overshoot-protection (OP) circuitry detects when the DC output voltage gets too high and generates an OP control signal used to control the n-type switch to inhibit overshoot conditions at the output node that can result from CCM-to-DCM mode transitions and from sudden reductions in output current loading.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bias generator circuit for generating a desired bias voltage or bias current using a simple configuration. The bias generator circuit includes a voltage generator circuit, a comparator, and a clock gating circuit. The voltage generator circuit increases or decreases its output voltage in accordance with the number of clock cycles of a given clock signal. The comparator compares the output voltage of the voltage generator circuit to a reference voltage. The clock gating circuit receives, as a control signal, output of the comparator and determines, in accordance with the control signal, whether or not to pass the clock signal to the voltage generator circuit. Thus, the output voltage of the voltage generator circuit, i.e., a bias voltage, is set to be close to the reference voltage.

Abstract: A power supply can be operated in a low power mode by adjusting the pulses provided to a power supply switch until a pulse resulting in a reduced amount of power that exceeds a minimum power threshold required by a load coupled to the power supply switch is identified. For each successive switching cycle, a pulse causing a lower power to be provided to the load is produced. When a pulse is produced that causes a power to be provided to the load that does not exceed the minimum power threshold required by the load, a subsequent pulse is produced that causes a greater power to be provided to the load than the previous pulse. If the greater power exceeds the minimum power threshold, the subsequent pulse is stored and similar pulses are provided for the remainder of the low power mode.

Abstract: A system and method for operating one or more light emitting devices is disclosed. In one example, a reference voltage input at an error amplifier receiving a feedback signal from the one or more light emitting devices is adjusted to a first higher voltage independent of a requested irradiance of the one or more light emitting devices during startup in order to accelerate startup of a switching regulator driving the one or more light emitting devices. Subsequently, upon an output of the switching regulator reaching a desired voltage, the reference voltage is adjusted based on the desired irradiance of the one or more light emitting devices.

Abstract: In a boost converter operation, a first voltage that is independent of an input voltage of the boost converter is preset in the boost converter, having an increased voltage level compared to the input voltage, as the setpoint output voltage, as long as the input voltage is below a first voltage threshold value, which is lower than the first voltage. As soon as the input voltage exceeds the first voltage threshold value, a second voltage that is a function of the input voltage is preset, having a lower voltage level compared to the input voltage, as the setpoint output voltage. As soon as the input voltage drops below a second voltage threshold value, which is lower than the first voltage, the first voltage is again preset as the setpoint output voltage.

Abstract: A voltage adaptable driving signal converter is disclosed, including a rectifying device, a pre-stage energy storing device, a DC-DC conversion device, a post-stage energy storing device, a control conversion device and a switch control device. The rectifying device, the pre-stage energy storing device, the DC-DC conversion device and the post-stage energy storing device are sequentially connected. The pre-stage energy storing device is coupled to a positive electrode of a power supply or to a grounding electrode. The post-stage energy storing device is coupled to and adapted to supply electrical power to a load to be driven. The control conversion device is coupled to the control line and the switch control device respectively. The switch control device is coupled to the post-stage energy storing device and the load respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed are LED controllers for dimming. An LED controller includes a current driver, a pulse-width modulator, a feedback circuit, and a decoupling circuit. The current driver, selectively in response to a dimming signal, causes a driving current flowing through one LED string. The dimming signal is capable of defining a dimming ON period and a dimming OFF period. The pulse-width modulator generates a PWM signal to control a power switch, in order to buildup a driving voltage at a power node of the LED string. The PWM signal is generated in response to a compensation signal. The feedback circuit, based upon a feedback voltage from the light emitting device, drives a compensation capacitor to generate the compensation signal. The decoupling circuit defines a decoupling period at the start of the dimming ON period and causes the feedback circuit not driving the capacitor during the decoupling period.

Abstract: A power supply can be operated in a low power mode by adjusting the pulses provided to a power supply switch until a pulse resulting in a reduced amount of power that exceeds a minimum power threshold required by a load coupled to the power supply switch is identified. For each successive switching cycle, a pulse causing a lower power to be provided to the load is produced. When a pulse is produced that causes a power to be provided to the load that does not exceed the minimum power threshold required by the load, a subsequent pulse is produced that causes a greater power to be provided to the load than the previous pulse. If the greater power exceeds the minimum power threshold, the subsequent pulse is stored and similar pulses are provided for the remainder of the low power mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus for controlling a switch-mode power supply, and a method of operating the same. In an embodiment, it is determined whether or not a current of an inductor of the switching power supply has become less than or equal to a predetermined value. In an embodiment, a variable reference voltage is adjusted based on the current of the inductor and an output voltage. In an embodiment, a switch is turned off based on the inductor current, the output voltage, and the variable reference voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating capacitor current in a feed-forward control system includes a circuit that conducts a current through an output capacitor to ground and estimates a current magnitude for the current in an output current estimator. The current estimator generates a voltage that corresponds to the estimated current magnitude by creating a voltage drop across an estimator circuit capacitor that equals a voltage drop across the output capacitor, by creating a voltage drop across an output of an RC network of the estimator circuit that equals or is proportional to a voltage drop across the output capacitor due to parasitic inductance and parasitic resistance of the output capacitor. The voltage drop across the output of the RC network of the estimator circuit is proportional to current flowing through the parasitic inductance and resistance of the output capacitor.

Abstract: A control circuit controls a switch of a switching current converter receiving an input quantity, with a transformer having a primary winding and a sensor element generating a sensing signal correlated to a current in the primary winding. The control circuit has a comparator stage configured to compare a reference signal with a comparison signal correlated to the sensing signal and generate an opening signal for the switch. The comparator stage has a comparator element and a delay-compensation circuit. The delay-compensation circuit is configured to generate a compensation signal correlated to the input quantity and to a propagation delay with respect to the opening signal. The comparator element generates the opening signal with an advance correlated to the input quantity and to the propagation delay.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a control circuit configured to control a power stage circuit of a primary-controlled flyback converter, can include: (i) a current sense circuit that generates a current sense signal by sampling a primary current; (ii) a voltage sense circuit that generates a voltage sense signal by sampling an auxiliary voltage after a blanking time has elapsed; (iii) a control signal generator that generates a switch control signal according to the voltage sense signal and the current sense signal; and (iv) the switch control signal being configured to control a power switch of the power stage circuit, where the switch control signal is active during a constant on time.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing inductor ringing of a voltage converter are provided. In certain configurations, a voltage converter includes an inductor connected between a first node and a second node, a plurality of switches, and a bypass circuit having an activated state and a deactivated state. The switches includes a first switch connected between a battery voltage and the first node, a second switch connected between the first node and a ground voltage, a third switch connected between the second node and the ground voltage, and a fourth switch connected between the second node and the output. The bypass circuit includes a first pair of transistors connected between the first node and the second node and configured to turn on to bypass the inductor in the activated state and to turn off in the deactivated state.

Abstract: An electro-static discharge (ESD) protection circuit is configured to protect circuitry during an ESD event. The ESD protection circuit includes an ESD detection circuit and an ESD clamp circuit. The ESD clamp circuit includes a stack of transistors that is controlled by the ESD detection circuit. A first stack transistor of the stack of transistors includes a deep n-well. The stack of transistors is configured to be activated responsive to detecting the ESD event. The stack of transistors is configured to be deactivated responsive to detecting at least one of normal current conditions or normal voltage conditions. The ESD detection circuit includes a string of diodes. The string of diodes is configured to be activated responsive to detecting the ESD event. The stack of transistors is configured to be a voltage divider responsive to normal voltage conditions.

Abstract: A system and method of wireless power transfer using a power converter with a bypass mode includes a power converter. The power converter includes a pulsed switch, a capacitor configured to supply a drive voltage to the pulsed switch, a first circuit configured to charge the capacitor when the power converter operates in a switched mode of operation, and, a second circuit configured to charge the capacitor when the power converter operates in a bypass mode of operation.

Abstract: A multi-level buck converter is provided with multiple control loops to regulate the output voltage across a wide duty cycle range while also regulating the flying capacitor voltage.

Abstract: A circuit and method for protecting circuit elements, vehicle having the circuit, and method for controlling the vehicle are provided. The circuit for protecting circuit elements includes a circuit element, a driving signal generator that applies a driving voltage to the circuit element and an inductor with a first terminal electrically connected to the circuit element. A circuit protector obtains information regarding the driving voltage applied to the circuit element and a differential voltage across the first terminal and a second terminal of the inductor, compares the driving voltage applied to the circuit element with a first reference voltage, compares the differential voltage with a second reference voltage, and then transmits a control signal to the driving signal generator according to the comparison results.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a termination control apparatus that can provide an optimum termination state. [Solution] Included are: an input terminal to which an input signal is inputted; a termination resistance unit that terminates the input terminal by use of a variable resistor the resistance value of which can be set; a voltage measurement unit that measures the voltage of the input signal; and a control unit that changes the resistance value or a target voltage range when the voltage is not within the target voltage range having been set for the input signal on the basis of both an absolute maximum rated value and an operation-guaranteed voltage.

Abstract: A method for distributing power in the layout of an integrated circuit is provided. The integrated circuit includes at least one macro block. A first physical layout of the macro block is obtained, wherein the macro block includes a plurality of standard cells. The first physical layout is divided into a plurality of partitions according to an IR simulation result of the first physical layout. A plurality of power isolation cells are inserted between the partitions. A second physical layout is obtained according to the partitions and the power isolation cells. A macro placement of the macro block is obtained according to the second physical layout. Each of the partitions further includes a low drop out (LDO) regulator.

Abstract: Switching power supply apparatus having standby mode in which a burst operation is performed. High- and low-side switching elements are series connected across a DC input voltage. A resonant circuit is connected across one of the switching elements. A controller that on-off controls the high-side switching element includes a peak power limiting circuit that monitors input power and outputs a forced turn-off signal upon detecting input power exceeding a determined value. A triangular wave voltage is generated during portions of the burst operation in which a switching frequency of the switching elements is gradually decreased or increased. An oscillation circuit receives the forced turn-off signal from the power limiting circuit, and the triangular wave voltage to generate an on-trigger and off-trigger signals at a switching frequency corresponding to a triangular wave voltage value, and output the off-trigger signal upon receipt of the forced turn-off signal.

Abstract: A overcurrent protection system includes an inductor current detection circuit configured to detect an inductor current in the inverter circuit to obtain an inductor current detection value, a pulse-by-pulse current limit enable signal generation circuit connected to the inductor current detection circuit and to the pulse-by-pulse current limit enable signal generation circuit, and configured to perform turn-off control on a switching transistor in the inverter circuit according to the pulse-by-pulse current limit enable signal, and a first instant-feeding load impact signal generation circuit connected to the pulse-by-pulse current limit enable signal generation circuit and configured to detect an inductor voltage in the inverter circuit to obtain an inductor voltage detection value, and generate an instant-feeding load impact signal in response to determining that the inductor voltage detection value reaches a preset voltage threshold.

Abstract: A direct current power supply circuit includes an alternating-current power supply; a rectification circuit for generating a direct-current voltage from an alternating-current voltage; a charging switch having an input terminal connected to the rectification circuit, the charging switch outputting an output voltage according to an input value input to a control terminal; a capacitor and a control circuit, which are connected to an output terminal; and a charging switch control circuit for generating a switch-on signal when the output voltage is equal to or lower than a first reference voltage value, and for generating a switch-off signal when the output voltage is equal to or higher than a second reference voltage value higher than the first reference voltage value, wherein a charging period setting circuit including at least one of the rectification circuit and the charging switch control circuit sets a charging period in which a charging current flows into the capacitor and a non-charging period in which th

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes a first feedback circuit, a second feedback circuit, and a feedback signal adaptive circuit. The first voltage feedback circuit includes an amplifier that is configured to generate a compensation signal according to a feedback signal from an output of the voltage regulator and a reference voltage, while the second voltage feedback circuit includes a comparator that is configured to generate a PWM signal to drive a switch circuit in which the comparator initiates the PWM pulse when the feedback voltage goes lower than the compensation signal and ends the PWM pulse when the sum of the feedback signal and a ramp signal exceeds the sum of the compensation signal and a threshold signal. The feedback signal adaptive circuit modifies the feedback signal according to changes in an input voltage of the voltage regulator and a control signal.

Abstract: A voltage converter includes a power switching unit and an indirect sensing circuit. The power switching unit includes a plurality of power switches and a capacitor. The indirect sensing circuit receives an input voltage, a first voltage at a first node of the capacitor, and a second voltage at a second node of the capacitor, and generates first and second sensing output voltages based on the input voltage and the first and second voltages. A voltage difference between the first and second voltages is equal to a fractional multiple of the input voltage.

Abstract: A control method used in a four-switch buck-boost converter includes: filtering the voltage at the first switching node and generating a first ramp signal; filtering the first ramp signal and generating a first average signal; filtering the voltage at the second switching node and generating a second ramp signal; filtering the second ramp signal and generating a second average signal; generating a set signal based on the first ramp signal, the first average signal, the second ramp signal, the second average signal, a reference signal, and a feedback signal indicative of the output voltage, so as to turn on the first and third transistors, and turn off the second and fourth transistors; turning off the first transistor and turning on the second transistor when the on-time of the first transistor reaches a first time threshold; and turning off the third transistor and turning on the fourth transistor when the on-time of the third transistor reaches a second time threshold.

Abstract: An ON-period setting circuit is provided in a fixed-ON-period switching power supply device that produces a desired output voltage from an input voltage by driving a coil by turning ON and OFF an output transistor and a synchronous rectification transistor. The ON-period setting circuit shortens the ON period the more the lighter the load is in a discontinuous-current mode. Or, the ON-period setting circuit transiently shortens the ON period on completion of a transition from a discontinuous-current mode to a continuous-current mode.

Abstract: System and method for regulating a power conversion system. A system controller for regulating a power conversion system includes an operation-mode-selection component and a driving component. The operation-mode-selection component is configured to receive a first signal related to an output load of the power conversion system and a second signal related to an input signal received by the power conversion system and output a mode-selection signal based on at least information associated with the first signal and the second signal. The driving component is configured to receive the mode-selection signal and generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the mode-selection signal, the driving signal corresponding to a switching frequency.

Abstract: An embodiment of a power-supply controller includes a switching circuit and a transition circuit. The switching circuit is configured to generate a regulated output voltage by generating first current pulses at an approximately fixed frequency during a first mode, and generating second current pulses at a variable frequency during a second mode. And the transition circuit is configured to transition the switching circuitry from the first mode to the second mode in response to a length of one of the first current pulses. For example, a power supply may include such a power-supply controller to transition the supply from a PWM mode to a PFM mode under light-load conditions. To cause this transition at a predictable load point, the controller may monitor the lengths of the current pulses during the PWM mode, and may transition the supply to a PFM mode in response to the lengths being below a threshold.

Abstract: A power converter including a load transient response control module and associated method for controller the power converter. The load transient response control module detects a deviation of an output voltage of the power converter from a desired value of the output voltage and compares the deviation with a first threshold to provide a load response control signal indicating whether load transient change occurs. If the deviation is lower than the first threshold, a clock signal of the power converter is reset and a main switch of the power converter is maintained on during the period when the deviation is lower than the first threshold.

Abstract: A controller for use in a power converter includes a drive circuit coupled to generate a drive signal to control switching of a power switch to control a transfer of energy from a power converter input to a power converter output. An input for receiving an enable signal including enable events is responsive to the power converter output. The drive circuit is coupled to turn ON the power switch in response to the enable events and turn OFF the power switch in response to a power switch current reaching a current limit threshold. A current limit threshold generator is coupled to receive the enable events and vary the current limit threshold in response to the enable events of the enable signal.

Abstract: A regulator includes a controller, a driving unit, a digital-to-analog converter, and a comparator. The controller outputs a digital reference voltage and a control signal responsive to a comparison signal. The driving unit generates an output voltage at a first node responsive to the control signal. The digital-to-analog converter generates an analog reference voltage responsive to the digital reference voltage. The comparator generates the comparison signal based on the analog reference voltage and the output voltage.

Abstract: A controlling module includes a current-command generating unit for generating reference current signal based on an output voltage of a power conversion module, a current sensor configured to sense an inductor current of the power conversion module and generate current sense signal, a current comparator for generating current compare signal when the current sense signal equaling to the reference current signal, and an off-time controller for generating off-time control signal based on an input voltage and the output voltage of the power conversion module. The controlling module further includes a time-base counter and a peak-current controlling unit. The time-base counter receives the current compare signal and the off-time control signal, and generates a trigger signal when an off-time interval established by the off-time control signal elapses. The peak-current controlling unit makes a power switch of the power conversion module in a conduction state based on the trigger signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating a power converter. An example system controller includes: a first controller terminal configured to output a drive signal to a switch to affect a current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, the drive signal being associated with a switching period corresponding to a switching frequency; and a second controller terminal configured to receive a feedback signal associated with an output voltage related to a secondary winding of the power converter. The first controller terminal is further configured to: output the drive signal to close the switch during the on-time period; and output the drive signal to open the switch during the off-time period. The system controller is configured to set the switching frequency to one or more frequency magnitudes, each of the one or more frequency magnitudes being smaller than or equal to an upper frequency limit.

Abstract: Control circuit for a power converter that converts an input voltage into an output voltage is disclosed. The control circuit comprises a power switch; a power switch driver coupled with the power switch to control the switching state of the power switch so as to provide the output voltage at an output port of the power converter, the output port for coupling with a first terminal of a load; a load port for coupling with a second terminal of the load; a switching element coupled with the load port to selectively connect the load port to ground; and operating voltage supply means coupled with the load port, for providing an operating voltage to the control circuit.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection control circuit detects a low set value of an output voltage from a drop in voltage at a VCC terminal below a reference voltage. The overcurrent protection control circuit switches an overcurrent limit value from a high reference voltage to a low reference voltage and switches a maximum limit value of a switching frequency from a high first maximum switching frequency to a low second maximum switching frequency. By doing so, an overcurrent limit value of a switching element and a maximum limit value of a switching frequency are set to low values and a rise in output current is suppressed.

Abstract: A step up/down switching regulator converts an input voltage of an input terminal into a predetermined setting voltage in a step up/down manner and outputs the setting voltage as an output voltage from an output terminal. The step up/down switching regulator includes a bypass mode in which the input voltage is directly bypassed to the output terminal without performing a step up/down switching, and a step up/down switching mode in which the step up/down switching is performed. The step up/down switching regulator includes a step up/down output unit, a step up/down control unit, and a mode select terminal.

Abstract: A drive device for controlling a power switching element includes: an on-side circuit that performs an on operation of the power switching element; and an off-side circuit that performs an off operation of the power switching element. The on-side circuit or the off-side circuit includes: multiple main MOS transistors; a sense MOS transistor that define a drain current of each main MOS transistor; and a sense current control circuit that controls a drain current of the sense MOS transistor to be constant; and a switch circuit that is connected to the gate of each main MOS transistor, and controls each main MOS transistor to turn on and off so as to switch a gate current in the power switching element.

Abstract: An example power converter system may include a non-synchronous buck converter and a controller coupled to the a non-synchronous buck converter to receive a voltage level provided by a power source to the non-synchronous buck converter. The controller may also determine a minimum set point value for the non-synchronous buck converter based, at least in part, on the received voltage level. The controller may also alter a set point of the non-synchronous buck converter if the determined minimum set point value is less than a target set point value of the non-synchronous buck converter.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit and a method for protecting against an output from a power supply reaching overvoltage levels is provided. The overvoltage protection provides two operational modes for the power supply. In both modes, the overvoltage protection monitors the output voltage of the power supply and disables it if the output voltage reaches a threshold indicating an overvoltage event. In normal operation, this threshold is set to a level that is higher than a nominal safety threshold defined for the power supply whereas in reduced operation, this threshold is set to a value lower than the safety threshold. When an overvoltage event is detected in normal operation, the overvoltage protection transitions the power supply into the reduced operational mode before reactivating it. The power supply may be reactivated, produce an overvoltage event, and be deactivated multiple times in the reduced operational mode.