Abstract: A power converter includes an energy transfer element coupled between an input of the power converter and an output of the power converter. A control switch is coupled to a normally-on switch. The normally-on switch is coupled to the energy transfer element. A controller is coupled to control switching of the control switch to control a transfer of energy from the input of the power converter to the output of the power converter. The controller includes a drive circuit coupled to generate a drive signal in response to a control signal to control switching of the control switch. The drive signal in a first stage of a multiple stage gate drive is coupled not to fully enhance the control switch. The drive signal provided by a second stage of the multiple stage gate drive is coupled to fully enhance the control switch.

Abstract: Various techniques directed to the digital control of a switching regulator are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for regulating an output level at a power converter output includes receiving a feedback signal representative of the output level at the power converter output. In response to a state of the power converter, at least one of the feedback signal or a threshold level is adjusted. A feedback state signal is generated having a first feedback state that represents that the output level is above the threshold level and a second feedback state that represents that the output level is below the threshold level. A duty cycle signal that cycles is generated. In response to a control signal, energy from a power converter input is enabled or disabled to flow to the power converter output. The control signal is responsive to the duty cycle signal and to a change between the first and second feedback states. The control signal is also responsive to a change between the first and second feedback states.