Abstract: A converter for a multi-phase current network can include a plurality of current sensors, each of the plurality of current sensors being configured to detect current for a respective phase of the multi-phase network. A current averaging circuit is configured to provide an indication of the average current for the multi-phase network based on the current detected by each of the plurality of current sensors. A modulator is configured to modulate at least one phase of the multi-phase network independently of each other phase of the multi-phase network based on a difference between the current detected for the at least one phase and the average current for the multi-phase network.

Abstract: A digital power supply controller is disclosed for controlling the operation of a switched power supply. The controller is contained within an integrated circuit package enclosing an integrated circuit chip. A plurality of inputs are provided on the package for interfacing with the switched power supply for receiving sensed inputs therefrom. A plurality of outputs provide switch control signals for turning on and off switches in the switched power supply. An integrated digital controller on the chip receives the inputs and generates the outputs, and includes an integrated instruction based processing engine for providing a portion of the digital control of the digital controller. A memory associated with the processing engine stores instructions for the processing engine.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for a multi-mode DAC with selectable output range, granularity and offset and controlled slew rate are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for supplying a reference signal, including a digital-to-analog converter, a counter and a clock. The digital-to-analog converter has a digital input and an analog output that supplies a reference signal based on the digital input. The counter has a digital control word input, a clock input, a clock enable output and a count output connected to the digital input of the digital-to-analog converter. The counter is adapted to assert the clock enable output when the digital control word input requests an output count that is different from an actual count at the count output of the counter. The clock has an enable input connected to the clock enable output of the counter and a clock output connected to the clock input of the counter.

Abstract: A microcontroller unit includes a processor for generating a first control signal to start a comatose mode of operation for the microcontroller unit. Control logic responsive to the first control signal generates an enable signal at a first level and the control logic is further responsive to a second control signal for generating the enable signal at a second level. A voltage regulator generates regulated voltage from an input voltage. The voltage regulator shuts down to provide a zero volt regulated voltage responsive to the enable signal at the first level and powers up to provide a regulated voltage at an operating level responsive to the enable signal at the second level.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a microcontroller unit including a processor for generating a power down signal. Control logic generates a hold signal responsive to the power down signal. A voltage regulator provides a regulated voltage responsive to an input voltage and powers down responsive to the power down signal. At least one digital device powered by the regulated voltage enters a powered down mode responsive to the voltage regulator entering the powered down state. The at least one digital device provides at least one digital output signal that is provided to an input/output cell. The input/output cell also is connected to receive a hold signal. The input/output cell maintains a last state of the digital output signal responsive to the hold signal when the at least one digital device enters the powered down state.

Abstract: A digital controller for controlling the operation of a DC-DC switching converter is disclosed. A digital feedback control system is provided for receiving an analog input voltage representing the output of the switching converter and digitally processing the analog input voltage by comparing it to a reference voltage and then determining analog drive signals to control the operation of the switching converter to provide a regulated output. The digital feedback control system operates in accordance with predetermined operating parametrics. The digital feedback control system also has monitoring inputs and control inputs. A microcontroller monitors the operation of the digital feedback control system and is able to change the operating parametrics under certain predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A monolithic digital power supply controller is disclosed for controlling the operation of a switched power supply. The controller is contained within an integrated circuit package enclosing an integrated circuit chip. A plurality of inputs are provided on the package for interfacing with the switched power supply for receiving sensed inputs therefrom. A plurality of outputs provide switch control signals for turning on and off switches in the switched power supply. An integrated digital controller on the chip receives the inputs and generates the outputs, and includes an integrated instruction based processing engine for providing a portion of the digital control of the digital controller. A memory associated with the processing engine stores instructions for the processing engine.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a microcontroller unit including a processor for generating a power down signal. Control logic generates a hold signal responsive to the power down signal. A voltage regulator provides a regulated voltage responsive to an input voltage and powers down responsive to the power down signal. At least one digital device powered by the regulated voltage enters a powered down mode responsive to the voltage regulator entering the powered down state. The at least one digital device provides at least one digital output signal that is provided to an input/output cell. The input/output cell also is connected to receive a hold signal. The input/output cell maintains a last state of the digital output signal responsive to the hold signal when the at least one digital device enters the powered down state.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a microcontroller unit including a processor for generating a power down signal. Control logic generates a hold signal responsive to the power down signal. A voltage regulator provides a regulated voltage responsive to an input voltage and powers down responsive to the power down signal. At least one digital device powered by the regulated voltage enters a powered down mode responsive to the voltage regulator entering the powered down state. The at least one digital device provides at least one digital output signal that is provided to an input/output cell. The input/output cell also is connected to receive a hold signal. The input/output cell maintains a last state of the digital output signal responsive to the hold signal when the at least one digital device enters the powered down state.

Abstract: A microcontroller unit includes a processor for generating a first control signal to start a comatose mode of operation for the microcontroller unit. Control logic responsive to the first control signal generates an enable signal at a first level and the control logic is further responsive to a second control signal for generating the enable signal at a second level. A voltage regulator generates regulated voltage from an input voltage. The voltage regulator shuts down to provide a zero volt regulated voltage responsive to the enable signal at the first level and powers up to provide a regulated voltage at an operating level responsive to the enable signal at the second level.

Abstract: A digital controller for controlling the operation of a DC-DC switching converter is disclosed. A digital feedback control system is provided for receiving an analog input voltage representing the output of the switching converter and digitally processing the analog input voltage by comparing it to a reference voltage and then determining analog drive signals to control the operation of the switching converter to provide a regulated output. The digital feedback control system operates in accordance with predetermined operating parametrics. The digital feedback control system also has monitoring inputs and control inputs. A microcontroller monitors the operation of the digital feedback control system and is able to change the operating parametrics under certain predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A monolithic digital power supply controller is disclosed for controlling the operation of a switched power supply. The controller is contained within an integrated circuit package enclosing an integrated circuit chip. A plurality of inputs are provided on the package for interfacing with the switched power supply for receiving sensed inputs therefrom. A plurality of outputs provide switch control signals for turning on and off switches in the switched power supply. An integrated digital controller on the chip receives the inputs and generates the outputs, and includes an integrated instruction based processing engine for providing a portion of the digital control of the digital controller. A memory associated with the processing engine stores instructions for the processing engine.