Abstract: A dynamic switching voltage regulator includes a load indicator, power switches, and a controller. The load indicator generates a load signal responsive to different output load conditions of the regulator. The controller receives the load signal and drives the power switches at a first switching frequency. The controller changes the switching frequency to a second frequency in response to a change in the load signal.

Abstract: A switching DC-to-DC converter comprising a controller to regulate a load voltage according to a set-point and a sample-and-hold circuit, the sample-and-hold circuit coupled to the controller to decrease the set-point of the controller if an average of current flowing through the inductor increases.

Abstract: A switching regulator includes a controller, an inductor, switch circuits coupled to the inductor and a synchronization circuit. The controller furnishes a switching signal to regulate an output voltage, and each of the switch circuits, when activated, responds to the switching signal to energize and de-energize the inductor. The synchronization circuit selectably activates each switch circuit during different time intervals of the switching signal.

Abstract: A method which may be used to condition a battery. The method includes sensing that the battery needs to be conditioned while an external power source is being used as the source of system power. According to the method, the battery is then used as the system power source while the external power source remains available.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes an energy storage element to produce an output voltage, a switch and a controller. The switch energizes and de-energizes the energy storage element at a switching frequency. The controller is coupled to the switch and receives an indication of the output voltage. The controller controls the switching frequency to regulate the output voltage based on the indication.

Abstract: A voltage converter for converting an input voltage to a different output voltage includes an output filter for providing the output voltage and a voltage switch coupled in series between the input voltage and the output filter. A controller compares the output voltage to a reference voltage and in response thereto, provides signals to turn the voltage switch on or off. A level shifter is coupled between the controller and the voltage switch.

Abstract: A switching regulator for use with a computer system having a power conservation mode includes a switch circuit, a sampling storage device, a sampling circuit and a controller. The switch circuit is coupled to an input voltage source to produce an output voltage, and the switch circuit provides an indication of a parameter of the regulator. When the computer system is not in a power conservation mode, the controller operates the sampling circuit to provide the indication to the sampling storage device at a switching frequency. When the computer system is in the power conservation mode, the controller operates the sampling circuit to continuously provide the indication to the sampling storage device for substantially the duration of the power conservation mode. Based on the indications provided to the sampling storage device, the controller interacts with the switch circuit to regulate the output voltage.

Abstract: A power status indicator and method of using the same. An apparatus utilizing a power status signal includes a circuit and a variable voltage supply. The circuit is capable of generating a power status signal indicating a power consumption mode in which the circuit operates. The variable voltage supply is coupled to receive the power status signal and to provide the circuit with a supply voltage which is a function of the power status signal.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes an output stage, an amplifier and a slew rate control circuit. The output stage furnishes an output voltage, and the amplifier interacts with the output stage to regulate the output voltage. The slew rate control circuit interacts with the output stage to establish a first slew rate for the regulator when the regulator is powering up and a different slew rate for the regulator after the regulator has substantially completed powering up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating a voltage supplied by a power supply to an integrated circuit. A signal is sent to the power supply. This signal signifies that a change in the current drawn by the integrated circuit from the power supply will occur. Next, the voltage supplied by the power supply to the integrated circuit is adjusted in response to this signal before the change in current occurs. The adjustment is in a direction that will compensate for the anticipated voltage transient that will result from the change in the current.

Abstract: A voltage regulator illustrating one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention is described. The voltage regulator includes an output stage for providing a primary output voltage on a primary output terminal and a secondary output voltage on a secondary output terminal, a switch for charging the output stage, a switch for discharging the output stage, and a controller for controlling the charging and discharging of the output stage to maintain the stability of the output voltages. The output stage includes a transformer for generating the primary and secondary output voltages, a switch for regulating the secondary output voltage, and capacitors for storing charge to maintain the primary and secondary output voltages. The transformer includes a primary inductor for generating the primary output voltage and a secondary inductor for generating the secondary output voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the clock frequency and voltage supplied to an integrated circuit. First, a signal is sent to the clock, and in response, the clock lowers the clock frequency supplied to the integrated circuit. The clock sends a signal to the voltage regulator whereupon the voltage regulator reduces the voltage supplied to the integrated circuit.