Abstract: A controller for a DC to DC converter, comprising first and second electrically controlled switches and an inductor, wherein placing the first switch in a low impedance state causes a current flow in a first direction through the inductor to increase, and placing the second switch in a low impedance state causes the current flow in the first direction to decrease. The controller can operate a DC to DC converter in a first mode when a current taken by a load supplied by the converter is above a first current threshold, and in a low power mode when the current taken by the load is below the first current threshold, wherein the controller uses information about a switching time of the first switch in the first mode to control a switching time of the first switch in the low power mode.

Abstract: A switching power converter current limit reference circuit generates an output-referred input current reference (or an input-referred output current reference) which takes into account a converter's input voltage, output voltage, and efficiency, thereby enabling implementation of a DC, or average, input current regulation scheme. A reference current (Iref) is provided which represents the desired average current limit. Circuitry multiplies Iref and the complement of the converter's duty cycle D (1-D) together. When Iref represents a desired input current limit, the resulting product represents the average output current achievable when Iref=Iin for the prevailing duty cycle D. When Iref represents a desired output current limit, the resulting product represents the average input current achievable when Iref=Iout for prevailing duty cycle D.