Abstract: A control system and method for simultaneously regulating the operation of a plurality of different types of switching power converters. The system utilizes in regulating the power converters sampled data and nonlinear feedback control loops.

Abstract: A switching power supply controller coupled to a first switching power supply circuit and a second switching power supply circuit, the controller sensing voltages provided to the first switching power supply circuit and the second switching power supply circuit. Based on voltages sensed, the switching power supply controller provides signals to operate the second switching power supply in either a first or a second mode of operation. In one of the modes of operation, the second switching power supply includes a transistor which is coupled between a first source of electrical potential and an input terminal of the first switching power supply. If switching power supply controller determines that the magnitude of the first source of electric potential is sufficient to operate the first switching power supply, the switching power supply controller provides a control signal to turn on the transistor continuously.

Abstract: Cross-channel interference can be a problem in multi-channel switched power systems. A multi-channel switched power converter is provided a reference count generator that generates a reference count signal that is commonly distributed to multiple, pulse width modulating (PWM) channels of the converter. The common reference count signal counts through a sequence of successive timing values. Events in each channel are scheduled relative to the common reference count. Examples of such events include the amplification or de-application of a driving voltage pulse to an inductive means of the channel and the taking of voltage and current measurement samples. Cross channel interference is avoided or minimized by scheduling or re-scheduling events in each active channel so that they do not occur simultaneously in potentially-interfering channels, for example the taking of a current measurement sample in one channel and the turning on of an inductance-driving voltage pulse is a second channel.

Abstract: Controller configured to control the pulse widths with respect to periods of a plurality of pulse-width-modulated switching power supplies to regulate the output from each power supply. Controller utilizes feedback information from a previous period to control the pulse width in a next period. The controller stores operating parameters of the switching power supplies and calculates initial pulse widths for an initial period based on the stored operating parameters.

Abstract: The output voltage of a power converter is regulated by comparing the output voltage to a target output voltage during a first time interval and calculating an inductor current required in a second time interval immediately following the first time interval to increase the output voltage to the target output voltage in the second time interval. The duty cycle of a switch in the power converter is varied to modify the current in the inductor during the second time interval according to the calculated next current and a saturation current of the inductor. In one embodiment the power converter includes a reference resistor. By measuring the voltage across the reference resistor at certain times various parameters, including coil inductance and capacitor capacitance, are calculated. In some embodiments a linear model of the power converter is used.

Abstract: A power converter output voltage regulation method in which sensed output voltages and sensed currents are stored in a memory during a plurality of time intervals. In each time interval the sensed output voltage and the sensed current is compared with the sensed output voltage and sensed currents in time intervals previously stored in the memory. If preceding data are found to match the most recent data, an open loop response is applied. If the most recent data and stored previous data do not match, a closed loop response is applied.

Abstract: A method of operating a switching power converter circuit having first and second transistors connected to an inductor, where a conduction control signal is selectively applied to the second transistor as a function of an operation of the first transistor during a conduction cycle. The decision on whether to provide a conduction control signal to the second transistor is made in one mode of operation as a function of the length of the first conduction control signal applied to the first transistor during the conduction cycle. In another mode of operation a comparison is made of the on-to-off conduction transition time of the second transistor to the length of time remaining in a conduction cycle after the first transistor ceases to conduct.

Abstract: A driver including first and second buffers connected in parallel between a power source and a return path. In one configuration, the buffer outputs are commonly connected to an external coil and optionally a capacitive load. In another configuration, the buffers' outputs independently drive first and second external transistors. The external transistors are in series between a supply voltage source and its return path.

Abstract: A controller, including a microprocessor, controls a plurality of switching power converters. The microprocessor monitors the input to each power converter. If the input to a power converter is determined to be outside of a desired range, the power converter is powered down by the microprocessor. In one embodiment the input is the remaining charge in a battery. In another embodiment, the input is a minimum supply voltage for the switching power converter.

Abstract: A method to compute an amount of energy taken from a battery coupled to a switching power converter is disclosed. The switching power converter charges a capacitor to a voltage and by the application of one or more control pulses to the switching power converter the voltage on the capacitor is maintained within a predetermined range having an upper voltage. The voltage on the capacitor is sampled and one or more control pulses are applied to the switching power converter to raise the voltage on the capacitor to the upper voltage. The amount of energy taken from the battery is computed based on measurement of a change in voltage on the capacitor over an elapsed time.

Abstract: Interfering effects of output ripple on measurement of output voltage and output current in a switched power converter may be obviated by taking sampled measurements at time points which are synchronized to the cause of the output ripple to drop out. Different waveform features within the switch driving signal may be used as synchronization markers for respectively determining when to take measurement samples of converter output voltage and converter current.

Abstract: Method of tuning a drive circuit for a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). The drive circuit includes a piezoelectric transformer coupled to an output of first and second transistors. The frequency of drive signals to the first and second transistors are varied until about a ninety degree phase relationship is achieved between the frequency of the drive signals and a frequency of voltage across a resistor connected to the CCFL is achieved. Alternatively, the frequency of the drive signals provided to the first and second transistor is adjusted as needed to achieve maximum output voltage.

Abstract: A control system and method for simultaneously regulating the operation of a plurality of different types of switching power converters. The system utilizes in regulating the power converters sampled data and nonlinear feedback control loops.

Abstract: A switching power converter including a ring oscillator constructed using a plurality of series connected inverters is utilized to generate a plurality of waveforms. A selection circuit, in cooperation with an exclusive OR gate, produces an output signal from the exclusive OR gate having a duty cycle which can vary from 0 to a nearly 100% duty cycle, depending upon which waveform is selected. The output signal is utilized to control a switching power converter.

Abstract: A switching power converter controller controls a plurality of switching power converters which provide power to a host microprocessor. A watchdog timer in the switching power converter controller counts down a timer unless it receives reset signals from the host microprocessor and the watchdog timer issues an interrupt to the microprocessor if the watchdog timer expires. The microprocessor in the switching power converter controller provides a reset command to the host microprocessor in response to receipt of the interrupt. If the host microprocessor does not respond to the reset command, the microprocessor causes the switching power supply controller to power down the power converters.

Abstract: A sample and hold circuit is provided which includes first and second input circuits adapted to sample, respectively, first and second voltage measurements. The second voltage measurements correspond to current measurements. A multiplexer coupled to the first and second input circuits selected either the first or second measurements. A voltage sealer is provided between the output of the first input circuit and the multiplexer. A multiplier circuit, which may be a switched capacitor network, is utilized to multiply the second voltage measurements. The multiplexer provides its output to an analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A pulsed width generator provides a plurality of pulse width modulated signals based upon a reference frequency generated by a phase locked loop. A comparator watches for certain number of pulses of the reference frequency to generate an output signal which is compiled to a pulse width modulation circuit which provides a pulse width modulated signal. A sequencer may be used to control the start and stop times of each phase independently.

Abstract: A control system and method for simultaneously regulating the operation of a plurality of different types of switching power converters. The system utilizes in regulating the power converters sampled data and nonlinear feedback control loops.

Abstract: A control system and method for simultaneously regulating the operation of a plurality of different types of switching power converters. The system utilizes in regulating the power converters sampled data and nonlinear feedback control loops.

Abstract: A control system and method for simultaneously regulating the operation of a plurality of different types of switching power converters. The system utilizes in regulating the power converters sampled data and nonlinear feedback control loops.