Abstract: A circuit and method for providing improved load transient response in a DC-DC converter. A DCM modulator is incorporated into the converter controller to generate a DCM enable signal for the driver circuits for the converter. During normal operation, the DCM enable signal will remain in a first state and the driver circuits will operate in a continuous conduction mode. However, upon a load transient, the DCM enable signal will change to a second state and the driver circuits will operate in a discontinuous conduction mode.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing improved load transient response in a DC-DC converter. A DCM modulator is incorporated into the converter controller to generate a DCM enable signal for the driver circuits for the converter. During normal operation, the DCM enable signal will remain in a first state and the driver circuits will operate in a continuous conduction mode. However, upon a load transient, the DCM enable signal will change to a second state and the driver circuits will operate in a discontinuous conduction mode.

Abstract: An apparatus to power and dim LEDs is provided. The apparatus generally comprises a boost converter having an output node, a regulator node, a sensing network, and an impedance network. LEDs, which are coupled in series with one another, are coupled between the output node and the impedance network of the boost converter. A zener diode is coupled to the output node and coupled to the sensing network, and a dimming circuit is coupled to the boost converter. The dimming circuit includes a diode coupled to the impedance network, a switch coupled between the diodes and ground (which receives the signal for dimming the plurality of LEDs), and a network coupled to the regulator node and to the node between the second diode and the second switch.

Abstract: An apparatus to provide overvoltage protection is shown. The apparatus comprises a boost converter (having an output node, a sensing network, and an impedance network) and a zener diode. The zener diode is coupled to the output node and to the sensing network. The breakdown value of the zener diode is selected to be greater than a desired voltage drop across a load when the load is coupled to the output node, and the zener diode creates an overcurrent fault in the boost converter when the voltage at the output node is greater than its breakdown value.