Abstract: A highly phased power regulation (converter) system having an improved control feature is provided. A controller, such as a digital signal processor or microprocessor, receives digital information from a plurality of power conversion blocks and transmits control commands in response to the information. The controller is able to change the mode of operation of the system and/or re-phase the power blocks to accommodate a dynamic load requirement, occasions of high transient response or detection of a fault. A compensation block within the controller is used to regulate the output voltage and provide stability to the system. In one embodiment, the controller is implemented as a PID compensator controller. In another embodiment, a microprocessor is able to receive feedback on its own operation thus providing enabling the controller to anticipate and predict conditions by analyzing precursor data.

Abstract: A highly phased power regulation (converter) system having an improved control feature is provided. A controller, such as a digital signal processor or microprocessor, receives digital information from a plurality of power conversion blocks and transmits control commands in response to the information. The controller is able to change the mode of operation of the system and/or re-phase the power blocks to accommodate a dynamic load requirement, occasions of high transient response or detection of a fault. In one embodiment, a microprocessor receives digital information and converted power from one or more power blocks. In this manner, the microprocessor is able to receive feedback on its own operation. The controller is also able to anticipate and predict conditions by analyzing precursor data. In this manner, the controller is able to modify the system as needed in anticipation of the forthcoming event.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a circuit that is configured to detect a zero current condition at a certain point. The circuit includes a current mirror coupled to two transistors, where the first transistor is coupled to ground and the second transistor is coupled to the point being sensed. The outputs of both the first transistor and the second transistor are each coupled to an input of a comparator. The comparator is configured to determine when an equal voltage condition is present at the two inputs, which signifies a zero-current condition. Such a zero current detector can be used in a buck regulator to prevent a current flow from load to ground and attendant inefficiencies that result. An alternative embodiment involves the use of a controller to sense three different voltages to determine the state of the switches.