Dc-dc converter

Abstract

A power converter comprises an inductor (LP) and a controllable switch (CF) coupled to the inductor. A switch controller (1) supplies a periodic switching signal (VC1) which has a repetition time and a duty cycle to the controllable switch (CF) to generate a periodical inductor current (IL) through the inductor. A generator (2) generates an emulated signal (IE) based on timing information (TI) which represents the repetition time and the duty cycle to emulate a current signal being representative of the inductor current. A comparator (3) compares the emulated signal (IE) with the current signal (CS) to obtain an error signal (E). A generator controller (4) receives the error signal (E) to supply a control signal (VD) to the generator (2) to adapt a property of the emulated signal (IE) to become substantially equal to a property of the current signal (CS).

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power converter, and to a multi-phase step-down converter. Background technique

[0002] A step-down converter in the prior art includes a series arrangement of a resistor and a plurality of controllable switches. The series arrangement is for receiving a DC input voltage. The connection point of the switch is connected to a load through an inductor, and a smoothing capacitor is connected in parallel with the load. A control circuit controls the closing and opening cycles of the switch. The control circuit controls the switches in such a way that only one switch is always conducting.

[0003] When a first of the switches is closed to connect the inductor to the positive pole of the DC input voltage, the current through the inductor increases linearly. When the current passing through the inductor exceeds the reference level, the controller turns off the first switch and closes other switches, so that the current p...

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