Single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) power converter with cross-regulation switch

Abstract

An apparatus for a single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) power converter with a cross-regulation switch is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a power source and a SIMO power converter. The SIMO power converter includes an input node coupled to the power source, a first node, a second node, a ground node, and an inductor coupled between the first node and the second node. The single-inductor multiple-output power converter also includes a first switch coupled between the input node and the first node, a second switch coupled between the first node and the ground node, and a cross-regulation switch coupled between the input node and the second node.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Non-Provisional Application No. 16 / 384,446, titled “SINGLE-INDUCTOR MULTIPLE-OUTPUT (SIMO) POWER CONVERTER WITH A CROSS-REGULATION SWITCH” filed on April 15, 2019, assigned to the assignee of the present application and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to power converters, and more particularly to single-inductor multiple-output power converters employing a cross-regulation switch to improve cross-regulation performance. BACKGROUND

[0004] Electronic devices use power converters to transfer power from a power source to one or more components (e.g., loads) within the electronic device. Certain types of power converters use a single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) architecture. By using a single inductor, SIMO power converters can have a relatively small size compared to other types of power converters that use multiple inductors. This enables SIMO power converters to be installed in devices that have limited space. SUMMARY

[0005] An apparatus implementing a single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) power converter with a cross-regulation switch is disclosed. In particular, the SIMO power converter includes an input node, a first node, a second node, a ground node, and an inductor coupled between the first node and the second node. The SIMO power converter also includes a plurality of switches, such as a first switch coupled between the input node and the first node, a second switch coupled between the first node and the ground node, and a cross-regulation switch coupled between the input node and the second node. During a first time interval, the operating states of the above-mentioned switches conform to a first switch configuration, which enables the SIMO power converter to operate as a buck converter, a boost converter, or a buck-boost converter, among others, to transfer power from a power source to at least two loads.

[0006] In response to a cross-regulation event (e.g., a load-step event or a reference-step event) associated with one or more of the loads, the operating state of the aforementioned switch is changed to a second switch configuration, which enables the SIMO power converter to provide transferred energy from the inductor to the power supply. Thus, by directing at least a portion of the energy stored within the inductor back to the power supply, the percentage of overshoot or undershoot experienced at the loads is reduced relative to other power converters that do not operate the aforementioned switch in the second switch configuration. Moreover, the control circuitry regulating the current through the inductor can dynamically adjust the current based on the additional energy fed back to the power supply. In particular, the control circuitry utilizes an average cross-regulation control signal associated with the cross-regulation switch to make the loop bandwidth of the control circuitry insensitive to the current sense resistance and to reduce undershoot and / or overshoot of the transient response of the power transfer circuit without significantly reducing efficiency performance. In this way, the aforementioned implementation of the SIMO power converter uses the cross-regulation switch to improve cross-regulation performance.

[0007] In an example aspect, an apparatus having a single-inductor multiple-output power converter is disclosed. The apparatus includes a power supply and a single-inductor multiple-output power converter. The single-inductor multiple-output power converter includes an input node coupled to the power supply, a first node, a second node, a ground node, and an inductor coupled between the first node and the second node. The single-inductor multiple-output power converter also includes a first switch coupled between the input node and the first node, a second switch coupled between the first node and the ground node, and a cross-regulation switch coupled between the input node and the second node.

[0008] In an example aspect, an apparatus having a single-inductor multiple-output power converter is disclosed. The apparatus includes a power supply, at least two loads, and a single-inductor multiple-output power converter. The single-inductor multiple-output power converter includes an input node coupled to the power supply, at least two output nodes coupled to the at least two loads, respectively, and an inductor coupled between the input node and the at least two output nodes. The single-inductor multiple-output power converter also includes a power delivery component to selectively charge and discharge the inductor to transfer power from the power supply to one of the at least two loads and to discharge the inductor to transfer energy from the inductor to the power supply. The power delivery component is coupled to the input node, the inductor, and the at least two output nodes.

[0009] In an example aspect, a method of operating a single-inductor multiple-output power converter with a cross-regulation switch is disclosed. The method includes disconnecting an input node of the single-inductor multiple-output power converter from a first node of the single-inductor multiple-output power converter. The single-inductor multiple-output power converter includes a second node, a ground node, and an inductor coupled between the first node and the second node. The method also includes connecting the first node to the ground node. The method also includes connecting the input node to the second node to transfer energy from the inductor to a power source coupled to the input node.

[0010] In an example aspect, an apparatus with a single-inductor multiple-output power converter is disclosed. The apparatus includes a power source, at least two loads, and a single-inductor multiple-output power converter. The single-inductor multiple-output power converter includes an input node coupled to the power source, at least two output nodes coupled to the at least two loads, respectively, an inductor coupled between the input node and the at least two output nodes, a node disposed between the inductor and the at least two output nodes, and a cross-regulation switch coupled between the input node and the node. The single-inductor multiple-output power converter is configured to discharge the inductor to transfer energy from the inductor to the power source via the cross-regulation switch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 An example operating environment using a single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) power converter with a cross-regulation switch is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 An example implementation of a power transfer circuit with a SIMO power converter that can employ a cross-regulation switch is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 An example implementation of a SIMO power converter with a cross-regulation switch is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 An example switch configuration of a SIMO power converter operating as a buck power converter and employing a cross-regulation switch is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 An example switch configuration of a SIMO power converter operating as a boost power converter and employing a cross-regulation switch is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 Another example switch configuration of a SIMO power converter using a cross-regulation switch to improve cross-regulation performance is shown.

[0017] Figure 7 An example implementation of control circuitry to control a cross-regulation switch of a SIMO power converter to improve cross-regulation performance is shown.

[0018] Figure 8 Example operations of a SIMO power converter with cross-regulation switches in response to a current regulation event are shown.

[0019] Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process that can be performed by a single-inductor multiple-output power converter with cross-regulation switches. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Electronic devices use power converters to transfer power from a power source to one or more components (e.g., loads) within the electronic device. Certain types of power converters use a single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) architecture. By using a single inductor, SIMO power converters can have a relatively small size compared to other types of power converters that use multiple inductors. This enables SIMO power converters to be installed in devices that have limited space. However, because the single inductor is shared by multiple loads, cross-regulation issues can arise in which variations associated with power delivery to a first load affect power delivery to a second load. For example, a load step event that increases or decreases a first load current provided to the first load causes an overshoot and / or undershoot in an output voltage provided to the second load. As another example, a reference step event that increases a first output voltage for the first load can also cause an overshoot and / or undershoot in a second output voltage provided to the second load. Although it can be advantageous to use a SIMO power converter for its small size and efficiency, the performance of the SIMO power converter can be limited by the cross-regulation issues.

[0021] Some techniques improve the cross-regulation performance of a SIMO power converter by operating the SIMO power converter in a pseudo-continuous conduction mode (PCCM). Between each power delivery cycle, a freewheeling switch is closed to store the charge of the inductor and maintain a fixed current through the inductor. However, this freewheeling cycle reduces the efficiency of the SIMO power converter.

[0022] In contrast, techniques are described herein that implement a SIMO power converter with a cross-regulation switch. In particular, the SIMO power converter includes an input node, a first node, a second node, a ground node, and an inductor coupled between the first node and the second node. The SIMO power converter also includes a plurality of switches, such as a first switch coupled between the input node and the first node, a second switch coupled between the first node and the ground node, and a cross-regulation switch coupled between the input node and the second node. During a first time interval, the operating states of the above-mentioned switches conform to a first switch configuration, which enables the SIMO power converter to operate as a buck converter, a boost converter, or a buck-boost converter, among others, to deliver power from a power source to at least two loads.

[0023] In response to a cross-regulation event (e.g., a load step event or a reference step event) associated with one or more of the loads, the operating states of the above-mentioned switches are changed to a second switch configuration, which enables the SIMO power converter to provide a transfer of energy from the inductor to the power source. Thus, by directing at least a portion of the energy stored within the inductor back to the power source, the percentage of overshoot or undershoot experienced at the loads is reduced relative to other power converters that do not operate the above-mentioned switches in the second switch configuration. By actively monitoring for cross-regulation events and dynamically adjusting the switch configuration accordingly, the SIMO power converter 128 can achieve improved cross-regulation performance without a significant reduction in efficiency. Moreover, the control circuitry that regulates the current through the inductor can dynamically adjust the current based on the additional energy that is fed back to the power source. In particular, the control circuitry utilizes an average cross-regulation control signal to make the loop bandwidth of the control circuitry insensitive to the current sense resistance and to reduce undershoot and / or overshoot of the transient response of the low-power delivery circuit without significantly reducing efficiency performance. In this way, the above-mentioned implementation of the SIMO power converter uses a cross-regulation switch to improve cross-regulation performance.

[0024] Figure 1 An example environment 100 for a SIMO power converter with a cross-regulation switch is shown. In the environment 100, a computing device 102 communicates with a base station 104 over a wireless communication link 106 (wireless link 106). In this example, the computing device 102 is depicted as a smartphone. However, the computing device 102 can be implemented as any suitable computing or electronic device, such as a modem, a cellular base station, a broadband router, an access point, a cellular phone, a gaming device, a navigation device, a media device, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a server, a network-attached storage (NAS) device, a smart appliance or other Internet of Things (IoT) device, a medical device, a vehicle-mounted communication system, a radar, a radio, etc.

[0025] The base station 104 communicates with the computing device 102 via a wireless link 106, which can be implemented as any suitable type of wireless link. Although depicted as a tower of a cellular network, the base station 104 can represent or be implemented as another device, such as a satellite, a server device, a terrestrial television broadcast tower, an access point, a peer-to-peer device, a mesh network node, etc. Thus, the computing device 102 can communicate with the base station 104 or another device via the wireless link 106.

[0026] The wireless link 106 can include a downlink of data or control information communicated from the base station 104 to the computing device 102, or an uplink of other data or control information communicated from the computing device 102 to the base station 104. The wireless link 106 can be implemented using any suitable communication protocol or standard, such as second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or fifth generation (5G) cellular; IEEE 802.11 (e.g., Wi-Fi TM ); IEEE 802.15 (e.g., Bluetooth TM ); IEEE 802.16 (e.g., WiMAX TM ); etc. In some implementations, the wireless link 106 wirelessly provides power and the base station 104 includes a power source.

[0027] As shown, the computing device 102 includes an application processor 108 and a computer-readable storage medium 110 (CRM 110). The application processor 108 can include any type of processor, such as a multi-core processor, that executes processor-executable code stored by the CRM 110. The CRM 110 can include any suitable type of data storage medium, such as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), optical media, magnetic media (e.g., disk), etc. In the context of the present disclosure, the CRM 110 is implemented to store instructions 112, data 114, and other information of the computing device 102, and thus does not include transitory propagating signals or carriers.

[0028] The computing device 102 can also include input / output ports 116 (I / O ports 116) and a display 118. The I / O ports 116 enable data exchange or interaction with other devices, networks, or users. The I / O ports 116 can include serial ports (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) ports), parallel ports, audio ports, infrared (IR) ports, user interface ports such as touchscreens, and the like. The display 118 presents graphics of the computing device 102, such as user interfaces associated with an operating system, programs, or applications. Alternatively or additionally, the display 118 can be implemented as a display port or virtual interface through which graphics content of the computing device 102 can be presented.

[0029] The wireless transceiver 120 of the computing device 102 provides connectivity to respective networks and other electronic devices connected therewith. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device 102 can include a wired transceiver, such as an Ethernet or fiber interface, for communicating over a local network, intranet, or the Internet. The wireless transceiver 120 can facilitate communication over any suitable type of wireless network, such as a wireless local area network (LAN) (WLAN), a peer-to-peer network, a mesh network, a cellular network, a wireless wide area network (WW AN), and / or a wireless personal area network (WPAN). In the context of the example environment 100, the wireless transceiver 120 enables the computing device 102 to communicate with the base station 104 and the network connected therewith. However, the wireless transceiver 120 can also enable the computing device 102 to communicate “directly” with other devices or networks.

[0030] The wireless transceiver 120 includes circuitry and logic for transmitting and receiving communication signals via the antenna 122. Components of the wireless transceiver 120 can include amplifiers, switches, mixers, analog-to-digital converters, filters, and the like for conditioning communication signals (e.g., for generating or processing signals). The wireless transceiver 120 can also include logic for performing in-phase / quadrature (I / Q) operations, such as synthesis, encoding, modulation, decoding, demodulation, and the like. In some cases, components of the wireless transceiver 120 are implemented as separate receiver and transmitter entities. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless transceiver 120 can be implemented using multiple or different portions to implement respective receiving and transmission operations (e.g., separate transmission and reception chains). Generally, the wireless transceiver 120 processes data and / or signals associated with communicating data of the computing device 102 over the antenna 122.

[0031] The computing device 102 also includes a power source 124 and a power delivery circuit 126. The power source 124 can represent a variety of different types of power sources, including a wired power source, a solar charger, a portable charging station, a wireless charger, a battery, and the like. Depending on the type of computing device 102, the battery can include a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-polymer battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lead-acid battery, and the like. In some cases, the battery can include multiple batteries (e.g., a primary battery and a supplemental battery) and / or multiple battery cell combinations.

[0032] The power delivery circuit 126 delivers power from the power source 124 to one or more loads of the computing device 102 (not shown). Figure 1 Generally, the level of power provided via the power delivery circuit 126 and the power source 124 is at a level sufficient to power the one or more loads. For example, the level of power can be on the order of milliwatts (mW) for powering loads associated with a smartphone or can be on the order of watts to kilowatts (kW) for powering loads associated with an electric vehicle. Example types of loads include variable loads, loads associated with components of the computing device 102 (e.g., amplifiers within the application processor 108 or the wireless transceiver 120), another power converter, another battery, and the like. The power delivery circuit 126 can be a standalone component or integrated within another component, such as a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (not shown).

[0033] The power delivery circuit 126 includes a SIMO power converter 128 and control circuitry 130. The SIMO power converter 128 can be implemented as a buck power converter, a boost power converter, a buck-boost power converter, and the like. The SIMO power converter 128 includes a cross-regulation switch 132, which can deliver energy to the power source 124 to improve cross-regulation performance. In addition to the cross-regulation switch 132, the SIMO power converter 128 includes inductors and other switches, as further described with respect to Figure 3

[0034] In the depicted configuration, the control circuitry 130 is integrated within the power delivery circuit 126. In other implementations, the control circuitry 130 (or a portion of the control circuitry 130) can be external to the power delivery circuit 126 and implemented by a PMIC, an application processor 108, a main processor, an auxiliary processor, or a low-power digital signal processor of the computing device 102. Alternatively, the control circuitry 130 can be implemented by a microcontroller or hardware (e.g., separate circuitry, fixed logic circuitry, or hard-coded logic) that is internal or external to the power delivery circuit 126.

[0035] ​The control circuitry 130 monitors the performance of the SIMO power converter 128 and controls the operating states of the switches within the SIMO power converter 128, including the operating state of the cross-regulation switch 132. In particular, the control circuitry 130 regulates the inductor current flowing through the inductor of the SIMO power converter 128. By controlling the operating states of the switches, the control circuitry 130 can increase or decrease the inductor current to deliver power from the power source to the plurality of loads 202-1 to 202-N (as shown, for example) or use the cross-regulation switch 132 to alleviate cross-regulation issues. The power delivery circuit 126 is further described with respect to Figure 2 FIG. 1. Figure 2 FIG. 2.

[0036] Figure 2 An example implementation of the power delivery circuit 126 with the SIMO power converter 128 that can employ the cross-regulation switch 132 is shown. In the depicted configuration, the power delivery circuit 126 is coupled between a power source 124 and a plurality of loads 202-1, 202-2, …, 202-N, where N represents a positive integer greater than 1. The SIMO power converter 128 includes an input node 204 and a plurality of output nodes 206-1, 206-2, …, 206-N. The number of output nodes can be equal to the number of loads or different. The input node 204 is coupled to the power source 124, and the plurality of output nodes 206-1 to 206-N are respectively coupled to the plurality of loads 202-1 to 202-N.

[0037] The control circuitry 130 is coupled to the SIMO power converter 128 and receives one or more status signals 208 from the SIMO power converter 128. The status signals 208 carry operating information of the SIMO power converter 128, including the respective output voltages at the output nodes 206-1 to 206-N, the amount of current flowing through the inductor of the SIMO power converter 128, and the operating state of the cross-regulation switch 132 (e.g., the Figure 1 and 3 ). Using this information, the control circuitry 130 generates at least one mode signal 210 to control the switching configuration of the SIMO power converter 128. In some cases, the mode signal 210 includes a plurality of bits that respectively control the operating states of individual switches within the SIMO power converter 128. Alternatively, the control circuitry 130 can generate a plurality of mode signals 210 to respectively control the operating states of individual switches.

[0038] In some cases, the computing device 102 supports multiple modes of operation, including transmit modes, receive modes, different power modes (e.g., high power modes and low power modes), different wireless communication modes (e.g., connected modes, inactive modes, and idle modes), and the like. During operation, the computing device 102 can transition between these different modes of operation, which can change the operating conditions associated with one or more of the loads 202-1 through 202-N. This can result in a cross-regulation event in which a change in a first output voltage associated with a first load 202-1 causes a second output voltage associated with a second load 2022 to significantly increase or decrease (e.g., undershoot or overshoot) if the control circuitry 130 does not have a mechanism to mitigate the cross-regulation issue.

[0039] One type of cross-regulation event includes a load step event in which a current provided to one of the loads 202-1 through 202-N increases or decreases. Another type of cross-regulation event includes a reference step event in which a reference voltage associated with one of the loads 202-1 through 202-N increases or decreases. The control circuitry 130 can detect any of these cross-regulation events and use the cross-regulation switch 132 to reduce the resulting overshoot or undershoot, thereby improving the cross-regulation performance of the SIMO power converter 128. The SIMO power converter 128 Figure 3 is further described.

[0040] Figure 3 An example implementation of the SIMO power converter 128 with the cross-regulation switch 132 is shown. The SIMO power converter 128 provides respective output voltages (V OUT ) 302-1, 302-2,..., 302-N to the output nodes 206-1 through 206-N based on an input voltage (V IN ) 304 provided by the power source 124. In the depicted configuration, the SIMO power converter 128 is implemented as a buck-boost power converter that is capable of generating the output voltages 302-1 through 302-N such that one or more of the output voltages 302-1 through 302-N is greater than the input voltage 304, less than the input voltage 304, or a combination thereof. Although shown as a buck-boost power converter, the SIMO power converter 128 can alternatively be implemented as a buck power converter or a boost power converter.

[0041] The components of the SIMO power converter 128 include an inductor 306 coupled between a first node 308-1 and a second node 308-2. The SIMO power converter 128 also includes a first switch 310-1 coupled between the input node 204 and the first node 308-1, a ground node 312 coupled to ground, and a second switch 310-2 coupled between the first node 308-1 and the ground node 312. The cross-regulation switch 132 is coupled between the input node 204 and the second node 308-2. The SIMO power converter 128 also includes a plurality of output switches 314-1, 314-2,..., 314-N coupled between the second node 308-2 and the plurality of output nodes 206-1 to 206-N, respectively.

[0042] If the SIMO power converter 128 implements a boost power converter or a buck-boost power converter, the SIMO power converter 128 also includes a third switch 310-3 coupled between the second node 308-2 and the ground node 312. Alternatively, if the SIMO power converter 128 implements a buck converter, the third switch 310-3 is optional and can or can not be included. For example, the switches 310-1 to 310-3, the cross-regulation switch 132, and the output switches 314-1 to 314-N can be implemented using transistors.

[0043] During operation, the SIMO power converter 128 accepts a mode signal 210 from the control circuitry 130. The mode signal 210 specifies a switch configuration of the SIMO power converter 128. The switch configuration can be one of a plurality of switch configurations 300-1 to 300-M, M representing a positive integer greater than 2. Each switch configuration 300 represents a set of operating states of the switches 310-1 to 310-3, the cross-regulation switch 132, and the output switches 314-1 to 314-N. The operating states include an open state in which a switch connects two nodes together and a closed state in which a switch disconnects two nodes from each other.

[0044] By specifying different switch configurations, the control circuitry 130 can regulate the inductor current (I L)316. For example, the first switch configuration 300-1 can charge the magnetic field associated with the inductor 306 (e.g., charge the inductor 306) and increase the inductor current 316. Conversely, the second switch configuration can discharge the magnetic field (e.g., discharge the inductor 306) and decrease the inductor current 316. Alternating between the first switch configuration and the second switch configuration enables the SIMO power converter 128 to transfer power from the power source 124 to the loads 202-1 through 202-N. Generally, the inductor current 316 is time-shared among the multiple loads 202-1 through 202-N to enable power to be transferred to the multiple loads. Moreover, another switch configuration (e.g., the switch configuration 300-4 of Figure 6 the inductor 306 to transfer available energy stored within the inductor to the power source 124 to improve cross-regulation performance. These different types of switch configurations will be described further with reference to Figures 4 to 6 .

[0045] Figure 4 An example switch configuration of the SIMO power converter 128 is shown, which operates here as a buck power converter and employs a cross-regulation switch 132. In the depicted configuration, the SIMO power converter 128 transfers power from the power source 124 to the load 202-1. In particular, the control circuitry 130 causes the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in a first switch configuration 300-1 to charge the inductor 306 via a path 402-1 and in a second switch configuration 300-2 to discharge the inductor 306 via a path 402-2. Although not shown, the control circuitry 130 can cause the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in other additional switch configurations to transfer power to other loads 202-2 through 202-N.

[0046] In the first switch configuration 300-1, the first switch 310-1 and the output switch 314-1 are in a closed state. The remaining output switches 314-2 through 314-N, the switches 310-2 and 310-3, and the cross-regulation switch 132 are in an open state. As a result, the inductor 306 charges and the inductor current 316 increases. The control circuitry 130 can measure the inductor current 316 and cause the SIMO power converter 128 to transition to the second switch configuration 300-2 in response to the inductor current 316 reaching an upper limit.

[0047] In the second switch configuration 300-2, the second switch 310-2 and the output switch 314-1 are in a closed state. The remaining output switches 314-2 through 314-N, the switches 310-1 and 310-3, and the cross regulation switch 132 are in an open state. As a result, the inductor 306 discharges and the inductor current 316 decreases. The control circuitry 130 can measure the inductor current 316 and cause the SIMO power converter 128 to transition to the first switch configuration 300-1 in response to the inductor current 316 reaching a lower limit. Using both the first switch configuration 300-1 and the second switch configuration 300-2, the SIMO power converter 128 powers the load 202-1.

[0048] To deliver power to the load 202-2, the mode signal 210 can cause the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in another switch configuration (not shown). The other switch configuration is similar to the second switch configuration 300-2 except that the output switch 314-1 is in an open state and the output switch 314-2 is in a closed state. When the other output switches 314-1 through 314-N are closed, the respective capacitors 318-1 through 318-N deliver energy to the respective loads 202-1 through 202-N.

[0049] Figure 5 An example switch configuration of the SIMO power converter 128 is shown, which operates here as a boost power converter and employs the cross regulation switch 132. In the depicted configuration, the control circuitry 130 delivers power from the power source 124 to the load 202-1. In particular, the control circuitry 130 causes the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in a third switch configuration 300-3 to charge the inductor 306 via a path 502-1 and in the first switch configuration 300-1 to discharge the inductor 306 via a path 502-2 (e.g., Figure 4 Although not shown, the control circuitry 130 can cause the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in other switch configurations to deliver power to other loads 202-2 through 202-N.

[0050] In the third switch configuration 300-3, the first switch 310-1 and the third switch 310-3 are in a closed state. The output switches 314-1 through 314-N, the switch 310-2, and the cross regulation switch 132 are in an open state. As a result, the inductor 306 charges and the inductor current 316 increases. The control circuitry 130 can measure the inductor current 316 and cause the SIMO power converter 128 to transition to the first switch configuration 300-1 in response to the inductor current 316 reaching an upper limit.

[0051] In the first switch configuration 300-1, the first switch 310-1 and the output switch 314-1 are in a closed state. The remaining output switches 314-2 through 314N, the switches 310-2 and 310-3, and the cross regulation switch 132 are in an open state. As a result, the inductor 306 discharges, and the inductor current 316 decreases. The control circuitry 130 can measure the inductor current 316 and cause the SIMO power converter 128 to transition to the third switch configuration 300-3 in response to the inductor current 316 reaching a lower limit. Using both the third switch configuration 300-3 and the first switch configuration 300-1, the SIMO power converter 128 powers the load 202-1.

[0052] To deliver power to the load 202-2, the mode signal 210 can cause the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in another switch configuration. The other switch configuration is similar to the first switch configuration 300-1, except that the output switch 314-1 is in an open state and the output switch 314-2 is in a closed state. When the other output switches 314-1 through 314-N are closed, the capacitors 318-1 through 318-N deliver energy to the respective loads 202-1 through 202-N.

[0053] Figure 6 Another example switch configuration of the SIMO power converter 128 is shown that uses the cross regulation switch 132 to improve cross regulation performance. In the depicted configuration, the SIMO power converter 128 delivers energy from the inductor 306 to the power supply 124. In particular, the control circuitry 130 causes the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in a fourth switch configuration 300-4 to discharge the inductor 306 via the path 602.

[0054] In the fourth configuration 300-4, the second switch 310-2 and the cross regulation switch 132 are in a closed state. The switches 310-1 and 310-3 and the output switches 314-1 through 314-N are in an open state. As a result, the inductor 306 discharges, and the inductor current 316 decreases. By delivering at least a portion of the energy stored within the inductor 306 to the power supply 124, overshoot and / or undershoot caused by a cross regulation event is reduced, which improves cross regulation performance. The control circuitry 130 can cause the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in the fourth switch configuration 300-4 in response to detecting a cross regulation event, an example of which is described with respect to Figure 8 Further described.

[0055] Figure 7An example implementation of control circuitry system 130 is shown. In the depicted configuration, control circuitry system 130 includes a current sensor 702, an averaging circuit 704, an error comparator circuit 706, at least two comparator circuits 708-1 to 708-N, and a controller 710. The current sensor 702 can be implemented using a network of resistors and capacitors. The averaging circuit 704 can be implemented as a filter. The error comparator circuit 706 and the comparator circuits 708-1 to 708-N can be implemented using operational amplifiers. Control circuitry system 130 is also shown to include a reference voltage generator 712; however, the reference voltage generator 712 can alternatively be implemented separately from control circuitry system 130 or separately from power delivery circuitry 126.

[0056] Within the control circuit system 130, the error comparator circuit 706 is coupled to the current sensor 702, the averaging circuit 704, and the reference voltage generator 712. Comparator circuits 708-1 to 708-N are coupled to the reference voltage generator 712. The controller 710 is coupled to the error comparator circuit 706 and the comparator circuits 708-1 to 708-N.

[0057] Regarding the SIMO power converter 128, the current sensor 702 is coupled to the first node 308-1 and the second node 308-2. The averaging circuit 704 is coupled to the cross-regulating switch 132. Comparator circuits 708-1 to 708-N are coupled to output nodes 206-1 to 206-N, respectively. The error comparator circuit 706 is also coupled to output nodes 206-1 to 206-N. The controller 710 is coupled to switches 310-1 to 310-3, output switches 314-1 to 314-N, and the cross-regulating switch 132.

[0058] During operation, the current sensor 702 is based on the voltage at the first node 308-1 and the second node 308-2, as well as the internal resistance (R). S To measure the inductor current 316 ( Figure 3 The current sensor 702 can generate a voltage signal 714 having an amplitude representing the inductor current 316.

[0059] The average circuit 704 determines an average amount of time that the SIMO power converter 128 operates in the fourth switch configuration 300-4. This represents an amount of additional energy that is available due to cross-regulation events. As an example, the average circuit 704 accepts the cross-regulation control signal 716, which has a voltage that varies between a high state and a low state (or vice versa) depending on whether the cross-regulation switch 132 is in a closed state or an open state. Typically, the cross-regulation control signal 716 varies depending on the mode signal 210. In this case, the average circuit 704 averages the voltage of the cross-regulation control signal 716 to generate the average cross-regulation control signal 718. Thus, the voltage of the average cross-regulation control signal 718 represents an average voltage of the cross-regulation control signal 716 over some window of time.

[0060] The reference voltage generator 712 generates a plurality of reference voltages (V REF ) 720-1 to 720-N that respectively represent target levels of the output voltages 302-1 to 302-N depending on operating conditions of the loads 202-1 to 202-N. As described above, the reference voltages 720-1 to 720-N can dynamically change over time as the operating mode of the computing device 102 changes or as the computing device 102 performs different operations using the loads 202-1 to 202-N. For example, the reference voltage generator 712 can increase the reference voltage 720-1 in response to the load 202-1 transitioning from a low-power state to a high-power state. This larger reference voltage 720-1 causes the control circuitry 130 to increase the output voltage 302-1. Alternatively, the reference voltage generator 712 can decrease the reference voltage 720-1 in response to the load 202-1 transitioning from a high-power state to a low-power state. Thus, this smaller reference voltage 720-1 causes the control circuitry 130 to decrease the output voltage 302-1.

[0061] The error comparator circuit 706 accepts the signal 714 from the current sensor 702, the average cross-regulation control signal 718 from the average circuit 704, the output voltages 302-1 to 302-N from the output nodes 206-1 to 206-N, and the reference voltages 720-1 to 720-N from the reference voltage generator 712. The error comparator circuit 706 determines an amount of difference between the inductor current 316 and a target inductor current, and generates an error sum signal having a voltage that represents this amount of error. Specifically, the voltage of the error sum signal (V Error ) is approximately equal to the following Equation 1:

[0062]

[0063] where I L represents the inductor current 316, R Srepresents a resistance associated with the current sensor 702, I Lavg represents an average value of the inductor current 316, V avg represents a voltage of the average cross-regulation control signal 718, V REFx represents one of the reference voltages 720-1 to 720-N, V OUTx represents one of the output voltages 302-1 to 302-N. Typically, the resistance R S varies depending on different processes and design implementations, which affects the error voltage (V Error ) and the loop bandwidth of the control circuitry 130. However, using the average cross-regulation control signal 718 to determine the error summation signal makes the loop bandwidth insensitive to this resistance R S . This further reduces overshoot or undershoot of the transient response of the power transfer circuit 126. Considering the average cross-regulation control signal 718 also enables the control circuitry 130 to properly regulate the inductor current 316 based on additional energy available due to a cross-regulation event.

[0064] The error comparator circuit 706 compares the error voltage determined by Equation 1 to the upper and lower limits of the hysteresis window. Based on the comparison, the error comparator circuit 706 generates a logic signal 722 to specify a state transition between the switch configurations 300-1 and 300-2 or between the switch configurations 300-1 and 300-3.

[0065] The comparator circuits 708-1 to 708-N compare the output voltages 302-1 to 302-N, respectively, to the corresponding reference voltages 720-1 to 720-N. Based on the comparison, the comparator circuits 708-1 to 708-N generate respective comparison signals 724-1 to 724-N that indicate whether the output voltages 302-1 to 302-N are greater than or less than the respective reference voltages 720-1 to 720-N.

[0066] The controller 710 accepts the logic signal 722 as well as the comparison signals 724-1 to 724-N. Based on these signals, the controller 710 determines an appropriate switch configuration (e.g., one of the switch configurations 300-1 to 300-4 described with respect to Figures 4 to 6 ) to reduce the error and approach the target inductor current. Accordingly, the controller 710 generates the mode signal 210 to cause the SIMO power converter 128 to operate according to the determined switch configuration. For example, the controller 710 enables the SIMO power converter 128 to provide an appropriate amount of power to the loads 202-1 to 202N by causing the SIMO power converter 128 to operate according to the first switch configuration 300-1, the second switch configuration 300-2, or the third switch configuration 300-3.

[0067] The controller 710 also uses the comparison signals 724-1 to 724-N to detect a cross-regulation event. For example, the controller 710 detects a cross-regulation event based on at least one of the comparison signals 724-1 to 724-N indicating that one or more of the output voltages 302-1 to 302-N is greater than a corresponding reference voltage 720-1 to 720-N. In other implementations, the controller 710 can detect a cross-regulation event based on a change in one or more load currents associated with the output nodes 206-1 to 206-N or based on a change in one or more of the reference voltages 720-1 to 720-N.

[0068] In response to detecting a cross-regulation event, the controller 710 uses the mode signal 210 to cause the SIMO power converter 128 to deliver energy to the power supply 124 according to a fourth switch configuration 300-4 Figure 6 ) after the comparison signals 724-1 to 724-N indicate that the output voltages 302-1 to 302-N are less than the corresponding reference voltages 720-1 to 720-N, the controller 710 uses the mode signal 210 to cause the SIMO power converter 128 to transition to a different switch configuration to deliver power to the loads 202-1 to 202-N.

[0069] Using the techniques described above, the loop bandwidth of the control circuitry 130 can be large and achieve faster transient load step responses or faster reference step responses compared to other types of control circuitry. In general, the logic signal 722 and the comparison signals 724-1 to 724-N enable the controller 710 to properly regulate the inductor current 316 while achieving target cross-regulation performance and target efficiency, as further described below with respect to Figure 8 .

[0070] Figure 8 Example operation of the SIMO power converter 128 with the cross-regulation switch 132 is shown. The plot 800 depicts the magnitude of a first load current (I Load ) 802-1, a second load current 802-2, the inductor current 316, a voltage associated with the cross-regulation control signal 716, and a voltage associated with the average cross-regulation control signal 718 over time. The load currents 802-1 and 802-2 represent the respective currents provided at the output nodes 206-1 and 206-2.

[0071] Before time Tl 804-1, the SIMO power converter 128 uses at least some of the switching configurations 300-1 through 300-3 to transfer power from the power source 124 to the loads 202-1 and 202-2. In particular, the SIMO power converter 128 can operate as a buck power converter using switching configurations 300-1 and 300-2 Figure 4 ) or as a boost power converter using switching configurations 300-1 and 300-3 Figure 5 ). Accordingly, the control circuitry 130 maintains the inductor current 316 between an upper limit 806-1 and a lower limit 808-1. The average magnitude of the inductor current 316 during this time interval is represented by I Lavg 810-1. During this time, the voltage of the cross regulation control signal 716 indicates that the cross regulation switch 132 is in an open state. Accordingly, the average voltage of the cross regulation control signal 718 is at a low level.

[0072] At time Tl 804-1, a load step event occurs as the first load current 802-1 decreases. In this example, the second load current 802-2 remains relatively constant. The control circuitry 130 detects the load step event and controls the SIMO power converter 128 to decrease the inductor current 316. However, between time Tl 804-1 and time T2 804-2, the control circuitry 130 determines that one or more of the output voltages 302-1 and 302-2 is greater than the corresponding reference voltages 720-1 and 720-2. Based on this determination, the control circuitry 130 causes the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in a fourth switching configuration 300-4 Figure 6 ) to transfer energy from the inductor 306 to the power source 124. Accordingly, the voltage of the cross regulation control signal 716 changes to indicate that the cross regulation switch 132 is in a closed state.

[0073] If the control circuitry 130 determines that the output voltages 302-1 and 302-2 are less than the reference voltages 720-1 through 720-2, the control circuitry 130 changes the switching configuration of the SIMO power converter 128 to one of the switching configurations shown in Figure 4 and 5 to provide power transfer to the loads 202-1 and 202-2. Accordingly, the cross regulation switch 132 cycles between an open state and a closed state during this transition period to improve cross regulation performance (e.g., reduce overshoot or undershoot of the output voltages 302-1 and 302-2). This enables the output voltages 302-1 and 302-2 to remain relatively constant between time Tl 804-1 and time T2 804-2.

[0074] The average cross-regulation control signal 718 also increases in voltage as the average time that the cross-regulation switch 132 is in the closed state increases. Because this average time is compensated for within the logic signal 722, the control circuitry 130 can make appropriate adjustments to the inductor current 316 to achieve the second average current 810-2 at time T2 804-2.

[0075] At time T2 804-2, the SIMO power converter 128 generates the inductor current 316 within an upper limit 806-2 and a lower limit 808-2, the upper limit 806-2 and the lower limit 808-2 based on the load currents 802-1 and 802-2. At this time, the SIMO power converter 128 can operate as a buck power converter and / or a boost power converter based on the switch configurations 300-1 through 300-3.

[0076] Compared to other techniques, the control circuitry 130 enables the SIMO power converter 128 to achieve target cross-regulation performance without significantly reducing efficiency by causing the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in different switch configurations 300-1 through 300-M depending on whether a cross-regulation event is detected. In this way, if a cross-regulation event occurs, the control circuitry 130 causes the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in the fourth switch configuration 300-4, otherwise, the control circuitry 130 causes the SIMO power converter 128 to operate in another switch configuration (e.g., the switch configurations 300-1 through 300-3) to deliver power to the loads 202-1 through 202-N. By actively monitoring for cross-regulation events and dynamically adjusting the switch configurations 300-1 through 300-M accordingly, the SIMO power converter 128 can achieve improved cross-regulation performance and operate with similar efficiency as another SIMO power converter that does not include the cross-regulation switch 132.

[0077] Although not explicitly shown, if the load current 802-1 increases from a low value to a high value (e.g., another load step event occurs), the control circuitry 130 can use the cross-regulation switch 132 to improve cross-regulation performance. In this case, the output voltage 302-1 can decrease, however, the use of the cross-regulation switch 132 enables the output voltage 302-2 to remain relatively constant, thereby improving cross-regulation performance.

[0078] As another example, a reference step event can occur in which the reference voltages 720-1 through 720-N increase from a low level to a high level. In response to the increase, the control circuitry 130 increases the inductor current 316 and the output voltage 302-1. Once the output voltage 302-1 is greater than the reference voltage 720-1, however, the control circuitry 130 uses the cross-regulation switch 132 to reduce the amount of overshoot experienced by the output voltage 302-1. Thus, the output voltage 302-2 remains relatively constant over this time period.

[0079] Figure 9 FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 900 that can be performed at least in part by a SIMO power converter having a cross-regulation switch. The process 900 is described in terms of a set of blocks 902-906 that designate operations that can be performed. However, the operations are not necessarily limited to the order shown or described herein, as the operations can be implemented in alternative orders or in a fully or partially overlapping manner. The operations represented by the illustrated blocks of the process 900 can be performed by the computing device 102 (e.g., the processor 104), or the power delivery circuit 126 (e.g., the control circuitry 130), for example. More specifically, the operations of the process 900 can be performed at least in part by a SIMO power converter 128 as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Figure 9 The operations represented by the illustrated blocks of the process 900 can be performed by the computing device 102 (e.g., the processor 104), or the power delivery circuit 126 (e.g., the control circuitry 130), for example. More specifically, the operations of the process 900 can be performed at least in part by a SIMO power converter 128 as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Figure 1 ) or the power delivery circuit 126 (e.g., the control circuitry 130), for example. More specifically, the operations of the process 900 can be performed at least in part by a SIMO power converter 128 as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Figure 1 The operations represented by the illustrated blocks of the process 900 can be performed by the computing device 102 (e.g., the processor 104), or the power delivery circuit 126 (e.g., the control circuitry 130), for example. More specifically, the operations of the process 900 can be performed at least in part by a SIMO power converter 128 as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Figure 3 The operations represented by the illustrated blocks of the process 900 can be performed by the computing device 102 (e.g., the processor 104), or the power delivery circuit 126 (e.g., the control circuitry 130), for example. More specifically, the operations of the process 900 can be performed at least in part by a SIMO power converter 128 as shown in FIG. 1, for example.

[0080] At block 902, an input node of a SIMO power converter is disconnected from a first node of the SIMO power converter. The SIMO power converter includes a second node, a ground node, and an inductor coupled between the first node and the second node. For example, the first switch 310-1 disconnects the input node 204 of the SIMO power converter 128 from the first node 308-1. The control circuitry 130 can provide a mode signal 210 to the SIMO power converter 128 to place the first switch 310-1 in an open state. The SIMO power converter 128 includes the second node 308-2, the ground node 312, and the inductor 306 coupled between the first node 308-1 and the second node 308-2. The SIMO power converter 128 can be a buck converter, a boost converter, or a buck-boost converter.

[0081] At block 904, the first node is connected to the ground node. For example, the second switch 310-2 connects the first node 308-1 to the ground node 312. The control circuitry 130 can provide a mode signal 210 to the SIMO power converter 128 to place the second switch 310-2 in a closed state.

[0082] At block 906, the input node is connected to a second node to transfer energy from the inductor to a power source coupled to the input node. For example, cross regulation switch 132 connects input node 204 to second node 308-2. Control circuitry 130 can provide mode signal 210 to SIMO power converter 128 to cause cross regulation switch 132 to be in a closed state. In this switch configuration, energy is transferred from inductor 306 to power source 124. In response to detecting a cross regulation event, control circuitry 130 can cause SIMO power converter 128 to operate in this switch configuration. The cross regulation event can occur in response to a change in output current associated with the load or a change in reference voltage associated with the load.

[0083] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein to identify or distinguish a similar or analogous item in a given context, such as a particular implementation, a single drawing, or a claim. Thus, a first item in one context can be different from a first item in another context. Moreover, these terms do not necessarily indicate a chronological order. For example, SIMO power converter 128 can operate in first switch configuration 300-1 during a first time interval that occurs before or after a second time interval in which SIMO power converter 128 operates in second switch configuration 300-2.

[0084] Unless otherwise stated, the use of the term “or” herein can be viewed as using the term “inclusive or,” or a term that allows for inclusion or application of one or more items linked by the term “or” (e.g., the phrase “A or B” can be interpreted as only allowing “A,” only allowing “B,” or allowing both “A” and “B”). Moreover, items represented in the accompanying drawings and terms discussed herein can indicate one or more items or terms, and thus can be interchangeably referred to in the singular or plural form of the items and terms in this written description. Finally, although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above, including not necessarily being limited to a particular organization for features or an order for performing the acts.

Claims

1. An apparatus having a single-inductor multiple-output power converter, comprising: the single-inductor multiple-output power converter, comprising: an input node configured to be coupled to a power source; a first node, a second node, and a ground node; at least two output nodes configured to be coupled to at least two loads, respectively, the at least two output nodes being coupled to the second node; an inductor coupled between the first node and the second node; a first switch coupled between the input node and the first node; a second switch coupled between the first node and the ground node; and a cross regulation switch coupled between the input node and the second node; and control circuitry coupled to the single-input multiple-output power converter, the control circuitry configured to: detect that at least one output voltage at the at least two output nodes is greater than a reference voltage; and in response to the at least one output voltage being greater than the reference voltage, cause the first switch to be in an open state, the second switch to be in a closed state, and the cross regulation switch to be in the closed state.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the first switch is configured to be in the open state to disconnect the input node from the first node; the second switch is configured to be in the closed state to connect the first node to the ground node; and the cross regulation switch is configured to be in the closed state to connect the input node to the second node.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the first switch is configured to be in the closed state to connect the input node to the first node during a first time interval; the second switch is configured to be in the open state to disconnect the first node from the ground node during the first time interval; the cross regulation switch is configured to be in the open state to disconnect the input node from the second node during the first time interval; and the control circuitry is configured to cause the first switch to be in the open state and both the second switch and the cross regulation switch to be in the closed state during a second time interval that occurs after the first time interval.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the first switch is configured to be in the open state to disconnect the input node from the first node during a third time interval; the second switch is configured to be in the closed state to connect the first node to the ground node during the third time interval; and the cross regulation switch is configured to be in the open state to disconnect the input node from the second node during the third time interval.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the at least two output nodes include a first output node; and the single-inductor multiple-output power converter includes: a first inductor coupled between the first node and the first output node; and a second inductor coupled between the second node and the first output node. ​ ​ at least two output switches respectively coupled between the at least two output nodes and the second node, the at least two output switches including a first output switch coupled between the second node and the first output node, the first output switch configured to selectively: be in the open state during the second time interval to disconnect the second node from the first output node; and be in the closed state during the first time interval and the third time interval to connect the second node to the first output node.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: a wireless transceiver including an amplifier, wherein: the power source comprises a battery; and a first load of the at least two loads comprises the amplifier.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the single-inductor multi-output power converter is configured to: charge the inductor during the first time interval and discharge the inductor during the third time interval to deliver power to the first output node; and discharge the inductor during the second time interval to transfer energy from the inductor to the power source, the second time interval occurring after the first time interval or the third time interval.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the single-inductor multi-output power converter includes a third switch coupled between the second node and the ground node, the third switch configured to selectively be in the open state to disconnect the second node from the ground node during the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the first switch is configured to be in the closed state to connect the input node to the first node during a fourth time interval; the second switch is configured to be in the open state to disconnect the first node from the ground node during the fourth time interval; the cross regulation switch is configured to be in the open state to disconnect the input node from the second node during the fourth time interval; the third switch is configured to be in the closed state to connect the second node to the ground node during the fourth time interval; and the first output switch is configured to be in the open state to disconnect the second node from the first output node during the fourth time interval.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the single-inductor multi-output power converter is configured to: charge the inductor during the fourth time interval; discharge the inductor during the first time interval to deliver power to the first output node, the first time interval occurring after the fourth time interval; and discharge the inductor during the second time interval to transfer energy from the inductor to the power source, the second time interval occurring after the first time interval or the fourth time interval. ​ 11. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the first switch is configured to be in the closed state during a third time interval to connect the input node to the first node; the second switch is configured to be in the open state during the third time interval to disconnect the first node from the ground node; the cross regulation switch is configured to be in the open state during the third time interval to disconnect the input node from the second node; and the single-inductor multi-output power converter includes a third switch coupled between the second node and the ground node, the third switch configured to selectively: be in the open state during the first time interval and the second time interval to disconnect the second node from the ground node; and be in the closed state during the third time interval to connect the second node to the ground node.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the control circuitry is configured to generate a mode signal that controls operational states of the first switch, the second switch, and the cross regulation switch.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the single-inductor multi-output power converter is configured to provide at least two output voltages at the at least two output nodes, respectively, during a first time interval; and the control circuitry is configured to: cause the first switch to be in the open state and both the second switch and the cross regulation switch to be in the closed state during a second time interval that occurs after the first time interval; and cause the first switch to be in the closed state, the second switch to be in the open state, and the cross regulation switch to be in the open state during the first time interval.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: the operational states of the first switch, the second switch, and the cross regulation switch during the second time interval represent a second switch configuration; and the control circuitry is configured to regulate a magnitude of an inductor current flowing through the inductor based on an average time at which the second switch configuration occurs.

15. An apparatus having a single-inductor multi-output power converter, comprising: a power source; at least two loads; and a single-inductor multi-output power converter including: an input node coupled to the power source; at least two output nodes coupled to the at least two loads, respectively; an inductor coupled between the input node and the at least two output nodes; a power delivery component to selectively charge and discharge the inductor to transfer power from the power source to one of the at least two loads and discharge the inductor to transfer energy from the inductor to the power source, the power delivery component coupled to the input node, the inductor, and the at least two output nodes; and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ a control component to cause the power delivery component to discharge the inductor to transfer the energy from the inductor to the power source in response to at least one output voltage at the at least two output nodes being greater than a reference voltage, the control component coupled to the power delivery component.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the single-inductor multiple-output power converter includes a first node, a second node, and a ground node; the inductor is coupled between the first node and the second node; the power delivery component is configured to transfer the power from the power source to one of the at least two loads during a first time interval and to discharge the inductor to transfer the energy from the inductor to the power source during a second time interval; and the power delivery component includes: a first switch component to connect the input node to the first node during at least a portion of the first time interval and to disconnect the input node from the first node during the second time interval, the first switch component coupled between the input node and the first node; a second switch component to connect the first node to the ground node during the second time interval, the second switch component coupled between the first node and the ground node; and a cross regulation component to disconnect the input node from the second node during the first time interval and to connect the input node to the second node during the second time interval.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second switch component is configured to: connect the first node to the ground node during a portion of the first time interval; or disconnect the first node from the ground node during the first time interval.

18. A method of operating a single-inductor multiple-output power converter, the single-inductor multiple-output power converter including: an input node, a first node, a second node, a ground node, an inductor coupled between the first node and the second node, and at least two output nodes coupled to the second node, the method comprising: detecting that at least one output voltage at the at least two output nodes is greater than a reference voltage; and in response to the at least one output voltage being greater than the reference voltage: disconnecting the input node of the single-inductor multiple-output power converter from the first node of the single-inductor multiple-output power converter; connecting the first node to the ground node; and connecting the input node to the second node to transfer energy from the inductor to a power source coupled to the input node.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: connecting the input node to the first node during a first time interval; disconnecting the first node from the ground node during the first time interval; and disconnecting the input node from the second node during the first time interval, ​ wherein the connection of the first node to the ground node and the connection of the input node to the second node occur during a second time interval, the second time interval occurring after the first time interval.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: disconnecting the second node from an output node of the single-inductor multi-output power converter during the second time interval; and connecting the second node to the output node during the first time interval, wherein the connection of the input node to the first node, the disconnection of the first node from the ground node, the disconnection of the input node from the second node, and the connection of the second node to the output node collectively comprise charging the inductor to transfer power from the power source to a load, the power source being coupled to the input node, the load being coupled to the output node.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising: connecting the second node to the ground node during the first time interval, wherein the connection of the input node to the first node, the disconnection of the first node from the ground node, the disconnection of the input node from the second node, and the connection of the second node to the ground node collectively comprise charging the inductor.

22. An apparatus having a single-inductor multi-output power converter, comprising: a power source; at least two loads; and a single-inductor multi-output power converter, comprising: an input node coupled to the power source; at least two output nodes respectively coupled to the at least two loads; an inductor coupled between the input node and the at least two output nodes; a node disposed between the inductor and the at least two output nodes; and a cross regulation switch coupled between the input node and the node, the single-inductor multi-output power converter configured to, in response to at least one output voltage at the at least two output nodes being greater than a reference voltage, discharge the inductor to transfer energy from the inductor to the power source via the cross regulation switch.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising: control circuitry coupled to the single-inductor multi-output power converter, the control circuitry configured to: monitor the at least one output voltage; determine that the at least one output voltage is greater than the reference voltage; and in response to the determination, cause the single-inductor multi-output power converter to discharge the inductor.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the control circuitry comprises: a current sensor coupled to the inductor; averaging circuitry coupled to the cross regulation switch; error comparator circuitry coupled to the current sensor, the averaging circuitry, and the at least two output nodes; and at least two comparator circuits respectively coupled to the at least two output nodes.

25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the single-inductor multi-output power converter is configured to: ​ charging and discharging the inductor during a first time interval to transfer power from the power source to one of the at least two loads; and discharging the inductor during a second time interval to transfer energy from the inductor to the power source.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the single-inductor multiple-output power converter is configured to operate as a step-down power converter during the first time interval.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the single-inductor multiple-output power converter is configured to operate as a step-up power converter during the first time interval.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the single-inductor multiple-output power converter is configured to operate as a step-down-step-up power converter during the first time interval.

29. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, the single-inductor multiple-output power converter is further configured to discharge the inductor to transfer energy from the inductor to the power source via the cross regulation switch in response to a change in one or more load currents at the at least two output nodes.

30. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, the single-inductor multiple-output power converter is further configured to discharge the inductor to transfer energy from the inductor to the power source via the cross regulation switch in response to a change in one or more reference voltages associated with the at least two loads.

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