A power converter and a power switch controller for a power converter

Abstract

The present application provides a multiphase power converter and a power switch controller for the multiphase power converter. The power switch controller has a current sensing terminal for receiving a current sensing signal and a current limiting terminal for receiving a reference current sensing signal. The power switch controller is configured to drive a corresponding power switch to turn off when the current sensing signal reaches the peak value of the reference current sensing signal, thereby preventing the current flowing through the power switch from continuously increasing. The power switch controller can adjust the multiphase power converter to achieve current balance among multiple power conversion phases.

Description

[0001] Related References

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 700,272, filed on March 21, 2022, and incorporates herein by reference in its entirety the foregoing patent application. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to electronic circuits, and more particularly, to power converters and power switch controllers for power converters. Background Art

[0004] Multiphase power converters are widely used in various applications. However, existing multiphase power converters, such as interleaved boost power factor correction ("PFC") converters and interleaved flyback converters, require complex power switch controllers to drive the main and slave phases of the multiphase power converter. Moreover, different power switch controllers need to be specifically designed for different topologies of multiphase power converters. In addition, a simple and economical solution to achieve current sharing or current balancing between different phases of a multiphase power converter may be one of the important functions required in many applications. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a power converter including N power switch controllers, where N is an integer greater than 1. Each of the N power switch controllers is configured to drive a corresponding one of N power switches, wherein a first power switch controller of the N power switch controllers is configured as a main power switch controller having a current sensing terminal. This current terminal is adapted to sense / receive a first current sensing signal indicative of the current flowing through the corresponding first power switch. For each i ranging from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller of the N power switch controllers is configured to sense / receive an i-th current sensing signal indicative of the current flowing through the corresponding i-th power switch at an i-th current sensing terminal. The i-th power switch controller is further configured to receive the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal at its current limit terminal. The i-th power switch controller is also adapted to be configured to turn off the i-th power switch when the i-th current sensing signal reaches the peak of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a power switch controller adapted to drive one phase of a multiphase power converter. The power switch controller includes a current sensing terminal adapted to be configured to sense / receive a current sensing signal indicative of a current flowing through a power switch in the one phase power converter. The power switch controller further includes a current limit terminal adapted to be configured to receive a reference current sensing signal indicative of a current flowing through another power switch in the power converter. The power switch controller is configured to reset an output switch drive signal when the current sensing signal reaches a peak value of the reference current sensing signal.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a power converter including a first power switch controller configured as a main power switch controller and adapted to sense / receive a first current sensing signal indicative of a current flowing through a power switch of the main power converter. The power converter further includes a second power switch controller configured as a slave power switch controller and adapted to sense / receive a second current sensing signal indicative of a current flowing through a power switch of the corresponding slave power converter. The power converter is further configured to turn off the power switch of the slave power converter when the second current sensing signal reaches a peak value of the first sensing signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure can be further understood with reference to the following detailed description and the drawings, in which like or similar elements are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0009] Figure 1 FIG. 100 schematically shows a power converter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0010] Figure 2 FIG. 200 schematically shows a power switch controller for driving a power switch in one of the power conversion phases of a multiphase power converter according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0011] Figure 3 FIG. 300 schematically shows a peak detection module according to an embodiment of the present application, which can be used as the peak detection module 206 of the power switch controller 200.

[0012] Figure 4 FIG. 400 shows a waveform diagram of several signals in the peak detection module 300 and the power switch controller 200 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 5Schematically shown is a peak detection module 500 according to another embodiment of the present application, which can be used as the peak detection module 206 of the power switch controller 200.

[0014] Figure 6 Schematically shown is a peak detection module 600 according to another embodiment of the present application, which can be used as the peak detection module 206 of the power switch controller 200.

[0015] Figure 7 Schematically shown is a power converter 700 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0016] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure schematically shown in the drawings will now be described in detail. Although the present application will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the present application to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present application is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. In addition, in the following detailed description of the present application, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the technical solutions of the present application can be implemented without these specific details. To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present application, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits are not described herein again.

[0017] "Embodiment" or "example" means that certain features, structures, or characteristics are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. These "embodiments" or "examples" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, the features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments. In addition, the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale. When an element is described as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or it can be connected or coupled to the other element through one or more intermediate elements. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, it means that there is no intermediate element.

[0018] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a power converter 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The power converter 100 may include a rectifying unit 101 for rectifying an alternating current ("AC") input signal VAC to output a rectified direct current ("DC") power supply signal VIN. The power converter 100 may also include a plurality of (e.g., Figure 1In the example, the power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1,..., N} are represented by N. Here, N is an integer greater than 1 and represents the total number of power conversion phases included in the power converter 100. The total number N can be set and determined by the customer / user according to the actual application requirements. That is to say, the parameter i is a variable that traverses the integers from 1 to N. Each of the N power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1, 2,..., N}, as well as all the sub-circuits and components they contain, are configured to use the reference ground potential at the third node GND of the power converter 100 as the ground potential. The input capacitor C IN1 can be coupled between the first node IN and the third node GND of the power converter 100. In one embodiment, the first node IN can be configured to receive the rectified DC power supply signal VIN. The output capacitor Co can be coupled between the second node OUT and the third node GND of the power converter 100.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the rectification unit 101 can exemplarily include four diodes connected to form a full-bridge structure BD1. The first terminal b1 of the full-bridge structure BD1 is coupled to the first terminal a1 of the AC power supply through a fuse F1. The second terminal b2 of the full-bridge structure BD1 is coupled to the first node IN. The third terminal b3 of the full-bridge structure is coupled to the second terminal a2 of the AC power supply. The fourth terminal b4 of the full-bridge structure BD1 is coupled to the third node GND of the power converter 100. The AC power supply can be configured to provide the AC input signal VAC. A capacitive device CX1 can be coupled between the first terminal b1 and the third terminal b3 of the full-bridge structure BD1.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i) among the N power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} may include an i-th power stage 103(i) containing an i-th power switch Q(i) and a corresponding i-th power switch controller 102(i). The i-th power switch controller 102(i) is configured to drive or control the corresponding i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i). In one embodiment, the i-th power switch controller 102(i) is configured to drive or control the i-th power stage 103(i) in the corresponding i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i). In one embodiment, the i-th power switch controller 102(i) is configured to drive the i-th power switch Q(i) in the corresponding i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i) to perform on and off switching. Therefore, it can be understood that the power converter 100 having the N power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} includes N power switches {Q(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} and corresponding N power switch controllers {102(i), i = 1, 2,..., N}. Each of the N power switch controllers {102(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} is configured to drive or control a corresponding one of the N power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1, 2,..., N}. In one embodiment, each of the N power switch controllers {102(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} is configured to drive or control a corresponding one of the N power switches {Q(i), i = 1, 2,..., N}. In one embodiment, the first power conversion phase PHASE(1) among the N power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} may be configured as a main power conversion phase, and the first power switch controller 102(1) among the N power switch controllers {102(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} may be configured as a main power switch controller to provide a first switch drive signal VG(1). The first switch drive signal VG(1) may be a high and low logic switch signal having a switching period T (1) (i.e., the switching period T (1) is the switching period between the logic high level and the logic low level of the first switch drive signal VG(1)), which has a high logic pulse and a low logic pulse within each switching period T (1) and may be configured to drive the first power switch Q(1) among the N power switches {Q(i), i = 1, 2,..., N}.

[0021] In Figure 1In the exemplary embodiments shown, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the i-th power stage 103(i) of the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i) can be configured to have a boost power factor correction (“PFC”) topology. For example, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the i-th power stage 103(i) can include the i-th power switch Q(i). A first terminal D of the i-th power switch Q(i) is coupled to the first node IN via the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i) and is coupled to the second node OUT via the i-th diode D(i), a second terminal S of the i-th power switch Q(i) is coupled to a third node GND, and a control terminal G of the i-th power switch Q(i) can be coupled to the i-th power switch controller 102(i) via a gate resistive device R G(i) In some embodiments, the control terminal G of the i-th power switch Q(i) can also be coupled to the i-th power switch controller 102(i) without passing through the gate resistive device R G(i) coupled to the i-th power switch controller 102(i). The gate resistive device R G(i) can include a parasitic resistance. The first power switch controller 102(1) configured as a main power switch controller can include any power switch controller suitable for generating a main switch drive signal (i.e., the first switch drive signal VG(1)) for driving the first power stage 103(1) having a boost PFC topology. For example, the commercially available power switch controller MP44018A manufactured by Monolithic Power System Inc. can be used as the first power switch controller 102(1). In Figure 1In the example, the first power switch controller 102(1) may have a first terminal (e.g., feedback terminal) FB, a second terminal (e.g., driver output terminal) DRV(1), a third terminal (e.g., regulated power supply terminal) VC(1), and a fourth terminal (e.g., ground terminal) GND(1). The first terminal FB may be configured to receive a feedback signal from the second node OUT of the power converter 100 for indicating the output voltage VO. The second terminal DRV(1) may be configured to provide the first switch drive signal VG(1). The third terminal VC(1) may be configured to allow coupling to a first capacitive device C(1) to store energy so as to generate a regulated voltage signal VCC(1), and the regulated voltage signal VCC(1) may be used as the internal power supply voltage of the first power switch controller 102(1). The fourth terminal GND(1) may be configured to allow connection to the third node GND (or the reference ground potential of the power converter 100). The first power switch controller 102(1) includes at least one voltage feedback loop, and the voltage feedback loop may be configured to generate the first switch drive signal VG(1) at least partially based on the feedback signal received at the first terminal FB. The first power switch controller 102(1) may further include other terminals, such as a fifth terminal (e.g., current sensing terminal) CS(1), which may be configured to sense or receive a current sensing signal VCS(1) indicating the current flowing through the first power switch Q(1) or the first inductive energy storage element L(1). The first power switch controller 102(1) may be further configured to regulate the first switch drive signal VG(1) based on the first current sensing signal VCS(1). The first power switch controller 102(1) may further include a sixth terminal (e.g., compensation terminal) COMP, which may be configured to allow connection to a compensation network (e.g., including a resistor Rz and a capacitor Cz connected in series, and a capacitor Cp connected in parallel with the series-connected resistor Rz and capacitor Cz) to improve the stability of the voltage feedback loop. The first power switch controller 102(1) may further include a seventh terminal (e.g., zero-crossing detection (“ZCD”) terminal) ZCD(1), which may be configured to allow connection to the first inductive energy storage device L(1) through a first ZCD resistor R ZCD(1) to detect whether the current flowing through the inductive energy storage device L(1) crosses zero (or ideally has a zero current value). The first power switch controller 102(1) may further include an eighth terminal (e.g., power supply terminal) MAINSIN, which may be configured to sense the rectified voltage of the AC input signal VAC after rectification. Also, the voltage on the MAINSIN terminal may be used to provide input signal anomalies such as turn-on and turn-off (brown-in and brownout) protection for the power converter 100 based on the input signal and to provide feedforward compensation for the voltage on the COMP terminal. InFigure 1 In the example of, it is exemplarily illustrated that the eighth terminal MAINSIN is coupled to the second terminal a2 of the AC power supply via the first input resistor R IN1 and the first input diode D IN1 and is further coupled to the first terminal b1 or the third terminal b3 of the full-bridge structure BD1 via the first input resistor R IN1 and the second input diode D IN2 to detect the rectified voltage after the AC input signal VAC is rectified. The second input capacitor C IN2 and the second input resistor R IN2 can be coupled in parallel between the eighth terminal MAINSIN and the third node GND of the power converter 100. The first input resistor R IN1 and the second input resistor R IN2 form a resistive voltage divider for inputting the rectified voltage after the AC input signal VAC is rectified to the eighth terminal MAINSIN after voltage division and step-down. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that this is only for providing an example and not for limitation.

[0022] For each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) among the N power switch controllers {102(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} can have a first terminal (such as a power supply terminal) G(i), which can be configured to / receive the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1) from the (i - 1)-th power switch controller 102(i - 1). The i-th power switch controller 102(i) can also be configured to obtain the electrical energy required for the operation of the i-th power switch controller from the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1). That is, the i-th power switch controller 102(i) is powered by the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1), or the operating power supply of the i-th power switch controller 102(i) is provided by the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1). For each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) among the N power switch controllers {102(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} can be configured to / serve as a slave power switch controller and can further have a second terminal (such as a driver output terminal) DRV(i). The power switch controller 102(i) can also be configured to provide the i-th switch drive signal VG(i) at the second terminal DRV(i) based on the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1). Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1) can be regarded as the input switch drive signal of the i-th power switch controller 102(i), while the i-th switch drive signal VG(i) can be regarded as the output switch drive signal of the i-th power switch controller 102(i) and can be used to drive the i-th power switch Q(i) in the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i). Therefore, in Figure 1In an exemplary embodiment, it can be understood that for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), on the one hand, the i-th power switch controller 102(i) obtains the electrical energy required for the operation of the i-th power switch controller from the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1), and on the other hand, based on the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1) from the (i - 1)-th power switch controller, it generates the i-th switch drive signal VG(i). For example, the second power switch controller 102(2) obtains the electrical energy required for the operation of the second power switch controller 102(2) from the first switch drive signal VG(1) on the one hand, and on the other hand, generates the second switch drive signal VG(2) based on the first switch drive signal VG(1) from the main power switch controller 102(1). For each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), powering the i-th power switch controller 102(i) in the i-th power control phase PHASE(i) through the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1) of the (i - 1)-th power conversion phase PHASE(i - 1) has multiple advantages. The (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1) can be a high-low logic switch signal with a switching period T (i-1) and has a high logic pulse and a low logic pulse in each switching period T (i-1) (i.e., the switching period T (i-1) is the switching period between the logic high level and the logic low level of the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1)). Since the switch drive signal VG(i - 1) usually has a well-adjusted voltage amplitude in the range of, for example, 10V to 20V with respect to the reference ground GND of the power converter 100, the i-th power switch controller 102(i) configurable to obtain electrical energy from the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1) according to the embodiments of the present application may not need to be provided with an internal voltage regulator capable of withstanding high voltage. Here, "high voltage" can refer to a voltage higher than the voltage amplitude of the low-side switch drive signal VGL (e.g., 110V to 20V) in one example, or a voltage higher than 20V to 100V in another example, or a voltage higher than 100V to 1500V in another example. Since devices capable of withstanding high voltage are not required, the present application reduces the complexity and cost of designing the i-th power switch controller 102(i).

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) may further have a third terminal (such as a regulated power supply terminal) VC(i) and a fourth terminal (such as a ground terminal) GND(i). Among them, the i-th power switch controller 102(i) may further be configured to allow the i-th capacitive device C(i) to be connected between its third terminal VC(i) and fourth terminal GND(i) for storing energy to provide a regulated voltage signal VCC(i). For example, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th capacitive device C(i) is coupled between the third terminal VC(i) and the fourth terminal GND(i) of the i-th power switch controller 102(i). When the (i - 1) switch drive signal VG(i - 1) provides a regulated voltage signal VCC(i) at the first terminal G(i) of the i-th power switch controller 102(i), the capacitive device C(i) can be charged.

[0024] 0022 According to an embodiment of the present application, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) may further be configured to phase-shift the (i - 1) switch drive signal VG(i - 1) by T (i-1) / N to generate the i-th switch drive signal VG(i). That is, in theory and technically, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) may be configured to generate the i-th switch drive signal VG(i) by copying the (i - 1) switch drive signal VG(i - 1) and superimposing a T (i-1) / N time delay on the (i - 1) switch drive signal VG(i - 1). Therefore, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th switch drive signal VG(i) may have a switching period T (i) and high and low logic pulses in each switching period T (i) (i.e., the switching period T (i) is the switching period between the logic high level and the logic low level of the i-th switch drive signal VG(i)), and the switching period T (i) of the i-th switch drive signal VG(i) may be substantially equal to the switching period T (i-1) of the (i - 1) switch drive signal VG(i - 1), and the pulse width t on(i) may also be substantially equal to the pulse width t of the (i - 1)-th switch on(i), and each rising edge of the i-th switch driving signal VG(i) has a time delay of T / N relative to the (i - 1)-th switch driving signal VG(i - 1). In this specification, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the pulse width t of the i-th switch driving signal VG(i) (i-1) may refer to the width (or duration) of the high logic pulse during each switching period T of the i-th switch driving signal VG(i). According to an exemplary embodiment, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) may further include a fifth terminal (e.g., a setting terminal) SET(i), which may be configured to set the i-th switch driving signal VG(i) to have a phase shift of T / N (i.e., a time delay of T / N) relative to the (i - 1)-th switch driving signal VG(i - 1). For example, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) may be configured to allow a customer or user to set the T / N time delay by connecting an external setting device to the setting terminal SET(i) or by providing a configuration signal to the setting terminal SET(i). on(i) For example, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) may be configured to allow a customer or user to set the T / N time delay by connecting an external setting device to the setting terminal SET(i) or by providing a configuration signal to the setting terminal SET(i). (i) According to an embodiment of the present application, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) may further include a sixth terminal (e.g., a current sensing terminal) CS(i) suitable for sensing or receiving the i-th current sensing signal VCS(i). The i-th current sensing signal VCS(i) indicates the current flowing through the i-th power switch Q(i) or the current flowing through the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i). For example, in practical applications, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the current sensing terminal CS(i) of the i-th power switch controller 102(i) can be used to be coupled to the i-th power switch Q(i) through the i-th current sensing device 104(i). In (i-1) the exemplary embodiment shown, for illustration only and not limitation, the i-th current sensing device 104(i) is shown as including a sensing resistor R (i-1) / N time delay). For example, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) may be configured to allow a customer or user to set the T / N time delay by connecting an external setting device to the setting terminal SET(i) or by providing a configuration signal to the setting terminal SET(i). (i-1) / N time delay.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present application, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) may further include a sixth terminal (e.g., a current sensing terminal) CS(i) suitable for sensing or receiving the i-th current sensing signal VCS(i). The i-th current sensing signal VCS(i) indicates the current flowing through the i-th power switch Q(i) or the current flowing through the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i). For example, in practical applications, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the current sensing terminal CS(i) of the i-th power switch controller 102(i) can be used to be coupled to the i-th power switch Q(i) through the i-th current sensing device 104(i). In Figure 1 the exemplary embodiment shown, for illustration only and not limitation, the i-th current sensing device 104(i) is shown as including a sensing resistor R CS(i) , a current detection filter resistor R CS(2) and a current detection filter capacitor C CS(i) . Among them, the sensing resistor R CS(i) is coupled between the second terminal S of the i-th power switch Q(i) and the ground terminal GND of the i-th power switch controller 102(i) (or the ground potential of the power converter 100), and the current detection filter resistor RCS(2) coupled between the current sensing terminal CS(i) of the i-th power switch controller 102(i) and the second terminal S of the i-th power switch Q(i), the current detection filter capacitor C CS(i) coupled between the current sensing terminal CS(i) of the i-th power switch controller 102(i) and the ground terminal GND of the i-th power switch controller 102(i) (or the ground potential of the power converter 100). In some embodiments, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the current detection filter resistor R in the above-described exemplary i-th current sensing device 104(i) CS(2) and / or the current detection filter capacitor C CS(i) can be omitted. In other embodiments, for each i traversing from 1 to N, as long as it is applicable to sample the current flowing through the i-th power switch Q(i) or the current flowing through the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i), the i-th current sensing device 104(i) can include any suitable elements or circuits. For example, in an alternative embodiment, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the i-th current sensing device 104(i) can include a current sensing transistor connected in parallel with the i-th power switch Q(i). At this time, the i-th power switch controller 102(i), the i-th current sensing device 104(i), and the i-th power switch Q(i) can be integrated in a single die or packaged in a single chip. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that ideally, the N current sensing devices {104(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} should match each other (i.e., be consistent with each other).

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present application, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) can also be configured to receive the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) from the (i - 1)-th power switch controller 102(i - 1) to detect the peak CSPK of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) (i-1) and use the peak CSPK of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) (i-1) as the current threshold of the i-th power switch controller 102(i). This current threshold is applicable to limit the peak current IPK flowing through the i-th power switch Q(i) (or flowing through the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i)) (i) . For example, for each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller 102(i) is suitable to be configured to compare the i-th current sensing signal VCS(i) with the peak CSPK of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) (i-1)Compare. When the i-th current sensing signal VCS(i) reaches the peak CSPK of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal VCS(i - 1), (i-1) reset the i-th switch drive signal VG(i) to logic low. The i-th switch drive signal VG(i) reset to logic low is adapted to turn off the i-th power switch Q(i), thereby preventing the current flowing through the i-th power switch Q(i) (or flowing through the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i)) from continuing to increase. At this time, for each i traversing from 2 to N, since the i-th current sensing signal VCS(i) indicates the current flowing through the i-th power switch Q(i) (or flowing through the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i)) and the peak CSPK of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal VCS(i - 1), (i-1) actually indicates the peak current flowing through the (i - 1)-th power switch Q(i - 1) (or flowing through the (i - 1)-th inductive energy storage device L(i - 1)), so the i-th power switch controller 102(i) can turn off the i-th power switch Q(i) in time when the i-th current sensing signal VCS(i) reaches the peak CSPK of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal VCS(i - 1), (i-1) to achieve the purpose of making the peak current IPK flowing through the i-th power switch Q(i) (or flowing through the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i)) (i) match or be substantially consistent with the peak current IPK flowing through the (i - 1)-th power switch Q(i - 1) (or flowing through the (i - 1)-th inductive energy storage device L(i - 1)). (i-1) Therefore, the N power switch controllers {102(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} can adjust the power converter 100 to achieve current balance between the N power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1, 2,..., N}.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, except for the first power switch controller 102(1) which serves as the main power switch controller, the remaining (N - 1) power switch controllers {102(i), i = 2,..., N} can be slave power switch controllers that are identical to each other and different from the main power switch controller 102(1) (i.e., having the same terminals / pins, the same functions, the same internal circuits and configurations, etc.). For example, each slave power switch controller {102(i), i = 2,..., N} can include the same power switch controller, which can be formed in a single integrated circuit chip or a single integrated circuit die. The slave power switch controllers {102(i), i = 2,..., N} can be "universal" for cooperating with other main power switch controllers and configured to / form any topology of other cross - multi - phase power converters. Therefore, they are hereinafter referred to as "universal" power switch controllers in the present application. Although the power converter topology may have different topologies according to various application requirements, the above - mentioned method can greatly facilitate customers / users to form power converters with any number of N - phases (N≥2) in practical applications. In addition, such a "universal" power switch controller used as a slave power switch controller, for example, the i - th power switch controller 102(i) (i ranges from 2 to N), does not need to have a complex internal circuit like the main power switch controller (such as the above - mentioned first power switch controller 102(1)) to form an adjustment feedback loop. The slave power switch controller can simply copy and phase - shift the (i - 1) - th switch drive signal VG(i - 1) from the previous (i - 1) - th power conversion phase PHASE(i - 1) to provide the i - th switch drive signal VG(i) to drive the i - th power switch Q(i) in the current i - th power conversion phase PHASE(i). The main power switch controller, that is, the first power switch controller 102(1) completes the complex adjustment feedback loop. And, such a "universal" power switch controller used as a slave power switch controller, for example, the i - th power switch controller 102(i) (i ranges from 2 to N), also does not require a complex circuit for current sharing / current balance. It only needs to detect the peak CSPK of the (i - 1) - th current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) from the (i - 1) - th power conversion phase PHASE(i - 1) (i-1) and use the peak CSPK of the (i - 1) - th current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) (i-1) as a current threshold to limit the peak CSPK of the i - th current sensing signal VCS(i) (i) to achieve good current sharing / current balance performance. Wherein, the peak CSPK of the i - th current sensing signal VCS(i) (i)Indicates the peak current IPK flowing through the i-th power switch Q(i) (or flowing through the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i)) in the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i) (i) . Therefore, the "general-purpose" power switch controller according to various embodiments of the present disclosure allows for greater flexibility and reduces the design complexity and cost of customer / user configuration of cross-multi-phase power converters.

[0028] Figure 2 Schematically shows a power switch controller 200, which can be used to drive a power switch of one of the power conversion phases of a multi-phase power converter according to an embodiment of the present application (for example, such as Figure 1 the power converter 100 shown or Figure 5 the power converter 700 shown). The power switch controller 200 can be used as the above-mentioned "general-purpose" power switch controller, which can be "general-purpose" for cooperating with other main power switch controllers and configured to / form any topology of other power converters including N power conversion phases (N≥2). For example, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the power switch controller 200 can be configured as the i-th slave power switch controller 102(i) of the power converter 100. That is, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 102(i) of the power converter 100 can include exactly the same power switch controller, such as the power switch controller 200. The power switch controller 200 can be formed in a single integrated circuit chip or a single integrated circuit die and can be "general-purpose" for cooperating with other main power switch controllers and configured to / form other cross-multi-phase power converters.

[0029] The power switch controller 200 may have a first terminal (e.g., a power supply terminal) G(i) configured to receive an input switch drive signal VG(i - 1), where the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1) is used to drive a power switch of another power conversion phase of the multiphase power converter. The power switch controller 200 may also have a second terminal (e.g., a drive output terminal) DRV(i), which may be configured to provide an output switch drive signal VG(i) to drive a power switch of one of the power conversions of the multiphase power converter. The power switch controller 200 may also be configured to obtain the electrical energy required for the operation of the power switch controller 200 from the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1) received at the first terminal G(i), and provide the output switch drive signal VG(i) based on the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1). The power switch controller 200 may also have a third terminal (e.g., a regulated power supply terminal) VC(i) and a fourth terminal (e.g., a ground terminal) GND, and may be further configured to provide a regulated voltage signal (e.g., VCC(i)) when a capacitive device (e.g., C(i)) is coupled between its third terminal VC(i) and its fourth terminal GND(i). The power switch controller 200 may also be configured to phase - shift the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1) by T (i-1) / N to generate the output switch drive signal VG(i), where T (i-1) is the switching period of the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1), and N is the total number of power conversion phases included in the multiphase power converter. That is, in theory and technically, the power switch controller 200 may be configured to generate the i - th switch drive signal VG(i) by replicating the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1) and superimposing a time delay of T (i-1) / N on the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1). The power switch controller 200 may also include a fifth terminal (e.g., a setting terminal) SET(i), which may be configured to set the phase - shift amount T (i-1) / N of the i - th switch drive signal VG(i) relative to the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1) (i.e., the time delay of T (i-1) / N). For example, in Figure 1In the example, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), when the power switch controller 200 is used as the i-th power switch controller 102(i) of the i-th power switch Q(i) in the i-th phase of the multi-phase power converter 100, the power switch controller 200 can be configured to receive the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1) from the (i - 1)-th power switch controller 102(i - 1) as the input switch drive signal, where the (i - 1)-th power switch controller 102(i - 1) is used to drive the (i - 1)-th power switch Q(i - 1) in another power conversion phase (i.e., the (i - 1)-th phase).

[0030] The power switch controller 200 may further include a sixth terminal (e.g., a current sensing terminal) CS(i) adapted to sense or receive the i-th current sensing signal VCS(i). The i-th current sensing signal VCS(i) indicates the current flowing through the power switch (e.g., the i-th power switch Q(i)) in one of the power conversion phases (e.g., the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i)) of the multi-phase power converter (e.g., the power converter 100). The power switch controller 200 may further include a seventh terminal (e.g., a current limiting terminal) CS_REF(i) adapted to receive a reference current sensing signal VCS(i - 1). The reference current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) indicates the current flowing through the power switch (e.g., the (i - 1)-th power switch Q(i - 1)) in another power conversion phase (e.g., the (i - 1)-th power conversion phase PHASE(i - 1)) of the multi-phase power converter (e.g., the power converter 100). The power switch controller 200 is further configured to reset the output switch drive signal VG(i) once the current sensing signal VCS(i) reaches the peak CSPK of the reference current sensing signal VCS(i - 1). (i-1) For example, reset it to a logic low level. The output switch drive signal VG(i) is adapted to turn off the power switch (e.g., the i-th power switch Q(i)) in one of the power conversion phases (e.g., the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i)) of the multi-phase power converter when it is reset.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, still referring to Figure 2, the power switch controller 200 may include an internal regulation module 201 coupled between a first terminal G(i) and a third terminal VC(i) of the power switch controller 200, which is configured to convert an input switch drive signal VG(i - 1) into a regulated voltage signal VCC(i) when a capacitive energy storage device is coupled between the third terminal and a fourth terminal GND(i). In one embodiment, the internal regulation module 201 may include, for example, a rectifier (such as a MOSFET or a diode), which is configured to conduct unidirectionally in the direction from the first terminal G(i) to the third terminal VC(i) of the power switch controller 200 and block in the reverse direction (non-conduct) in the direction from the third terminal VC(i) to the first terminal G(i) of the power switch controller 200. In an alternative embodiment, the internal regulation module 201 may include a regulator (such as an LDO regulator) instead of a rectifier. Since the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1) typically has a voltage amplitude in the range of, for example, 10V to 20V with respect to the reference ground at the third node GND of the power converter 100, the power switch controller 200 may not require its internal regulation module 201 to be able to withstand high voltages. Here, "high voltage" may refer to a voltage higher than the voltage amplitude of the low-side switch drive signal VGL (such as 10V to 20V) in one example, or even higher than 20V to 100V in another example, or higher than 100V to 1500V in another example. For example, the internal regulation module 201 may be composed of low-voltage devices (such as having a breakdown voltage lower than the voltage amplitude of the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1)). Low-voltage devices not only have the advantages of low cost and small size but also help to reduce design complexity and power consumption.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment, still referring to Figure 2 , the power switch controller 200 may further include a phase-shift control module 202 coupled to the first terminal G(i), which is configured to generate a set control signal G(i)_S and a reset control signal G(i)_R based on the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1). The set control signal G(i)_S may be configured to set the output switch drive signal VG(i) to a logic high level after a delay of T (i-1) / N in response to each rising edge of the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1), and the reset control signal G(i)_R may be configured to reset the output switch drive signal VG(i) to a logic low level after a delay of T (i-1) / N in response to each falling edge of the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1). Where T (i-1) is the switching period of the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1) (i.e., T (i-1)is the switching period between the logic high level and the logic low level of the input switch driving signal VG(i - 1), and N is the total number of power conversion phases included in the multiphase power converter. That is, in response to each rising edge of the input switch driving signal VG(i - 1), the set control signal G(i)_S can be configured to set the output switch driving signal VG(i) to the logic high level once the rising edge of the input switch driving signal VG(i - 1) has passed for T (i-1) / N time. In response to each falling edge of the input switch driving signal VG(i - 1), the reset control signal G(i)_R can be configured to reset the output switch driving signal VG(i) to the logic low level once the falling edge of the input switch driving signal VG(i - 1) has passed for T (i-1) / N time. According to an embodiment, the phase shift control module 202 can be further coupled to a fifth terminal (e.g., a setting terminal) SET(i), and can be configured to allow a customer / user to set the phase shift amount T (i-1) / N (i.e., the time delay of T (i-1) / N) by connecting an external setting device to the setting terminal SET(i) or by providing a configuration signal to the setting terminal SET(i).

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the phase shift control module 202 can be configured to detect the switching period T (i-1) of the input switch driving signal VG(i - 1) (e.g., the (i - 1)-th switch driving signal VG(i - 1) when the power switch controller 200 is used as the i-th power switch controller 102(i) of the power converter 100). The phase shift control module 202 can also be configured to generate a set pulse 401 of the set control signal G(i)_S after a delay of T (i-1) / N in response to each rising edge of the input switch driving signal VG(i - 1) (which can be further understood with reference to the waveform diagram). That is, starting from the moment when each rising edge of the input switch driving signal VG(i - 1) arrives, once T Figure 4 has passed (i-1)When the time delay is / N, the phase shift control module 202 generates a set pulse 401 of the set control signal G(i)_S. Each set pulse 401 of the set control signal G(i)_S can be configured to set the output switch drive signal VG(i) (for example, the i-th switch drive signal VG(i) when the power switch controller 200 is used as the i-th power switch controller 102(i) of the power converter 100) to a logic high level. That is, each set pulse 401 of the set control signal G(i)_S triggers the rising edge of a switch drive signal VG(i). The phase shift control module 202 can be further coupled to a fifth terminal (such as a setting terminal) SET(i), and can be configured to allow a customer / user to set the phase shift amount T (i-1) / N (i.e., T (i-1) / N of the time delay). As long as it is possible to detect the switching period T (i-1) of the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1) and perform a delay of T (i-1) / N after each rising edge of the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1) to generate each set pulse 401_S of the set control signal G(i)_S, the phase shift control module 202 can include any suitable circuit.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment, the phase shift control module 202 can be configured to detect the pulse width t on(i-1) of the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1) (for example, the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal VG(i - 1) when the power switch controller 200 is used as the i-th power switch controller 102(i) of the power converter 100). The phase shift control module 202 can be further configured to generate a reset pulse 403 of the reset control signal G(i)_R when the time of the pulse width t on(i-1) has passed after each rising edge of the output switch drive signal VG(i), in response to each rising edge (or can respond to each set pulse 401 of the set control signal G(i)_S). That is, starting from the moment when each rising edge of the output switch drive signal VG(i) (or each set pulse 401 of the set control signal G(i)_S) arrives, once the pulse width t on(i-1)After a certain time, the phase shift control module 202 generates a reset pulse 403 of the reset control signal G(i)_R. Each reset pulse 403_R of the reset control signal G(i) can be configured to reset the output switch drive signal VG(i) (for example, when the power switch controller 200 is used as the i-th power switch controller 102(i) of the power converter 100, the i-th switch drive signal VG(i)) to a logic low level. That is, each reset pulse 403 of the reset control signal G(i)_R triggers a falling edge of the output switch drive signal VG(i). As long as it is possible to detect the pulse width t of the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1) on(i-1) and generate a reset pulse 403 of the reset control signal G(i)_R in response to each rising edge of the output switch drive signal VG(i) and after a delay of T (i-1) / N, the phase shift control module 202 can include any suitable circuitry.

[0035] Still referring to Figure 2 , the power switch controller 200 can also include a logic control module 203 and a driver 204. The logic control module 203 can be configured to at least directly or indirectly receive the set control signal G(i)_S and the reset control signal G(i)_R and provide an output control signal CTRL(i) at least partially based on the set control signal G(i)_S and the reset control signal G(i)_R. The driver 204 can be powered by a regulated voltage signal VCC(i) and can be configured to amplify the driving ability of the output control signal CTRL(i) to provide the output switch drive signal VG(i).

[0036] In one embodiment, the logic control module 203 can have a set input S1, a reset input R1, and an in-phase output Q. In one embodiment, the set control signal G(i)_S can be directly fed to the set input S1 of the logic control module 203, and the logic control module 203 can be configured to set the output control signal CTRL(i) (or the output switch drive signal VG(i)) to a logic high level in response to each set pulse 401 of the set control signal G(i)_S. By way of example only and not limitation, in other embodiments, simple logic operations can be performed on the set control signal G(i)_S and other signals involved in setting the output control signal CTRL(i) (or the output switch drive signal VG(i)) (for example Figure 2The logical AND shown in (thus provides a set signal ST to the set input terminal S of the logic control module 203). For example, in one embodiment, other signals participating in setting the output control signal CTRL(i) (or the output switch drive signal VG(i)) may include a valley control signal Valley(i). For this case, the power switch controller 200 may further include an eighth terminal (such as a zero-crossing detection terminal) ZCD(i). For each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), when the power switch controller 200 is used as the i-th power switch controller 102(i) of the power converter 100, the eighth terminal ZCD(i) may be coupled to the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i) of the i-th power stage 103(i) via, for example, the i-th zero-crossing detection resistor R ZCD(i) coupled to the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i) of the i-th power stage 103(i). For each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), when the power switch controller 200 is used to act as the i-th power switch controller 102(i) for driving the i-th power switch Q(i) of the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i) of the power converter 100, the eighth terminal ZCD(i) may be configured to sense the zero current flowing through the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i) to provide a zero-crossing indication signal, and may further be configured to sense the quasi-resonant voltage valley across the i-th power switch Q(i). The power switch controller 200 may further include a valley lock module 205 coupled to the eighth terminal (such as the zero-crossing detection terminal) ZCD(i) for receiving a signal indicating the quasi-resonant voltage valley across the i-th power switch Q(i). The valley lock module 205 may be configured to lock the number of times the voltage across the i-th power switch Q(i) reaches the quasi-resonant voltage valley to a preset value (e.g., according to actual application requirements, the preset value may range from 1 to 7 or more) to avoid audible noise caused by the voltage valley of the i-th power switch Q(i) jumping back and forth. In an alternative embodiment, other signals participating in setting the output control signal CTRL(i) (or the output switch drive signal VG(i)) may include a minimum off-time control signal T off_min . The minimum off-time control signal T off_min may be configured to limit the minimum pulse width of the logic low pulse of the output control signal CTRL(i) (or the output switch drive signal VG(i)) within one switching period T (i) . For each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), when the power switch controller 200 is used to act as the i-th power switch controller 102(i) for driving the power converter 100, the minimum off-time control signal T off_minIt can help limit the maximum switching frequency of the i-th power switch driven by the output switch driving signal VG(i) and ensure that the discharge time of the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i) is long enough. The minimum turn-off time control signal T off_min also helps enhance the noise immunity and prevent false triggering (for example, in an actual circuit, false triggering of the zero-crossing indication signal may be caused by various reasons such as parasitic capacitance, inductance, and resistance).

[0037] In one embodiment, the reset control signal G(i)_R can be directly fed to the reset input terminal R1 of the logic control module 203, and the logic control module 203 can be configured to reset the output control signal CTRL(i) (or the output switch driving signal VG(i)) to a logic low level in response to each reset pulse 403 of the reset control signal G(i)_R. By way of example only and not limitation, in other embodiments, simple logic operations (such as Figure 2 the logical OR operation shown in the example) can be performed on the reset control signal G(i)_R and other signals involved in resetting the output control signal CTRL(i) (or the output switch driving signal VG(i)) to provide a reset signal RST to the reset input terminal R of the logic control module 203.

[0038] For example, in one embodiment, other signals involved in resetting the output control signal CTRL(i) (or the output switch driving signal VG(i)) may include a current limit signal CL(i). The power switch controller 200 may further include a peak detection module 206 coupled to the current limit terminal CS_REF(i) of the power switch controller 200. The peak detection module 206 is configured to sample, hold, and output the peak CSPK of the reference current sense signal VCS(i - 1) (i-1) . The power switch controller 200 may further include a current limit module 207, which is coupled to the peak detection module 206 on one hand to receive the peak CSPK of the reference current sense signal VCS(i - 1) (i-1) , and on the other hand is also coupled to the current sense terminal CS(i) of the power switch controller 200 to receive a current sense signal VCS(i) indicating the current flowing through the power switch of one of the power conversion phases of the multiphase power converter. The current limit module 207 is configured to compare the current sense signal VCS(i) with the peak CSPK of the reference current sense signal VCS(i - 1) (i-1) to provide a current limit signal CL(i). The current limit signal CL(i) is applicable when the current sense signal VCS(i) reaches the peak CSPK of the reference current sense signal VCS(i - 1) (i-1)When triggered, the output control signal CTRL(i) or the output switch drive signal VG(i) is reset. For example, for each i that traverses from 2 to N, when the power switch controller 200 is used to act as the i-th power switch controller 102(i) to drive one of the power conversion phases of the power converter 100 as shown in Figure 1 When the i-th power switch Q(i) in one of the power conversion phases (i.e., the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i)) of the power converter 100 is shown, the current sensing signal VCS(i) indicates the current flowing through the i-th power switch Q(i), while the reference current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) indicates the current flowing through the (i - 1)-th power switch Q(i - 1) in another power conversion phase (i.e., the (i - 1)-th power conversion phase PHASE(i - 1)). In one embodiment, a first leading-edge blanking circuit LEB1 may be further included and coupled between the current sensing terminal CS(i) of the controller 200 and the current limit module 207 to blank or shield the initial spike on the current sensing signal VCS(i).

[0039] In one embodiment, other signals participating in resetting the output control signal CTRL(i) (or the output switch drive signal VG(i)) may further include a short-circuit protection signal SCP(i). At this time, the power switch controller 200 may further include a short-circuit protection module 208, which is coupled to the current sensing terminal CS(i) of the power switch controller 200 to receive the current sensing signal VCS(i), and the current sensing signal VCS(i) indicates the current flowing through the power switch of one of the power conversion phases of the multi-phase power converter. The short-circuit protection module 208 is configured to compare the current sensing signal VCS(i) with a short-circuit protection threshold signal SCP_TH to provide the short-circuit protection signal SCP(i). The short-circuit protection signal SCP(i) is applicable to trigger the reset of the output control signal CTRL(i) or the output switch drive signal VG(i) when the current sensing signal VCS(i) reaches the short-circuit protection threshold signal SCP_TH. It can be understood that for each i that traverses from 2 to N, when the power switch controller 200 is used to act as the i-th power switch controller 102(i) to drive as shown in Figure 1When the i-th power switch Q(i) in one of the power conversion phases of the power converter 100 shown (i.e., the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i)) is concerned, once the current sensing signal VCS(i) reaches the short-circuit protection threshold signal SCP_TH, the power switch controller 200 determines that a short circuit has occurred in one of the power conversion phases of the power converter 100 (i.e., the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i)), and resets the output control signal CTRL(i) or the output switch drive signal VG(i) to turn off the i-th power switch Q(i) in one of the power conversion phases of the power converter 100 (i.e., the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i)). In one embodiment, a second leading-edge blanking circuit LEB2 may be further included and coupled between the current sensing terminal CS(i) of the controller 200 and the short-circuit protection module 208 to blank or shield the initial spike on the current sensing signal VCS(i).

[0040] In one embodiment, other signals participating in resetting the output control signal CTRL(i) (or the output switch drive signal VG(i)) may further include a fault indication signal Fault(i). For example, the fault indication signal Fault(i) may indicate any type of abnormal condition of the power converter system (e.g., the power converter 100 using the power switch controller 200 as the i-th power switch controller 102(i), where i ranges from 2 to N), such as overvoltage condition, overcurrent condition, over-temperature condition, system idle condition, etc.

[0041] Figure 3 A peak detection module 300 according to an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown, which can be used as the peak detection module 206 of the power switch controller 200. Figure 4 A waveform diagram 400 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, showing the waveforms of several signals in the peak detection module 300 and the power switch controller 200.

[0042] To provide an example, as Figure 3The peak detection module 300 shown also includes a rising-edge trigger pulse generator 3011 configured to generate a single pulse 402 in response to each rising edge of the input switch drive signal VG(i-1) to provide a first sampling control signal SH1. That is, at each rising edge of the input switch drive signal VG(i-1), the first sampling control signal SH1 has a pulse 402. The peak detection module 300 also includes a first sampling control switch 3014 coupled between the output terminal of the peak detection module 300 and the ground terminal GND(i) of the power switch controller 200. The first sampling control switch 3014 has a control terminal configured to receive the first sampling control signal SH1. Thus, at each rising edge of the input switch drive signal VG(i-1), each pulse 402 of the first sampling control signal SH1 causes the sampling control switch 3014 to conduct for a very short period (e.g., within the pulse width time of the pulse 402) to discharge the output terminal of the peak detection module 300, thereby clearing the charge on the output terminal of the peak detection module 300. The peak detection module 300 also includes a falling-edge trigger pulse generator 3012 configured to generate a single pulse 404 in response to each falling edge of the input switch drive signal VG(i-1) to provide a second sampling control signal SH2. That is, at each falling edge of the input switch drive signal VG(i-1), the second sampling control signal SH2 has a pulse 404. The peak detection module 300 may further include a sample-and-hold circuit 3017. The input terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit 3017 is coupled to the current-limiting terminal CS_REF(i) to receive the reference current sensing signal VCS(i-1). The control terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit 3017 is configured to receive the second sampling control signal SH2. The output terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit 3017 is coupled to a hold capacitor 3018. The sample-and-hold circuit 3017 samples the amplitude of the reference current sensing signal VCS(i-1) in response to each pulse 404 of the second sampling control signal SH2. It can be understood that the sample-and-hold circuit 3017 samples the amplitude of the reference current sensing signal VCS(i-1) in response to each falling edge of the input switch drive signal VG(i-1) and holds the sampled voltage amplitude to provide the peak CSPK of the current sensing signal VCS(i-1) at the output terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit 3017 (i-1) . Wherein, the output terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit 3017 can be used as the output terminal of the peak detection module 300. In this way, the peak detection module 300 can refresh and hold the peak CSPK of the reference current sensing signal VCS(i-1) in each switching period T(i-1) of the input switch drive signal VG(i-1) (i-1) .

[0043] To provide another example, Figure 5 FIG. schematically shows a peak detection module 500 according to another embodiment of the present application, which can also be used as the peak detection module 206 of the power switch controller 200. Compared with Figure 3 the peak detection module 300 shown, the peak detection module 500 is different only in that it further includes a noise-resistant circuit 3013 and a capacitor 3015. The noise-resistant circuit 3013 is coupled between the current-limiting terminal CS_REF(i) of the power switch controller 200 and the input terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit 3017. The noise-resistant circuit 3013 can be configured to transmit the reference current sensing signal VCS(i-1) from the current-limiting terminal CS_REF(i) to the sample-and-hold circuit 3017, while blocking the signal transmission from the sample-and-hold circuit 3017 to the current-limiting terminal CS_REF(i) in the reverse direction. The capacitor 3015 can be coupled between the input terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit 3017 and the ground terminal GND(i). Therefore, at each rising edge of the input switch drive signal VG(i-1), a pulse 402 of the first sample control signal SH1 turns on the sample control switch 3014 to discharge the output terminal of the peak detection module 500. In Figure 5 FIG., the noise-resistant circuit 3013 is schematically shown as including a compensation voltage source with a predetermined voltage value VF_C and a diode DF_C. The compensation voltage source has a first terminal coupled to the current-limiting terminal CS_REF(i) and a second terminal coupled to the anode of the diode DF_C. The cathode of the diode DF_C can be coupled to the input terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit 3017. However, this is only an example and not a limitation. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the noise-resistant circuit 3013 can help improve the noise-resistant performance of the peak detection module 500 and can have various implementation configurations. To provide another example, Figure 6 FIG. schematically shows a peak detection module 600 according to another embodiment of the present application, which can also be used as the peak detection module 206 of the power switch controller 200. Compared with Figure 3 the peak detection module 300 shown, the peak detection module 600 is different only in that it further includes an amplifier 3016 with a preset gain K. The amplifier 3016 is coupled between the current-limiting terminal CS_REF(i) of the controller 200 and the input terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit 3017. The amplifier 3016 can help improve the noise-resistant performance of the peak detection module 600 and minimize the influence of the circuit element tolerance. At this time, the power switch controller 200 can further include an amplifier 209 with a preset gain K, and the amplifier 209 is matched with the amplifier 3016. The amplifier 209 (in Figure 2It is shown by a dashed line in the figure to indicate that the amplifier 209 is optional and applicable to embodiments using the peak detection module 600). In this example, it can be coupled between the current sensing terminal CS(i) of the power switch controller 200 and the current limiting module 207.

[0044] Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the peak detection modules 300, 500, and 600 described herein with reference to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 are all exemplary and not restrictive. Given the above teachings, many modifications and variations to the peak detection module (such as 300 or 500 or 600) that can be used as the peak detection module 206 of the power switch controller 200 are possible. As long as the peak CSPK of the reference current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) can be sampled and refreshed during each switching period T of the input switch drive signal VG(i - 1) (i-1) and the peak CSPK of the reference current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) that is refreshed by the switching period is provided to the current limiting module 207 (i-1) , the peak detection module 206 can include any suitable circuit. That is, for example, in the example of (i-1) , for each i ranging from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can range from 2 to N as an integer), when the power switch controller 200 is used as the i-th power switch controller 102(i), the peak detection module 206 is adapted to be configured to discharge the output terminal of the peak detection module 206 in response whenever the (i - 1)-th power switch Q(i - 1) is turned on, and is also adapted to be configured to sample the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) and provide the peak CSPK of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal VCS(i - 1) at the output terminal of the current limiting module 207 whenever the (i - 1)-th power switch Q(i - 1) is turned off Figure 1 . Those of ordinary skill in the art should also understand that the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth" mentioned in the above description related to (i-1) do not refer to any order / sequence, but are only used to distinguish different circuit components and different signals. Figures 3 to 6

[0045] Figure 7Schematically shown is a power converter 700 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which uses a "general-purpose" power switch controller (such as the power switch controller 200) as a slave power switch controller to cooperate with the main power switch controller 502(1). The power converter 700 may include a rectification unit 501 for rectifying an alternating current ("AC") input signal VAC to output a rectified direct current ("DC") power supply signal VIN. The power converter 700 further includes N power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1,..., N} connected in parallel between a first node (e.g., a DC input node) IN and a second node (e.g., an output node) OUT, where N is an integer greater than 1, which represents the total number of power conversion phases included in the power converter 700. The total number N can be set and determined by the customer / user according to actual application requirements. That is, the parameter i is a variable that traverses integers from 1 to N. All sub-circuits and components included in each of the N power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} are configured to use the reference ground potential at the third node GND of the power converter 700 as the ground potential of each power conversion phase PHASE(i). An input capacitor C IN1 may be coupled between the first node IN and the third node GND of the power converter 700. In one embodiment, the first node IN may be configured to receive the rectified DC power supply signal VIN. An output capacitor Co may be coupled between the second node OUT and the third node GND of the power converter 700.

[0046] In Figure 7 the example of, the rectification unit 501 may exemplarily include four diodes connected to form a full-bridge structure BD1. The first terminal b1 of the full-bridge structure is coupled to the first winding of an inductive device (such as a transformer) L CM1 ; the second terminal b2 of the full-bridge structure is coupled to the first node IN; the third terminal b3 of the full-bridge structure is coupled to the second winding of the inductive device L CM1 ; and the fourth terminal b4 of the full-bridge structure is coupled to the third node GND of the power converter 700. For the rectification unit 501, the first terminal a1 of the AC source may be coupled to the second winding of the inductive device LCM1 via a fuse F1, the second terminal a2 of the AC source may be coupled to the first winding of the inductive device LCM1, a capacitive device CX1 may be coupled between the first terminal a1 and the second terminal a2 of the AC source, and another capacitive device CX2 may be coupled between the first terminal b1 and the third terminal b3 of the full-bridge structure BD1. The AC power supply may be configured to provide the AC input signal VAC.

[0047] Similar to the power converter 100, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i) among the N power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} that the power converter 700 has may include the i-th power stage 503(i), and the i-th power stage 503(i) has the i-th power switch Q(i) and the corresponding i-th power switch controller 502(i) for driving the i-th power switch Q to perform on or off switching. The i-th power switch controller 502(i) is configured to drive or control the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i). In one embodiment, the i-th power switch controller 502(i) is configured to drive or control the i-th power stage 503(i). In one embodiment, the i-th power switch controller 502(i) is configured to drive or control the i-th power switch Q(i). Therefore, it can be understood that the power converter 700 having N power converter phases {PHASE(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} may include N power switches {Q(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} and N power switch controllers {502(i), i = 1, 2,..., N}, and one of the N power switch controllers {502(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} is configured to drive or control the corresponding one of the N power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1, 2,..., N}. In one embodiment, one of the N power switch controllers {502(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} is configured to drive or control the corresponding one of the N power switches {Q(i), i = 1, 2,..., N}. In one embodiment, the first power conversion phase PHASE(1) among the N power conversion phases {PHASE(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} may be configured as the main power conversion phase, and the first power switch controller 502(1) among the N power switch controllers {502(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} may be configured as the main power switch controller to provide the first switch drive signal VG(1). The first switch drive signal VG(1) may be a high-low logic switch signal having a switching period T (1) and has high logic pulses and low logic pulses within each switching period T (1) and may be configured to drive the first power switch Q(1) among the N power switches {Q(i), i = 1, 2,..., N}.

[0048] In Figure 7In the exemplary embodiment shown, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the i-th power stage 503(i) in the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i) may be configured to have a flyback topology. For example, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the i-th power stage 503(i) may include an i-th power switch having a first terminal D coupled to the first node IN through the primary winding w1 of the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i), a second terminal S coupled to the third node GND, and a control terminal G coupled to the i-th power switch controller 502(i) via (or without) a gating resistance device R G(i) coupled to the control terminal G of the i-th power switch controller 502(i). The gating resistance device R G(i) may include a parasitic resistance. In one embodiment, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the first terminal D of the i-th power switch Q(i) may also be coupled to the node NP through the i-th primary diode DP(i), and the node NP is coupled to the first node IN of the power converter 700 through a second input capacitor C IN2 and a second input resistance R IN2 connected in parallel between the first node IN and the node NP. For each i traversing from 1 to N, the secondary winding w2 of the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i) may be coupled to the second node OUT of the power converter 700 through, for example, the i-th secondary diode D s(i) The first power switch controller 502(1) configured as the main power switch controller may include any power switch controller suitable for generating the main switch drive signal (i.e., the first switch drive signal VG(1)) required for the first power stage 503(i) having a flyback topology. For example, the commercial power switch controllers MPX2001 / 2 / 3, HFC0300, HFC0310, HFC0500, HFC0650 manufactured by CoreSource Systems can be used as the first power switch controller 502(1). In Figure 5In the example, the first power switch controller 502(1) may have a first terminal (such as a feedback terminal) FB, a second terminal (such as a driver output terminal) DRV(1), a third terminal (such as a regulated power supply terminal) VC(1), and a fourth terminal (such as a ground terminal) GND. The first terminal FB may be configured to receive a feedback signal from the second node OUT of the power converter 700 for indicating the output voltage (also denoted as VO for simplicity), the second terminal DRV(1) may be configured to provide a first switch drive signal VG(1), the third terminal VC(1) may be configured to / for allowing coupling to the auxiliary winding w3 of the first inductive energy storage device L(1) for obtaining energy to generate a regulated voltage signal VCC(1) used as the internal power supply voltage of the first power switch controller 502(1), and the fourth terminal GND may be configured to / for allowing coupling to the reference ground potential of the power converter 700. The diode DVC may be coupled between the third terminal VC(1) of the first power switch controller 502(1) and the auxiliary winding w3 of the first inductive energy storage device L(1) to prevent reverse charging from the third terminal VC(1) to the auxiliary winding w3. The first power switch controller 502(1) may at least include a voltage feedback loop, which may be configured to generate the first switch drive signal VG(1) at least partially based on the feedback signal received at the first terminal FB. The first power switch controller 502(1) may also include other terminals, such as a fifth terminal (such as a current sensing terminal) CS(1), and the fifth terminal CS(1) may be configured to / for sensing or receiving a first current sensing signal VCS(1) indicating the current flowing through the first power switch Q(1) or the first inductive energy storage element L(1). For this case, the first current detection resistor R S1 may be coupled between the fifth terminal CS(1) of the first power switch controller 502(1) and the second terminal S of the first power switch Q(1), and the second current detection resistor R S2 may be coupled between the second terminal S of the first power switch Q(1) and the third node GND of the power converter 700. The first power switch controller 502(1) may also be configured to adjust the first switch drive signal VG(1) based on the current detection signal. The first power switch controller 502(1) may also include a sixth terminal (such as a zero crossing detection (“ZCD”) terminal) ZCD(1), which may be configured to / for allowing, for example, via a first ZCD resistor RZ C L (1 ) to be coupled to the auxiliary winding w3 of the first inductive energy storage device L(1) to detect whether the current flowing through the first inductive energy storage device L(1) crosses zero. The resistor R ZCR(1) may be coupled between the diode DVC and the first ZCD resistor R ZCL(1)Therein. The first power switch controller 502(1) may further include a seventh terminal (e.g., a power supply terminal) HV, which may be configured to / detect the rectified voltage of the AC input signal VAC, and the voltage HV on the seventh terminal may be used to provide brown-in and brownout protection, high-voltage startup, and supercapacitor (X-cap) discharge functions for the power converter 500 based on the input signal. In Figure 7 the example, an exemplary illustration shows that the seventh terminal HV is coupled to the first winding of the inductive device L IN1 through the first input resistor R IN1 and the first input diode D CM1 and is further coupled to the first terminal b1 or the third terminal b3 of the full-bridge structure BD1 through the first input resistor R IN1 and the second input diode D IN2 to detect the rectified voltage of the AC input signal VAC after rectification. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that this is only for providing an example and not for limitation.

[0049] In Figure 7 the illustrated exemplary embodiment, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the i-th power switch controller 502(i) among the N power switch controllers {502(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} can be configured to / serve as a slave power switch controller and can have the same structure and similar functions as the i-th power switch controller 102(i) described Figure 1 . Therefore, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), all descriptions of the i-th power switch controller 102(i) of the power converter 100 are applicable to the i-th power switch controller 502(i) of the power converter 700 and will not be elaborated here.

[0050] In Figure 7 the illustrated exemplary embodiment, for each i traversing from 1 to N, the current sensing terminal CS(i) of the i-th power switch controller 502(i) can be used to be coupled to the i-th power switch Q(i) via the i-th current sensing device 504(i). For each i traversing from 1 to N, the current sensing device 504(i) has the same structure and similar functions as the current sensing device 104(i) in Figure 1 and will not be elaborated here. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that ideally, the N current sensing devices {504(i), i = 1, 2,..., N} should match each other (i.e., be consistent with each other).

[0051] InFigure 7 In the exemplary embodiment shown, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), when the power switch controller 200 is used as the i-th power switch controller 502(i) of the power converter 700, the eighth terminal ZCD(i) can be coupled to the i-th inductive energy storage element L(i) of the i-th power stage 503(i) through, for example, an auxiliary winding of the i-th inductive energy storage element L(i). For each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), in Figure 7 it is also exemplarily shown that the i-th upper-side zero-crossing detection resistor R ZCU(i) and the i-th lower-side zero-crossing detection resistor R ZCL(i) are connected in series between the first end and the second end of the auxiliary winding of the i-th inductive energy storage element L(i). Wherein, the second end of the auxiliary winding of the i-th inductive energy storage element L(i) is coupled to the ground terminal GND of the power converter 700, and wherein, the eighth terminal (i.e., the zero-crossing detection terminal) ZCD(i) of the i-th power switch controller 502(i) is coupled to the common terminal of the i-th upper-side zero-crossing detection resistor R ZCU(i) and the i-th lower-side zero-crossing detection resistor R ZCL(i) . When the power switch controller 200 is used to act as the i-th power switch controller 502(i) for driving the i-th power switch Q(i) of the i-th power conversion phase PHASE(i) of the power converter 700, for each i traversing from 2 to N (i.e., here i is a variable that can traverse integers from 2 to N), the eighth terminal ZCD(i) can be configured to sense the zero current flowing through the i-th inductive energy storage device L(i) to provide a zero-crossing indication signal, and can be further configured to sense the quasi-resonant voltage valley across the i-th power switch Q(i).

[0052] Obviously, according to the above teachings, many modifications and variations can be made to this application. Therefore, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present disclosure can be implemented in a manner other than as described in the specification. Of course, it should be understood that the above-disclosed content only relates to the preferred embodiments of this application, and many modifications can be made to it without departing from the inventive concept and scope defined by the appended claims. Since this application only discloses its preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art can obviously consider and implement various modified technical solutions without departing from the inventive concept and scope described in the appended claims.

[0053] In some embodiments, for each i traversing from 1 to N, Figure 1 the diode D in (i) and Figure 7 the DP in (i) and DS(i) It can be a controllable rectifying switch. The power switch Q(i) in the power stages 103(i) and 503(i) can be a controllable semiconductor device other than a MOSFET. Those skilled in the art can also understand that, in addition to the flyback and boost PFC topologies shown in the foregoing embodiments, other interleaved multiphase power converters that can use the "general-purpose" power switch controller 200 as a slave power switch controller are also within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A power converter, comprising: N power switch controllers, each of the N power switch controllers being adapted to be configured to drive a corresponding one of the power switches, where N is an integer greater than 1; a first power switch controller of the N power switch controllers being configured as a main power switch controller and having a first current sensing terminal, the first current sensing terminal being adapted to sense / receive a first current sensing signal, the first current sensing signal indicating the current flowing through the corresponding first power switch; for each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller of the N power switch controllers has an i-th current sensing terminal, the i-th current sensing terminal being configured to sense / receive an i-th current sensing signal, the i-th current sensing signal indicating the current flowing through the corresponding i-th power switch; the i-th power switch controller is further configured to receive an (i - 1)-th current sensing signal at its current limiting terminal; the i-th power switch controller is further configured to be adapted to turn off the corresponding i-th power switch when the i-th current sensing signal reaches the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal.

2. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein, for each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th current sensing terminal of the i-th power switch controller is adapted to be coupled to the i-th power switch via an i-th current sensing device, wherein the i-th current sensing device is configured to sense the current flowing through the i-th power switch.

3. The power converter according to claim 2, wherein, for each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller is further configured to sample the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal at the falling edge of the (i - 1)-th switch driving signal from the (i - 1)-th power switch controller to provide the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal.

4. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein, the first power switch controller is further configured to provide a first switch driving signal at its driving output terminal; for each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller is further configured to receive an (i - 1)-th switch driving signal from the (i - 1)-th power switch controller at its power supply terminal; the i-th power switch controller is further configured to provide an i-th switch driving signal at its driving output terminal based on the (i - 1)-th switch driving signal.

5. The power converter according to claim 4, wherein, for each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller is further configured to obtain the electric energy required for the operation of the i-th power switch controller from the (i - 1)-th switch driving signal.

6. The power converter according to claim 4, wherein, For each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller is further configured to compare the i-th current sensing signal with the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal, and when the i-th current sensing signal reaches the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal, reset the i-th switch driving signal.

7. The power converter according to claim 4, wherein, For each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller is further configured to phase-shift the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal by T (i-1) / N to generate the i-th switch drive signal, where T (i-1) is the switching period between the logic high level and the logic low level of the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal.

8. The power converter according to claim 4, wherein, For each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller includes: A phase shift control module, coupled to the first terminal of the i-th power switch controller, and configured to generate a set control signal and a reset control signal based on the (i-1)-th switch driving signal; the set control signal is configured to set the i-th switch driving signal to a logic high level after a delay of T (i-1) / N in response to each rising edge of the (i-1)-th switch driving signal; the reset control signal is configured to reset the i-th switch driving signal to a logic low level after a delay of T (i-1) / N in response to each falling edge of the (i-1)-th switch driving signal; wherein, T (i-1) is the switching period between the logic high level and the logic low level of the (i-1)-th switch driving signal.

9. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein, For each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller includes: A peak detection module, coupled to the current limiting terminal of the i-th power switch controller, and configured to sample and hold the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal and output the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal at the output terminal of the peak detection module; and A current limiting module, coupled to the peak detection module to receive the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal, and coupled to the i-th current sensing terminal of the i-th power switch controller to receive the i-th current sensing signal, the current limiting module being configured to compare the i-th current sensing signal with the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal to provide an i-th current limiting signal, the i-th current limiting signal being adapted to turn off the i-th power switch when the i-th current sensing signal reaches the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal.

10. The power converter according to claim 9, wherein the peak detection module is adapted to be configured to discharge the output terminal of the peak detection module in response to each conduction of the (i - 1)-th power switch, and is further adapted to be configured to sample the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal in response to each turn-off of the (i - 1)-th power switch to provide the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal.

11. The power converter according to claim 9, the peak detection module further comprises: A rising edge triggered pulse generator, configured to generate a single pulse in response to each conduction moment of the (i - 1)-th power switch to provide a first sampling control signal; A sampling control switch, coupled between the output terminal of the peak detection module and the ground terminal of the i-th power switch controller, the sampling control switch having a control terminal configured to receive the first sampling control signal; A falling edge triggered pulse generator, configured to generate a single pulse in response to each turn-off moment of the (i - 1)-th power switch to provide a second sampling control signal; and A sample-and-hold circuit, the input terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit is coupled to the current-limiting terminal of the i-th power switch controller to receive the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal, the control terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit is coupled to the falling-edge trigger pulse generator to receive the second sample control signal, and the output terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit is coupled to a hold capacitor to provide a peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal at the output terminal of the sample-and-hold circuit.

12. The power converter according to claim 4, wherein, for each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller includes: a peak detection module, coupled to the current-limiting terminal of the i-th power switch controller, and configured to discharge the output terminal of the peak detection module in response to each rising edge of the (i - 1)-th switch driving signal, and further configured to sample the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal in response to each falling edge of the (i - 1)-th switch driving signal to provide a peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal at the output terminal of the peak detection module; and a current limiting module, coupled to the peak detection module to receive the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal, and coupled to the i-th current sensing terminal of the i-th power switch controller to receive the i-th current sensing signal, the current limiting module is configured to compare the i-th current sensing signal with the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal to provide an i-th current limiting signal, and the i-th current limiting signal is adapted to reset the i-th power switch when the i-th current sensing signal reaches the peak value of the (i - 1)-th current sensing signal.

13. The power converter according to claim 4, wherein, for each i traversing from 2 to N, the i-th power switch controller includes: A setting terminal, configured to set a phase shift amount T of the i-th switch drive signal relative to the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal (i-1) / N, where T (i-1) is the switching period between the logic high level and the logic low level of the (i - 1)-th switch drive signal.

14. A power switch controller for driving a power switch of one of the power conversion phases of a power converter, the power switch controller comprises: a current sensing terminal, adapted to be configured to sense / receive a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating the current flowing through the power switch of one of the power conversion phases of the power converter; and a current-limiting terminal, adapted to be configured to receive a reference current sensing signal, the reference current sensing signal indicating the current flowing through the power switch of another power conversion phase of the power converter; wherein, the power switch controller is configured to reset the output switch driving signal when the current sensing signal reaches the peak value of the reference current sensing signal.

15. The power switch controller according to claim 14, comprises: a power supply terminal, configured to receive an input switch driving signal, the input switch driving signal being adapted to drive the power switch of another power conversion phase of the power converter; and a drive output terminal, configured to provide an output switch driving signal, the output switch driving signal being adapted to drive the power switch of one of the power conversion phases of the power converter; Wherein, the power switch controller is configured to obtain electrical energy required for the operation of the power switch controller from the input switch driving signal, and provide the output switch driving signal based on the input switch driving signal.

16. The power switch controller as claimed in claim 15, wherein the power switch controller is further configured to shift the input switch drive signal by T (i-1) / N to generate the output switch drive signal, Wherein, N is the total number of power conversion phases included in the power converter.

17. The power switch controller according to claim 14, wherein N is an integer greater than 1 and represents the total number of power conversion phases included in the power converter. For each i traversing from 2 to N, one of the power conversion phases of the power converter is the i-th power conversion phase, and the other power conversion phase of the power converter is the (i - 1)-th power conversion phase.

18. The power switch controller according to claim 14, Wherein, The power switch controller further includes: A peak detection module, coupled to the current limiting terminal of the power switch controller, and configured to sample, hold, and output the peak of the reference current sensing signal; and A current limiting module, coupled to the peak detection module to receive the peak of the reference current sensing signal, and further coupled to the current sensing terminal of the power switch controller to receive the current sensing signal. The current sensing signal indicates the current flowing through the power switch of one of the power conversion phases of the power converter. The current limiting module is configured to compare the current sensing signal with the peak of the reference current sensing signal to provide a current limiting signal. The current limiting signal is adapted to reset the output switch driving signal when the current sensing signal reaches the peak of the reference current sensing signal. Wherein, the output switch driving signal is adapted to turn off the power switch of one of the power conversion phases of the power converter when it is reset.

19. The power switch controller according to claim 15, Wherein, The power switch controller further includes: A peak detection module, coupled to the current limiting terminal of the power switch controller, and configured to discharge the output terminal of the peak detection module in response to each rising edge of the input switch driving signal, and further configured to sample the reference current sensing signal in response to each falling edge of the input switch driving signal to provide the peak of the reference current sensing signal at the output terminal of the peak detection module; and A current limiting module, coupled to the peak detection module to receive the peak of the reference current sensing signal, and further coupled to the current sensing terminal of the power switch controller to receive the current sensing signal. The current sensing signal indicates the current flowing through the power switch of one of the power conversion phases of the power converter. The current limiting module is configured to compare the current sensing signal with the peak of the reference current sensing signal to provide a current limiting signal. The current limiting signal is adapted to reset the output switch driving signal when the current sensing signal reaches the peak of the reference current sensing signal. Wherein, the output switch driving signal is adapted to turn off the power switch of one of the power conversion phases of the power converter when it is reset.

20. A power converter, Comprising: A first power switch controller, configured as a main power switch controller and adapted to sense / receive a first current sensing signal, the first current sensing signal indicating a current flowing through a power switch of a main power conversion phase of the power converter; And a second power switch controller, configured as a slave power switch controller and adapted to sense / receive a second current sensing signal, the second current sensing signal indicating a current flowing through a power switch of a slave power conversion phase of the power converter, the second power switch controller being further configured to turn off the power switch of the slave power converter when the second current sensing signal reaches a peak value of the first current sensing signal. And A second power switch controller, configured as a slave power switch controller and adapted to sense / receive a second current sensing signal, the second current sensing signal indicating a current flowing through a power switch of a slave power conversion phase of the power converter; And a second power switch controller, configured as a slave power switch controller and adapted to sense / receive a second current sensing signal, the second current sensing signal indicating a current flowing through a power switch of a slave power conversion phase of the power converter, the second power switch controller being further configured to turn off the power switch of the slave power converter when the second current sensing signal reaches a peak value of the first current sensing signal.

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