Pseudo-bypass mode of a power converter

Abstract

A system can include a boost converter configured to receive an input voltage and boost the input voltage to an output voltage, and a control circuit configured to enforce a maximum current limit to limit current drawn by the boost converter, and in response to the output voltage decreasing below the input voltage, dynamically increase the current above the maximum current limit to cause the output voltage to approximately equal the input voltage.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 236,739, filed August 25, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to circuits for electronic devices, including but not limited to personal audio devices such as cordless phones and media players, and more specifically, to the implementation of an operating mode of a power converter that regulates the output voltage generated by the power converter to the input voltage supplied to the power converter. Background Technology

[0004] Personal audio devices (including cordless phones, such as mobile / cellular phones, MP3 players, and other consumer audio devices) are widely used. Such personal audio devices may include circuitry for driving a pair of headphones or one or more speakers. This circuitry typically includes a speaker driver that includes a power amplifier for driving the audio output signal to the headphones or speakers. Typically, a power converter can be used to provide a supply voltage to the power amplifier to amplify the signal driven to the speakers, headphones, or other transducers. A switching power converter is an electronic circuit that converts a power source from one direct current (DC) voltage level to another DC voltage level. Examples of such switching DC-DC converters include, but are not limited to, boost converters, buck converters, buck-boost converters, inverting buck-boost converters, and other types of switching DC-DC converters. Therefore, using a power converter, a DC voltage, such as that provided by a battery, can be converted to another DC voltage to power a power amplifier. Power converters can be used to provide a supply voltage rail to one or more components in a device. Besides driving audio transducers, power converters can also be used in other applications, such as driving haptic actuators or other electrical or electronic loads.

[0005] The output voltage generated by a boost converter may drop below its set point due to current limiting constraints that may be imposed on the boost converter. Systems incorporating such boost converters (e.g., mobile devices) may require that the output voltage generated by the boost converter does not drop below the input voltage of the boost converter, a condition referred to herein as a "breakdown condition." Typically, this requirement can be achieved by closing a switch between the input and output voltages during a breakdown condition, resulting in a state transition between a regulation mode and a bypass mode for the boost converter to regulate the output voltage. However, this state transition can increase design complexity and has other disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on the teachings of this disclosure, one or more disadvantages and problems associated with existing methods of regulating the output voltage of power converters can be reduced or eliminated.

[0007] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include: a boost converter configured to receive an input voltage and boost the input voltage to an output voltage; and a control circuit configured to enforce a maximum current limit to limit the current drawn by the boost converter, and to dynamically increase the current above the maximum current limit in response to the output voltage decreasing below the input voltage so that the output voltage is approximately equal to the input voltage.

[0008] According to these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include enforcing a maximum current limit to limit the current drawn by a boost converter configured to receive an input voltage and boost the input voltage to an output voltage, and dynamically increasing the current above the maximum current limit in response to the output voltage decreasing below the input voltage so that the output voltage is approximately equal to the input voltage.

[0009] The technical advantages of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings, specification, and claims included herein. The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and obtained, at least by means of the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

[0010] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory, and are not intended to limit the claims set forth in this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0011] A more complete understanding of the embodiments and their advantages can be obtained by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals indicate similar features, and wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 An example mobile device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 A block diagram of selected components inside a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 3A A block diagram of selected components of an example boost converter having multiple operating modes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, depicting operation in bypass mode;

[0015] Figure 3B A block diagram of selected components of an example boost converter having multiple operating modes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, depicting operation in boost activation mode;

[0016] Figure 3C A block diagram of selected components of an example boost converter having multiple operating modes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, depicting operation in a boost inactive mode;

[0017] Figure 4 A block diagram of selected components of an example control circuit for a boost converter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 5 An example state machine, which can be partially implemented by the control circuitry of a boost converter according to embodiments of the present disclosure, is depicted; and

[0019] Figure 6 A graph depicting the increase of maximum current over time in an attack state, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Figure 1 An example mobile device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A mobile device 1 is depicted that is coupled to an earphone 3 in the form of a pair of earbud speakers 8A and 8B. Figure 1 The earphone 3 depicted is merely an example, and it is understood that the mobile device 1 can be connected to and used with various audio transducers, including but not limited to earphones, earbuds, in-ear headphones, and external speakers. The plug 4 provides an electrical connection between the earphone 3 and the mobile device 1. The mobile device 1 can provide a display to the user and receive user input using a touchscreen 2, or alternatively, a standard liquid crystal display (LCD) can be combined with various buttons, sliders, and / or dials disposed on the surface and / or sides of the mobile device 1.

[0021] Figure 2 A block diagram is shown illustrating selected components integrated into a mobile device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the mobile device 1 may include a boost converter 20, which is configured to boost the battery voltage V BAT The voltage is boosted to generate a supply voltage V to multiple downstream components 18 of the mobile device 1. SUPPLY Downstream components 18 of mobile device 1 may include any suitable functional circuitry or devices of mobile device 1, including but not limited to processors, audio encoders / decoders, amplifiers, display devices, etc. Figure 2 As shown, the mobile device 1 may also include a battery charger 16 for charging the battery 22.

[0022] In some embodiments of the mobile device 1, the boost converter 20 and the battery charger 16 may include only these components in the mobile device 1 that are electrically coupled to the battery 22, and the boost converter 20 may be electrically connected between the battery 22 and all downstream components of the mobile device 1. However, in other embodiments of the mobile device 1, some downstream components 18 may be directly electrically coupled to the battery 22.

[0023] Figure 3A A block diagram of selected components of an example boost converter 20 having multiple operating modes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, depicting operation in bypass mode. Figure 3A As shown, the boost converter 20 may include a battery 22, multiple inductive boost phases 24, a sensing capacitor 26, a sensing resistor 28, a bypass switch 30, and a control circuit 40. Figure 3A As shown, each inductor boost phase 24 may include a power inductor 32, a charging switch 34, a rectifier switch 36, and an output capacitor 38.

[0024] although Figures 3A-3C A boost converter 20 with three inductor boost phases 24 is depicted, but embodiments of the boost converter 20 may have any suitable number of inductor boost phases 24. In some embodiments, the boost converter 20 may include three or more inductor boost phases 24. In other embodiments, the boost converter 20 may include fewer than three phases (e.g., single-phase or two-phase).

[0025] The boost converter 20 can supply voltage V generated by the boost converter 20 SUPPLY The minimum voltage V is greater than the threshold. MIN Furthermore, the voltage VDD_SENSE across sensing capacitor 26 is greater than the supply voltage V. SUPPLY It operates in bypass mode. In some embodiments, this threshold minimum voltage V MIN It can be a function of the monitored current (e.g., the current through sensing resistor 28). In some embodiments, this threshold minimum voltage V MIN It can change according to the monitored changes in current, so as to change from the supply voltage V SUPPLY The power supply components provide the desired headroom. Therefore, the control circuit 40 can be configured to sense the supply voltage V. SUPPLY And supply voltage V SUPPLY With threshold minimum voltage V MIN The comparison is performed, along with the sensing voltage VDD_SENSE and the supply voltage V. SUPPLY Compare with voltage VDD_SENSE. At the supply voltage V SUPPLY The minimum voltage V is greater than the threshold.MIN Furthermore, the voltage VDD_SENSE across sensing capacitor 26 is greater than the supply voltage V. SUPPLY In this case, control circuit 40 can activate (e.g., enable, close, turn on) bypass switch 30 and one or more rectifier switches 36 and deactivate (e.g., disable, open, turn off) charging switch 34. In this bypass mode, the resistors of rectifier switch 36, power inductor 32, and bypass switch 30 can be combined to minimize the voltage difference between battery 22 and supply voltage V. SUPPLY The total effective resistance of the path between them. In some embodiments, the bypass switch 30 may be absent, and the bypass mode can be achieved by activating one or more rectifier switches 36 and deactivating the charging switch 34.

[0026] Figure 3B A block diagram of selected components of an example boost converter 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, depicting its operation in boost activation mode. In boost activation mode, control circuitry 40 can deactivate (e.g., disable, disconnect, turn off) bypass switch 30 and generate appropriate control signals P1, P2 P3 and The charging switch 34 of the inductor boost phase 24 (e.g., during the charging state of the inductor boost phase 24) and the rectifier switch 36 (e.g., during the transfer state of the inductor boost phase 24) are periodically commutated (as described in more detail below) to transfer the current I. BAT and boost battery voltage V BAT Delivered to a higher supply voltage V SUPPLY In order to supply voltage V SUPPLY The electrical nodes provide a programmed (or servo-driven) desired current (e.g., average current) while maintaining the supply voltage V. SUPPLY The minimum voltage above the threshold V MIN For example, control circuit 40 can operate in boost activation mode to increase inductor current I. L (For example, I) L1 I L2 I L3 The current is maintained between peak and valley currents, as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 119,517 (“517 Application”), filed December 11, 2020, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In boost activation mode, control circuitry 40 can operate boost converter 20 by operating inductor boost phase 24 in peak and valley detection operation, as described in more detail below. The switching frequency generated by charging switch 34 and rectifier switch 36 of inductor boost phase 24 can be determined by sensing voltage VDD_SENSE, supply voltage V SUPPLYThe inductance and programmed ripple parameters of the 32A power inductor (e.g., inductor current I). L The configuration of the target current ripple is used to determine this.

[0027] Figure 3C A block diagram of selected components of a boost converter 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, depicting its operation in boost inactive mode. When the supply voltage V generated by the boost converter 20... SUPPLY Rise to the hysteresis voltage V HYST Above this, and the sensed voltage VDD_SENSE remains lower than the supply voltage V. SUPPLY When the boost converter 20 is in a boost inactive mode, the control circuit 40 can deactivate (e.g., disable, disconnect, or turn off) the bypass switch 30, the charging switch 34, and the rectifier switch 36. Therefore, when the sensed voltage VDD_SENSE remains lower than the supply voltage V... SUPPLY At this time, the control circuit 40 prevents the boost converter 20 from entering bypass mode so that there is no voltage from the supply voltage V. SUPPLY Reverse power to battery 22. Furthermore, if the supply voltage V... SUPPLY If it drops to the minimum threshold voltage V MIN Then, the control circuit 40 can cause the boost converter 20 to re-enter the boost activation mode so as to supply voltage V SUPPLY Maintain at the threshold minimum voltage V MIN and hysteresis voltage V HYST between.

[0028] Therefore, by operating in the mode described above, the boost converter 20 can operate to provide a minimum threshold voltage V. MIN and hysteresis voltage V HYST The supply voltage V between SUPPLY Lag adjustment.

[0029] It should be understood that in some embodiments of this disclosure, the bypass switch 30 may not be present in the boost converter 20. Therefore, as described in more detail below, in addition to or in lieu of the bypass function provided by the bypass switch 30, the boost converter 20 may be configured to supply voltage V during voltage collapse conditions. SUPPLY Adjust to approximately the battery voltage V BAT This voltage drop condition may exist at the supply voltage V due to the current limitation of the boost converter 20. SUPPLY Place.

[0030] As described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 237,373 (“Application 373”), filed April 22, 2021, and which is incorporated herein by reference, one or more constraints may be imposed on the operation of a power converter, which imposes one or more limits on the current that the power converter may draw from a battery. In some instances, such current limiting, as applied to boost converter 20, could lead to a breakdown condition where the supply voltage V SUPPLY The voltage drops to the battery voltage V BAT Therefore, the power converter 20 cannot regulate the supply voltage V. SUPPLY As described in the background section, in conventional methods, due to the current limitation of the boost converter 20, the control circuit 40 can activate the bypass switch 30 (and / or one or more of the rectifier switches 36) to reduce the battery voltage V. BAT For the supply voltage V SUPPLY Bypass. However, according to this disclosure, the boost converter 20 can be configured to supply voltage V in the event of a breakdown. SUPPLY Adjust to approximately equal to the battery voltage V BAT .

[0031] Figure 4 A block diagram of selected components of an example control circuit 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the control circuit 40 may include a comparator 52, a crash controller 54, a maximum value block 56, a current controller 58, a minimum value block 60, and a switch controller 62.

[0032] Comparator 52 can be configured to convert the supply voltage V SUPPLY With battery voltage V BAT A comparison is made to control the operation of the crash controller 54. For example, if the supply voltage V... SUPPLY Greater than battery voltage V BAT Comparator 52 can then enable the crash controller 54 to operate in release mode, in which it reduces the crash current I. COL On the other hand, if the supply voltage V SUPPLY Less than battery voltage V BAT Comparator 52 can then enable the crash controller 54 to operate in attack mode, in which it increases the crash condition current I. COL .

[0033] Maximum value block 56 can select the protection current I PROT and the current I in the collapse condition COL The maximum value in the range is used to generate the maximum current I transmitted to the minimum value block 60. MAX Protection current I PROTThis can represent the maximum current that can be drawn by the boost converter 20 to meet any battery protection constraints and / or other protection constraints, such as those described in application '373'. Therefore, in the event of a crash condition, the crash controller 54, in conjunction with the maximum value block 56, can temporarily override this protection current I. PROT In order to adjust the supply voltage V SUPPLY .

[0034] The current controller 58 can be based on the supply voltage V SUPPLY Threshold minimum voltage V MIN Lag voltage V HYST And / or any other suitable parameters to determine the target current I to be drawn by the boost converter 20 TARGET In order to supply voltage V SUPPLY Adjust to the desired voltage level. Based on the supply voltage V. SUPPLY Determining such a target current is beyond the scope of this disclosure, but it can be determined in any suitable manner, including but not limited to the method for determining the target average current as described in application '517'.

[0035] Minimum value block 60 can select the target current I TARGET and maximum current I MAX The minimum value in the current is calculated, and the result is transmitted to the switch controller 62. Based on the received current value, the switch controller 62 can generate an appropriate control signal P1. P2 P3 and This causes switches 34 and 36 of the boost converter 20 to commutate in order to draw such a target current I. TARGET .

[0036] In operation, the function of the crash controller 54 can be integrated with the maximum value block 56 to implement a state machine in order to generate the maximum current I. MAX As noted above, the maximum current I MAX It can be based on the protection current I used to meet battery protection constraints. PROT And the output of comparator 52. When not in a crash condition, the maximum current I... MAX It can be equal to the protection current I PROT On the other hand, when in a breakdown state, the maximum current I... MAX It can exceed the protection current I PROT .

[0037] Figure 5 An example state machine 70, which can be implemented by a crash controller 54 and a maximum value block 56 according to an embodiment of this disclosure, is depicted. Figure 5As shown, state machine 70 may include four states: idle state 72, attack state 74, release state 76, and slow release state 78. Slow release state 78 is shown in dashed lines because such a state may not exist in some embodiments of state machine 70.

[0038] In idle state 72, the maximum current I MAX It can be equal to the protection current I PROT In response to battery voltage V BAT Exceeding the supply voltage V SUPPLY And supply voltage V SUPPLY Drop to the minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V UV (It can be equal to or lower than the minimum threshold voltage V mentioned above) MIN Below this, state machine 70 can transition from idle state 72 to attack state 74.

[0039] The crash controller 54 can make the maximum current I MAX It increases continuously when in attack state 74. This is in response to the maximum current I. MAX Drop to protection current I PROT The following and the battery voltage V BAT Drop to supply voltage V SUPPLY The state machine 70 can then transition from attack state 74 back to idle state 72. Additionally, in response to the supply voltage V... SUPPLY Exceeding battery voltage V BAT And supply voltage V SUPPLY Keep below the minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V UV State machine 70 can transition from attack state 74 to release state 76. Furthermore, in response to the supply voltage V... SUPPLY Exceeding the minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V UV State machine 70 can transition from attack state 74 to slow release state 78.

[0040] The crash controller 54 can make the maximum current I MAX It decreases continuously when in the release state 76. This is in response to the maximum current I. MAX Drop to protection current I PROT Next, state machine 70 can transition from released state 76 back to idle state 72. Additionally, in response to battery voltage V... BAT Exceeding the supply voltage V SUPPLY And supply voltage V SUPPLY Keep below the minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V UV State machine 70 can transition from release state 76 back to attack state 74. Furthermore, in response to battery voltage V... BAT Exceeding the supply voltage V SUPPLY And supply voltage V SUPPLYRise to the minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V UV In the above, state machine 70 can transition from release state 76 to slow release state 78.

[0041] The slow release state 78 may only exist in embodiments of the boost converter 20 that have a dedicated bypass switch 30, which can be used when the supply voltage V... SUPPLY Equal to battery voltage V BAT And supply voltage V SUPPLY Higher than the minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V UV It is activated at that time. If the crash controller 54 is engaged (e.g., I...). MAX >I PROT And supply voltage V SUPPLY Higher than the minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V UV This would necessitate a control loop implemented by the crash controller 54 to properly avoid adverse interactions with the bypass switch 30. Such adverse interactions can be mitigated by the maximum current I. MAX This is achieved by continuously decreasing the current during the slow release state 78, but its rate may be slower than the maximum current I that occurs during the release state 76. MAX The decrease.

[0042] In slow release state 78, the crash controller 54 can reduce the maximum current I at a programmable rate that is slower than the reduction rate in release state 76. MAX This can reduce the minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V UV Supply voltage V near the boundary SUPPLY The shaking.

[0043] Response to maximum current I MAX Drop to protection current I PROT Next, state machine 70 can transition from slow release state 78 back to idle state 72. Additionally, in response to battery voltage V... BAT Exceeding the supply voltage V SUPPLY And supply voltage V SUPPLY Drop to the minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V UV The state machine 70 can then transition from the slow release state 78 back to the attack state 74. Furthermore, in response to the supply voltage V... SUPPLY Exceeding battery voltage V BAT And supply voltage V SUPPLY Drop to the minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V UV The state machine 70 can then transition from the slow release state 78 to the release state 76.

[0044] It is worth noting that the minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V UVThis is likely only relevant in state machine 70 in embodiments where a dedicated bypass switch 30 is present. Therefore, in embodiments where no dedicated bypass switch 30 is present and state machine 70 does not include a slow release state 78, the relationship with [the previous state] can be ignored. Figure 5 The minimum acceptable adjustable voltage V shown UV A comparison.

[0045] When entering attack state 74, the crash controller 54 can continuously increase the maximum current I during the duration that state machine 70 remains in attack state 74. MAX In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the maximum current I MAX This increase can include a programmable linear term (e.g., increasing linearly with time), a programmable quadratic term (e.g., increasing exponentially with time), and a programmable time delay after the start of attack state 74, where the quadratic term is added to the linear term to generate the maximum current I. MAX The composite curve. Such a composite slope allows for steady-state stability via the linear term and the supply voltage V via the quadratic term. SUPPLY With battery voltage V BAT Rapid tracking. The crash controller 54 can generate a reduction in the maximum current I during the release state 76 and the slow release state 78. MAX A similar composite curve.

[0046] In addition to the example waveforms mentioned above, other waveforms that depend on time, current, and / or voltage can be used.

[0047] As used herein, when two or more elements are referred to as “coupled” to each other, the term indicates that such two or more elements are in electronic communication or mechanical connection, whether indirect or direct, with or without intermediate elements, if applicable.

[0048] This disclosure covers all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the exemplary embodiments herein that will be understood by those skilled in the art. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims cover all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the exemplary embodiments herein that will be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, references in the appended claims to a device or system or a component of a device or system that are adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or effectively perform a particular function cover that device, system, or component, whether or not it or the particular function is activated, switched on, or unlocked, provided that the device, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or effective. Therefore, modifications, additions, or omissions can be made to the systems, devices, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, components of a system and device may be integrated or separated. Furthermore, the operation of the systems and devices disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components, and the described methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used herein, “each” means each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0049] Although exemplary embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below, the principles of this disclosure can be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. This disclosure should not be limited in any way to the exemplary embodiments and techniques shown in the drawings and described above.

[0050] Unless otherwise specified, the items depicted in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0051] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the content and concepts of this disclosure contributed by the inventors to advance the art, and are to be construed as not being limited to these specific examples and conditions. Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0052] While specific advantages have been listed above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the listed advantages. Furthermore, other technical advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the foregoing figures and description.

[0053] In order to assist the Patent Office and any reader of any patent issued under this application in interpreting the appended claims, the applicants wish to note that they do not intend for any appended claim or claim element to invoke 35 USC §112(f) unless the words “means for…” or “steps for…” are expressly used in a particular claim.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a boost converter, comprising: A boost converter configured to receive an input voltage and boost the input voltage to an output voltage; and A control circuit, comprising at least a comparator and a crash controller, wherein the comparator is configured to receive the output voltage and the input voltage and output a comparison result of the output voltage and the input voltage; the crash controller is configured to receive the comparison result and operate in a release mode if the output voltage is greater than the input voltage, and in an attack mode if the output voltage is less than the input voltage; in the release mode, the crash controller decreases the crash condition current; and in the attack mode, the crash controller increases the crash condition current. The control circuit is configured to: Enforcing a maximum current limit based on protection current to limit the current drawn by the boost converter, wherein the maximum current limit based on protection current is determined based on a maximum current level that ensures protection for components of the boost converter or components electrically coupled to the boost converter; and In response to the output voltage decreasing below the input voltage, the maximum current limit based on the protection current is temporarily overridden to allow the failure current to exceed the maximum current limit based on the protection current, so that the output voltage is approximately equal to the input voltage.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit implements a feedback loop, which controls the current based on the output voltage and the input voltage to adjust the output voltage.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is also configured to: When the output voltage is less than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit, the current is continuously increased; and When the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit, the current is continuously reduced.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: When the output voltage is less than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit, the rate of increase of the current is non-linear. as well as When the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit, the rate of decrease of the current is non-linear.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The rate of increase is a function of the amount of time since the control circuit entered the attack state in which the output voltage is less than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit; as well as The rate of decrease is a function of the amount of time since the control circuit entered a release state where the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit.

6. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The control circuit is also configured to continuously increase the current when the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the output voltage is less than a threshold voltage.

7. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The control circuit is further configured to continuously reduce the current when the output voltage is greater than a threshold voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit, wherein a second reduction rate occurring when the output voltage is greater than the threshold voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit is different from the reduction rate occurring when the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the current is less than the maximum current limit.

8. The system according to claim 7, further wherein, The second rate of decrease that occurs when the output voltage is greater than the threshold voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit is less than the rate of decrease when the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the current is less than the maximum current limit.

9. A method for controlling a boost converter via a control circuit, the control circuit including at least a comparator and a crash controller, the comparator being configured to receive an output voltage and an input voltage and output a comparison result of the output voltage and the input voltage, the crash controller being configured to receive the comparison result and operate in a release mode if the output voltage is greater than the input voltage, and in an attack mode if the output voltage is less than the input voltage, wherein in the release mode the crash controller decreases the crash condition current, and in the attack mode the crash controller increases the crash condition current, the method comprising: Enforcing a maximum current limit based on protection current to limit the current drawn by the boost converter, which is configured to receive the input voltage and boost the input voltage to the output voltage, wherein the maximum current limit based on protection current is determined based on a maximum current level that ensures protection for components of the boost converter or components electrically coupled to the boost converter; and In response to the output voltage decreasing below the input voltage, the maximum current limit based on the protection current is temporarily overridden to allow the failure current to exceed the maximum current limit based on the protection current, so that the output voltage is approximately equal to the input voltage.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising implementing a feedback loop, the feedback loop controlling the current to regulate the output voltage based on the output voltage and the input voltage.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: When the output voltage is less than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit, the current is continuously increased; as well as When the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit, the current is continuously reduced.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: When the output voltage is less than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit, the rate of increase of the current is non-linear. as well as When the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit, the rate of decrease of the current is non-linear.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The rate of increase is a function of the amount of time since the control circuit entered the attack state in which the output voltage is less than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit; as well as The rate of decrease is a function of the amount of time since the control circuit entered a release state where the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising continuously increasing the current when the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the output voltage is less than a threshold voltage.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising continuously reducing the current when the output voltage is greater than a threshold voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit, wherein a second rate of reduction occurs when the output voltage is greater than the threshold voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit, which is different from the rate of reduction when the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the current is less than the maximum current limit.

16. The method of claim 15, further wherein, The second rate of decrease that occurs when the output voltage is greater than the threshold voltage and the current is greater than the maximum current limit is less than the rate of decrease when the output voltage is greater than the input voltage and the current is less than the maximum current limit.

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