Hybrid Power Converter

Abstract

A power converter for converting an input voltage at an input terminal of the power converter to an output voltage at an output terminal of the power converter may include a switch node, a power inductor coupled between the switch node and the output terminal, a flying capacitor having a first flying capacitor terminal and a second flying capacitor terminal, a pumping capacitor having a first pumping capacitor terminal and a second pumping capacitor terminal, the second pumping capacitor terminal being coupled to ground, a first switch coupled between the input terminal and the first flying capacitor terminal, a second switch coupled between the first flying capacitor terminal and the switch node, a third switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the switch node, a fourth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and a ground voltage, a fifth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal, and a sixth switch coupled between the output terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to circuits for electronic devices, including but not limited to personal audio devices such as wireless phones and media players, and more particularly to hybrid buck-boost power converters implemented in a 3-level buck-boost topology that enables the hybrid power converter to operate in multiple operating modes. In particular, the hybrid power converter disclosed herein supports operation in both a buck operating mode and a boost operating mode, making it suitable not only for battery charging in applications that typically employ single-series cell batteries (e.g., mobile phones and other small portable devices), but also for applications that typically employ multiple-series cell batteries (e.g., laptop computers). Background Art

[0002] Personal audio devices, including wireless phones, such as mobile / cellular phones, cordless phones, mp3 players and other consumer audio devices, are widely used. Such personal audio devices may include circuits for driving a pair of headphones or one or more speakers. Such circuits typically include a speaker driver that includes a power amplifier for driving an audio output signal to the headphones or speakers. Typically, a power converter can be used to provide a power supply voltage to the power amplifier in order to amplify the signal driven to the speaker, headphones or other transducers. A switching power converter is an electronic circuit that converts power 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. Thus, using a power converter, a DC voltage such as provided by a battery can be converted to another DC voltage for powering a power amplifier. A power converter can be used to provide a power supply voltage rail to one or more components in a device. In addition to driving an audio transducer, a power converter can also be used for other applications, such as driving a tactile actuator or other electrical or electronic loads. Additionally, a power converter may also be used to charge the battery from an electrical energy source (eg, an AC to DC adapter).

[0003] One type of power converter frequently used in electronic circuits is a hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter. Figure 1 An example of a hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 100 known in the art is depicted. Figure 1 As shown, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 100 may include a circuit configured to receive an input voltage V IN The input terminal is configured to generate an output voltage V OUT In addition, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 100 may include a voltage L xThe hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 100 may include a power inductor 102 coupled between the switch node and the output terminal. In addition, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 100 may include a flying capacitor 104 having a first capacitor terminal and a second capacitor terminal. In addition, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 100 may include a plurality of switches 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, and 106e, wherein the switch 106a is coupled between the input terminal and the first capacitor terminal, the switch 106b is coupled between the first capacitor terminal and the switch node, the switch 106c is coupled between the second capacitor terminal and the switch node, the switch 106d is coupled between the second capacitor terminal and the ground voltage, and the switch 106e is coupled between the second capacitor terminal and the input terminal.

[0004] In operation, switches 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, and 106e may be controlled to increase the output voltage V OUT Regulate to the desired target voltage. Depends on the input voltage V IN and the desired target voltage, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 100 can operate in buck mode (V OUT <V IN ) or boost mode (V OUT >V IN In the boost mode, switches 106a, 106d and 106e can be controlled to adjust the output voltage V OUT , while switch 106b may remain activated and switch 106c may remain deactivated. The hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 100 may periodically cycle between a first phase, in which switches 106a and 106d may be activated (and switch 106e may be deactivated), and a second phase, in which switch 106e may be activated (and switches 106a and 106d may be deactivated). In essence, the boost mode operation is similar to the operation of a charge pump (e.g., a voltage doubler) in that during the phase of the boost operation, the voltage L x Can be in V IN to 2V IN Therefore, through the boost operation, the output voltage V OUT Can be adjusted down to 2V IN .

[0005] However, there may be situations where it is desirable to increase the output voltage V OUT Adjust to 2V IN In the case of voltages above Figure 1 This is not possible in the topology shown. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to the teachings of the present disclosure, one or more disadvantages and problems associated with existing topologies for hybrid 3-level buck-boost converters may be reduced or eliminated.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a power converter for converting an input voltage at an input end of the power converter into an output voltage at an output end of the power converter may include a switch node, a power inductor coupled between the switch node and the output end, a flying capacitor having a first flying capacitor terminal and a second flying capacitor terminal, a pumping capacitor having a first pumping capacitor terminal and a second pumping capacitor terminal, the second pumping capacitor terminal being coupled to ground, a first switch coupled between the input end and the first flying capacitor terminal, a second switch coupled between the first flying capacitor terminal and the switch node, a third switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the switch node, a fourth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the ground voltage, a fifth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal, and a sixth switch coupled between the output end and the first pumping capacitor terminal.

[0008] According to these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for converting an input voltage at an input terminal of a power converter to an output voltage at an output terminal of the power converter is provided, the method being for a power converter, the power converter comprising a switch node, a power inductor coupled between the switch node and an output terminal, a flying capacitor having a first flying capacitor terminal and a second flying capacitor terminal, a pumping capacitor having a first pumping capacitor terminal and a second pumping capacitor terminal, the second pumping capacitor terminal being coupled to ground, a first switch coupled between the input terminal and the first flying capacitor terminal, a second switch coupled between the first flying capacitor terminal and the switch node, a third switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the switch node, a fourth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and a ground voltage, a fifth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal, and a sixth switch coupled between the output terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal. The method may include operating the power converter in a forward hybrid boost mode having two consecutive phases, the two consecutive phases including a first forward hybrid boost phase and a second forward hybrid boost phase, in which the first switch, the second switch, the fourth switch and the sixth switch are activated and the third switch and the fifth switch are deactivated, and in which the second switch and the fifth switch are activated and the first switch, the third switch, the fourth switch and the sixth switch are deactivated.

[0009] According to these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, an integrated circuit used in a power converter for converting an input voltage at an input of the integrated circuit to an output voltage at an output of the power converter may include a switch node, a first switch coupled between the input and a first node configured to be coupled to a first flying capacitor terminal of a flying capacitor, a second switch coupled between the first node and the switch node, a third switch coupled between the switch node and a second node configured to be coupled to a second flying capacitor terminal of the flying capacitor, a fourth switch coupled between the second node and a third node at a ground voltage, a fifth switch coupled between the second node and a fourth node configured to be coupled to a first pumping capacitor terminal of a pumping capacitor, the pumping capacitor being coupled to the ground voltage at the second pumping capacitor terminal, and a sixth switch coupled between the output and the fourth node.

[0010] According to these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a power converter system may include a power converter branch and an auxiliary branch, the power converter branch including a flying capacitor and a switch network, configured to convert an input voltage of the power converter system into an output voltage of the power converter system, the auxiliary branch including an auxiliary capacitor coupled to a ground voltage and a second switch network, the auxiliary branch being configured to operate in multiple modes, the multiple modes including a first mode and a second mode, in the first mode, the auxiliary capacitor is used to balance the charge of the flying capacitor, and in the second mode, the auxiliary capacitor is used to boost the output of the power converter branch.

[0011] According to these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include, in a power converter system having a power converter branch and an auxiliary branch, the power converter branch including a flying capacitor and a switch network, configured to convert an input voltage of the power converter system into an output voltage of the power converter system, the auxiliary branch including an auxiliary capacitor coupled to a ground voltage and a second switch network, operating the auxiliary branch in multiple modes, the multiple modes including a first mode and a second mode, in the first mode, the auxiliary capacitor is used to balance the charge of the flying capacitor, and in the second mode, the auxiliary capacitor is used to boost the output of the power converter branch.

[0012] The technical advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings, descriptions and claims included herein. The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, features and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the claims set forth in the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and their advantages may be obtained by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like features, and in which:

[0015] Figure 1 A circuit diagram showing selected components of an example hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter known in the art;

[0016] Figure 2 A circuit diagram showing selected components of an example hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 2 The operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in the forward hybrid boost mode;

[0018] Figure 4 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 2 The operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter in bypass mode is depicted in;

[0019] Figure 5 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 2 The hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in FIG. operates in forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode;

[0020] Figure 6 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 2 The operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in the forward 2-level buck mode;

[0021] Figure 7 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 2 Operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in the forward 3-level buck mode with a duty cycle of less than 0.5;

[0022] Figure 8 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 2 Operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in the forward 3-level buck mode with a duty cycle greater than 0.5;

[0023] Fig. 9 A circuit diagram showing selected components of another example hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig.10 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 9 The operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in the forward hybrid boost mode;

[0025] Fig.11 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 9 The operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter in bypass mode is depicted in;

[0026] Fig.12 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 9 The hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in FIG. operates in forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode;

[0027] Fig.13 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 9 The operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in the forward 2-level buck mode;

[0028] Fig.14 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 9 Operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in the forward 3-level buck mode with a duty cycle of less than 0.5;

[0029] Fig.15 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 9 Operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in the forward 3-level buck mode with a duty cycle greater than 0.5;

[0030] Fig.16 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 9 Operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in FIG. 1 in a forward 3-level buck mode, wherein the flying capacitor is balanced for a duty cycle less than 0.5; and

[0031] Fig.17 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 9 The hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter depicted in FIG. 1 operates in a forward 3-level buck mode, where the flying capacitor is balanced for a duty cycle greater than 0.5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Figure 2 1 shows a circuit diagram of selected components of an example hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A may include a circuit configured to receive an input voltage V IN The input terminal is configured to generate an output voltage V OUT In addition, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A may include a voltage L xThe hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A may further include a power inductor 202 coupled between the switch node and the output terminal. In addition, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A may include a flying capacitor 204 having a first flying capacitor terminal and a second flying capacitor terminal, and a pumping capacitor 208 having a first pumping capacitor terminal and a second pumping capacitor terminal, wherein the second pumping capacitor terminal may be coupled to ground. Furthermore, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A may include a plurality of switches 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, and 206f, wherein the switch 206a is coupled between the input terminal and the first flying capacitor terminal, the switch 206b is coupled between the first flying capacitor terminal and the switch node, the switch 206c is coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the switch node, the switch 206d is coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the ground voltage, the switch 206e is coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal, and the switch 206f is coupled between the output terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal.

[0033] In operation, a control circuit (not shown for clarity and illustration purposes) may control the switching of switches 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, and 206f to increase the output voltage V OUT To this end, the control circuit can cause the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A to operate in one of a variety of modes at any given time, such as Figure 3-8 shown in FIG. 1 and described in more detail below.

[0034] Maybe Figure 1 Advantageously, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A can be used in Figure 3 Depicted is the forward hybrid boost mode operation, which enables the output voltage V OUT Adjust to more than 2V IN The desired target voltage. Figure 3 As shown, operation in the forward hybrid boost mode may include commutation of switches between a first phase (φ1) and a second phase (φ2). During the first phase and the second phase, switch 206b may remain activated, and switch 206c may remain deactivated, and switches 206a, 206d, 206e, and 206f may be commutated to regulate the output voltage V OUT , where switches 206a and 206d are activated during the first phase (and switch 206e is deactivated), and switch 206e is activated during the second phase (and switches 206a, 206d, and 206f are deactivated). During the first phase, the voltage V across the pump capacitor 208 is PUMPcan be charged to the output voltage V OUT , thereby allowing the switch node voltage L x In V IN and V OUT +V IN Therefore, the output voltage V OUT Not limited to 2V IN and can be set to greater than 2V IN It is worth noting that by swapping the input and output of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A can be operated Figure 3 The same two phases depicted in FIG. 1 are switched to operate in reverse hybrid buck mode.

[0035] In addition, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A can be operated in bypass mode, such as Figure 4 As depicted, the bypass mode will input voltage V IN Bypass to output voltage V OUT Therefore, through the entire operation in bypass mode, switches 206a and 206b can remain activated so that the input voltage V IN The output voltage V is transmitted to the output voltage V via switches 206a and 206b and power inductor 202. OUT In some embodiments, switches 206 c , 206 e , and 206 f may be activated in addition to or instead of switches 206 a and 206 b to reduce losses that may occur due to the resistance of power inductor 202 .

[0036] In addition, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A can be operated in the forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode, such as Figure 5 As depicted, this can turn the output voltage V OUT Adjust to 2V IN .like Figure 5 As shown, operation in the forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode may include commutation of the switch between a first phase (φ1) and a second phase (φ2). Switch 206f may remain activated during both the first phase and the second phase, and switches 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, and 206e may be commutated to regulate the output voltage V OUT , where switches 206a, 206c, and 206e are activated during a first phase (and switches 206b and 206d are deactivated), and switches 206 and 206d are activated during a second phase (and switches 206a, 206c, and 206e are deactivated).

[0037] In addition, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A can operate in the forward 2-level buck mode, such as Figure 6 As depicted. Figure 6 As shown, operation in the forward 2-level buck mode may include commutation of switches between a first phase (φ1) and a second phase (φ2). Switches 206e and 206f may remain disabled during both the first phase and the second phase, and switches 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d may be commutated to regulate the output voltage V OUT , where switches 206a and 206b are activated during the first phase (and one or both of switches 206c and 206d are deactivated), and switches 206 and 206d are activated during the second phase (and one or both of switches 206b and 206a are deactivated). It is worth noting that by swapping the input and output of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A can operate Figure 6 The same two phases depicted in FIG. 1 are operated in reverse 2-level boost mode.

[0038] The hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A can also operate in the forward 3-level buck mode, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As depicted. Figure 7 As shown, for a duty cycle less than 0.5, operation in the forward 3-level buck mode may include commutation of switches between a first phase (φ1), a second phase (φ2), a third phase (φ3), and a fourth phase (φ4). Switches 206e and 206f may remain deactivated during all four phases, and switches 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d may be commutated to regulate the output voltage V OUT , wherein switches 206a and 206c are activated during a first phase (and switches 206b and 206d are deactivated), switches 206c and 206d are activated during a second phase (and switches 206a and 206b are deactivated), switches 206b and 206d are activated during a third phase (and switches 206a and 206c are deactivated), and switches 206c and 206d are activated during a fourth phase (and switches 206a and 206b are deactivated). In addition, as Figure 8 As shown, for a duty cycle greater than 0.5, operation in the forward 3-level buck mode may include commutation of switches between a first phase (φ1), a second phase (φ2), a third phase (φ3), and a fourth phase (φ4). Switches 206e and 206f may remain deactivated during all four phases, and switches 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d may be commutated to regulate the output voltage V OUT, wherein switches 206a and 206c are activated during a first phase (and switches 206b and 206d are deactivated), switches 206a and 206b are activated during a second phase (and switches 206c and 206d are deactivated), switches 206b and 206d are activated during a third phase (and switches 206a and 206c are deactivated), and switches 206a and 206b are activated during a fourth phase (and switches 206c and 206d are deactivated). It is worth noting that by swapping the input and output of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A can operate Figure 7 and Figure 8 The same four phases depicted in FIG. 1 are operated in a reverse 3-level boost mode.

[0039] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing selected components of another example hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B may be similar in many respects to the Figure 2 The hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A is depicted, except Figure 2 In addition to those components depicted in FIG. 1 , the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B may include a switch 206g coupled between the first flying capacitor terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal. In operation, a control circuit (not shown for purposes of clarity and illustration) may control the switching of switches 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, 206f, and 206g to increase the output voltage V OUT To this end, the control circuit can cause the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B to operate in one of a variety of modes at any given time, similar to Figure 3-8 Depicted in and referred to below Figure 10-15 Those modes are described in more detail.

[0040] Similar to Figure 3 As depicted, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B can operate in a forward hybrid boost mode, such as Fig.10 depicted, which enables the output voltage V OUT Adjust to more than 2V IN The desired target voltage. Fig.10As shown, the operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B in the forward hybrid boost mode can be similar to the operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A in the forward hybrid boost mode, except that in the case of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B, the switch 206g can remain deactivated during the first phase and the second phase. It is worth noting that by swapping the input and output of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B can operate Fig.10 The same two phases are depicted so as to operate in reverse hybrid buck mode.

[0041] In addition, similar to Figure 4 As depicted, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B can be operated in bypass mode, such as Fig.11 As depicted, the bypass mode will input voltage V IN Bypass to output voltage V OUT Therefore, through the entire operation in the bypass mode, switches 206a, 206g, and 206f may remain activated so that the input voltage V IN The output voltage V OUT In some cases, operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B in bypass mode may be superior to operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A in bypass mode because Figure 3 As shown, the bypass through the power inductor 202 may cause losses (eg, due to the DC resistance of the power inductor 202) when the power inductor 202 is as shown. Fig.11 When bypassed as shown, losses may not occur. In some embodiments, switches 206b, 206c, and 206e may be activated in addition to switches 206a, 206g, and 206f to further minimize losses that may occur due to the resistance of switches 206a, 206g, and 206f.

[0042] In addition, similar to Figure 5 As depicted, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B can operate in a forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode, such as Fig.12 As depicted, this can turn the output voltage V OUT Adjust to 2V IN .like Fig.12 As shown, operation in the forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode may include commutation of switches between a first phase (φ1) and a second phase (φ2). During the first phase and the second phase, switch 206f may remain activated, switches 206b and 206c may remain deactivated, and switches 206a, 206d, 206e, and 206g may be commutated to regulate the output voltage VOUT , wherein switches 206a and 206e are activated during the first phase (and switches 206d and 206g are deactivated), and switches 206d and 206g are activated during the second phase (and switches 206a and 206e are deactivated). In some cases, operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B in the forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode may be superior to operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A in the forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode because no current flows through the power inductor 202 in the forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B, whereas Figure 5 The current flowing through the power inductor 202 in the forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode of the illustrated hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A may result in losses (eg, due to the DC resistance of the power inductor 202 ).

[0043] Similar to Figure 6 As depicted, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B can operate in a forward 2-level buck mode, such as Fig.13 depicted, which enables the output voltage V OUT Adjust to more than 2V IN The desired target voltage. Fig.13 As shown, the operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B in the forward 2-level buck mode can be similar to the operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A in the forward 2-level buck mode, except that in the case of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B, the switch 206g can remain deactivated during the first phase and the second phase. It is worth noting that by swapping the input and output of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B can operate Fig.13 The same two phases are depicted operating in reverse 2-level boost mode.

[0044] Similar to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As depicted, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B can be Fig.14 and Fig.15 The forward 3-level buck mode operation is depicted. Fig.14 and Fig.15As shown, the operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B in the forward 3-level buck mode can be similar to the operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A in the forward 3-level buck mode, except that in the case of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B, the switch 206g can remain deactivated during all four phases. It is worth noting that by swapping the input and output of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B can operate Fig.14 and Fig.15 The same four phases depicted in FIG. 1 are operated in a reverse 3-level boost mode.

[0045] Fig.16 1 shows the operation of a hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B in a forward 3-level buck mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the flying capacitor is balanced for a duty cycle less than 0.5. Similarly, Fig.17 The operation of a hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B in a forward 3-level buck mode is shown, where the flying capacitor is balanced for a duty cycle greater than 0.5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] The operation of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B in the flying capacitor balanced forward 3-level buck mode can be similar to Fig.14 Depicted is the forward 3-level buck mode operation. Fig.16 As shown, for a duty cycle less than 0.5, operation in the flying capacitor balanced forward 3-level buck mode may include commutation of switches between a first phase (φ1), a second phase (φ2), a third phase (φ3), and a fourth phase (φ4). Switch 206f may remain deactivated during all four phases, and switches 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, and 206g may be commutated to regulate the output voltage V OUT , wherein switches 206a, 206c, and 206e are activated during a first phase (and switches 206b, 206d, and 206g are deactivated), switches 206c and 206d are activated during a second phase (and switches 206a, 206b, 206e, and 206g are deactivated), switches 206b, 206d, and 206g are activated during a third phase (and switches 206a, 206c, and 206e are deactivated), and switches 206c and 206d are activated during a fourth phase (and switches 206a, 206b, 206e, and 206g are deactivated). In addition, as Fig.17As shown, for a duty cycle greater than 0.5, operation in the flying capacitor balanced forward 3-level buck mode may include commutation of switches between a first phase (φ1), a second phase (φ2), a third phase (φ3), and a fourth phase (φ4). Switch 206f may remain deactivated during all four phases, and switches 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, and 206g may be commutated to regulate the output voltage V OUT , wherein switches 206a, 206c, and 206e are activated during a first phase (and switches 206b, 206d, and 206g are deactivated), switches 206a and 206b are activated during a second phase (and switches 206c, 206d, 206e, and 206g are deactivated), switches 206b, 206d, and 206g are activated during a third phase (and switches 206a, 206c, and 206e are deactivated), and switches 206a and 206b are activated during a fourth phase (and switches 206c, 206d, 206e, and 206g are deactivated). It is worth noting that by swapping the input and output of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A, the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A can operate Fig.16 and Fig.17 The same four phases depicted in FIG. 1 are operated in a reverse 3-level boost mode.

[0047] exist Fig.16 and Fig.17 The flying capacitor balances the forward 3-level buck mode operation with the Fig.14 and Fig.15 The main difference between the operation in the forward 3-level boost mode of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is that in the flying capacitor balanced forward 3-level buck mode, the flying capacitor 204 can be coupled in series with the pumping capacitor 208 during the first phase (e.g., via switch 206e), and the flying capacitor 206 can be coupled in parallel with the pumping capacitor 208 during the third phase (e.g., via switch 206g), which can in turn keep the voltage across the flying capacitor 204 balanced at the voltage V IN / 2.

[0048] In some embodiments, certain components of either of the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200A and the hybrid 3-level buck-boost converter 200B may be formed within a single integrated circuit, while other components may be located outside of such an integrated circuit. For example, in some embodiments, switches 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, 206f, and 206g and control circuits for controlling switches 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, 206f, and 206g may be located on an integrated circuit, while power inductor 202, flying capacitor 204, and pump capacitor 208 are external to such an integrated circuit. As another example, the flying capacitor 204, the pumping capacitor 208, the switches 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, 206f and 206g, and the control circuits for controlling the switches 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d, 206e, 206f and 206g may be located on an integrated circuit while the power inductor 202 is located outside of such an integrated circuit.

[0049] As used herein, when two or more elements are referred to as being “coupled” to each other, the term means that the two or more elements are in electronic or mechanical communication, whether indirectly or directly, as the case may be, with or without intervening elements.

[0050] The present disclosure includes all changes, substitutions, changes, alterations and modifications to the example embodiments herein that will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims include all changes, substitutions, changes, alterations and modifications to the example embodiments herein that will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, in the appended claims, references to a device or system or a component of a device or system that is suitable for, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to or operated to perform a specific function include the device, system or component, regardless of whether the device, system or component or the specific function is activated, turned on or unlocked, as long as the device, system or component is so suitable, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable or operated. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the systems, devices and methods described herein may be modified, added or omitted. For example, the components of the systems and devices may be integrated or separated. In addition, the operations of the systems and devices disclosed herein may be performed by more, less or other components, and the described methods may include more, less or other steps. In addition, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0051] Although exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should not be limited in any way to the exemplary embodiments and techniques shown in the drawings and described above.

[0052] Unless specifically noted otherwise, items depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0053] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for teaching purposes to help readers understand the present disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventors to further advance the art, and are interpreted as not being limited to these specific examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. In addition, other technical advantages may become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the foregoing drawings and descriptions.

[0055] To assist the Patent Office and any reader of any patent issuing from this application in interpreting the appended claims, Applicants wish to note that unless the words "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in a particular claim, they do not intend that any of the appended claims or claim elements be invoked under 35 U.S.C. §112(f).

Claims

1. A power converter, for converting an input voltage at an input terminal of the power converter into an output voltage at an output terminal of the power converter, the power converter comprising: Switching nodes; a power inductor coupled between the switch node and the output terminal; a flying capacitor having a first flying capacitor terminal and a second flying capacitor terminal; a pumping capacitor having a first pumping capacitor terminal and a second pumping capacitor terminal, the second pumping capacitor terminal coupled to ground; a first switch coupled between the input and the first flying capacitor terminal; a second switch coupled between the first flying capacitor terminal and the switch node; a third switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the switch node; a fourth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and a ground voltage; a fifth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal; a sixth switch coupled between the output and the first pump capacitor terminal; as well as A control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward hybrid boost mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch, the second switch, the fourth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the third switch and the fifth switch are deactivated; as well as a second phase in which the second switch and the fifth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated.

2. The power converter of claim 1 , further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 2-level buck mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, the fifth switch and the sixth switch are deactivated, and at least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated; and a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, the fifth switch and the sixth switch are deactivated, and at least one of the first switch and the second switch is deactivated.

3. The power converter of claim 1 , further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 3-level buck mode having four consecutive phases, the four consecutive phases comprising: For duty cycles less than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; and For duty cycles greater than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated. 4 . The power converter of claim 1 , further comprising a seventh switch coupled between the first flying capacitor terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal.

5. The power converter of claim 4 , further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a bypass mode, wherein: The first switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are activated; The second switch and the fifth switch are disabled; and At least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated.

6. The power converter of claim 4, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the second switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; and a second phase in which the fourth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are deactivated.

7. The power converter of claim 4, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 2-level buck mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated, and at least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated; and a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated, and at least one of the first switch and the second switch is deactivated.

8. The power converter of claim 4, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 3-level buck mode having four consecutive phases including: For duty cycles less than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; and For duty cycles greater than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated.

9. The power converter of claim 4, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 3-level buck mode with flying capacitor balancing having four consecutive phases including: For duty cycles less than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch, the fourth switch, and the seventh switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; and For duty cycles greater than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch, the fourth switch, and the seventh switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated.

10. A power converter, for converting an input voltage at an input terminal of the power converter into an output voltage at an output terminal of the power converter, the power converter comprising: Switching nodes; a power inductor coupled between the switch node and the output terminal; a flying capacitor having a first flying capacitor terminal and a second flying capacitor terminal; a pumping capacitor having a first pumping capacitor terminal and a second pumping capacitor terminal, the second pumping capacitor terminal coupled to ground; a first switch coupled between the input and the first flying capacitor terminal; a second switch coupled between the first flying capacitor terminal and the switch node; a third switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the switch node; a fourth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and a ground voltage; a fifth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal; a sixth switch coupled between the output and the first pump capacitor terminal; as well as a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a bypass mode in which: The first switch and the second switch are activated; The fifth switch and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as At least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated.

11. A power converter, for converting an input voltage at an input terminal of the power converter into an output voltage at an output terminal of the power converter, the power converter comprising: Switching nodes; a power inductor coupled between the switch node and the output terminal; a flying capacitor having a first flying capacitor terminal and a second flying capacitor terminal; a pumping capacitor having a first pumping capacitor terminal and a second pumping capacitor terminal, the second pumping capacitor terminal coupled to ground; a first switch coupled between the input and the first flying capacitor terminal; a second switch coupled between the first flying capacitor terminal and the switch node; a third switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the switch node; a fourth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and a ground voltage; a fifth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal; a sixth switch coupled between the output and the first pump capacitor terminal; as well as A control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the second switch and the fourth switch are deactivated; as well as a second phase in which the second switch, the fourth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are deactivated.

12. A method for converting an input voltage at an input terminal of a power converter to an output voltage at an output terminal of the power converter, wherein: The power converter comprises: Switching nodes; a power inductor coupled between the switch node and the output terminal; a flying capacitor having a first flying capacitor terminal and a second flying capacitor terminal; a pumping capacitor having a first pumping capacitor terminal and a second pumping capacitor terminal, the second pumping capacitor terminal coupled to ground; a first switch coupled between the input and the first flying capacitor terminal; a second switch coupled between the first flying capacitor terminal and the switch node; a third switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the switch node; a fourth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and a ground voltage; a fifth switch coupled between the second flying capacitor terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal; and a sixth switch coupled between the output and the first pump capacitor terminal; and The method includes operating the power converter in a forward hybrid boost mode having two consecutive phases including: a first forward hybrid boost phase in which the first switch, the second switch, the fourth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the third switch and the fifth switch are deactivated; and a second forward hybrid boost phase in which the second switch and the fifth switch are activated and the first switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising operating the power converter in a bypass mode, wherein: The first switch and the second switch are activated; The fifth switch and the sixth switch are deactivated; and At least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising operating the power converter in a forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the second switch and the fourth switch are deactivated; and a second phase in which the second switch, the fourth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are deactivated.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising operating the power converter in a forward 2-level buck mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, the fifth switch and the sixth switch are deactivated, and at least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated; and a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, the fifth switch and the sixth switch are deactivated, and at least one of the first switch and the second switch is deactivated.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising operating the power converter in a forward 3-level buck mode having four consecutive phases comprising: For duty cycles less than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; and For duty cycles greater than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The power converter also includes a seventh switch coupled between the first flying capacitor terminal and the first pumping capacitor terminal.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising operating the power converter in a forward hybrid boost mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch, the second switch, the fourth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the third switch, the fifth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; and a second phase in which the second switch and the fifth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising operating the power converter in a bypass mode, wherein: The first switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are activated; The second switch and the fifth switch are disabled; and At least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising operating the power converter in a forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the second switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; and a second phase in which the fourth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are deactivated.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising operating the power converter in a forward 2-level buck mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated, and at least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated; and a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated, and at least one of the first switch and the second switch is deactivated.

22. The method of claim 17, further comprising operating the power converter in a forward 3-level buck mode having four consecutive phases comprising: For duty cycles less than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; and For duty cycles greater than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated.

23. The method of claim 17, further comprising operating the power converter in a forward 3-level buck mode with flying capacitor balancing having four consecutive phases comprising: For duty cycles less than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch, the fourth switch, and the seventh switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; and For duty cycles greater than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch, the fourth switch, and the seventh switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated.

24. An integrated circuit for use in a power converter, the power converter being used to convert an input voltage at an input terminal of the integrated circuit into an output voltage at an output terminal of the power converter, the integrated circuit comprising: Switching nodes; a first switch coupled between the input and a first node configured to be coupled to a first flying capacitor terminal of a flying capacitor; a second switch coupled between the first node and the switch node; a third switch coupled between the switch node and a second node configured to be coupled to a second flying capacitor terminal of the flying capacitor; a fourth switch coupled between the second node and a third node at a ground voltage; a fifth switch coupled between the second node and a fourth node, the fourth node being configured to be coupled to a first pumping capacitor terminal of a pumping capacitor, the pumping capacitor being coupled to a ground voltage at a second pumping capacitor terminal; a sixth switch coupled between the output terminal and the fourth node; as well as A control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward hybrid boost mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch, the second switch, the fourth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the third switch and the fifth switch are deactivated; as well as a second phase in which the second switch and the fifth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated.

25. The integrated circuit of claim 24, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a bypass mode, wherein: The first switch and the second switch are activated; The fifth switch and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as At least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated.

26. The integrated circuit of claim 24, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the second switch and the fourth switch are deactivated; and a second phase in which the second switch, the fourth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are deactivated.

27. The integrated circuit of claim 24, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 2-level buck mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, the fifth switch and the sixth switch are deactivated, and at least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated; and a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, the fifth switch and the sixth switch are deactivated, and at least one of the first switch and the second switch is deactivated.

28. The integrated circuit of claim 24, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 3-level buck mode having four consecutive phases comprising: For duty cycles less than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; and For duty cycles greater than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated.

29. The integrated circuit of claim 24, further comprising a seventh switch coupled between the first node and the fourth node.

30. The integrated circuit of claim 29, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a bypass mode, wherein: The first switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are activated; The second switch and the fifth switch are disabled; and At least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated.

31. The integrated circuit of claim 29, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 2:1 switched capacitor mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are activated, and the second switch, the third switch, the fourth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; and a second phase in which the fourth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are deactivated.

32. The integrated circuit of claim 29, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 2-level buck mode having two consecutive phases comprising: a first phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated, and at least one of the third switch and the fourth switch is deactivated; and a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated, and at least one of the first switch and the second switch is deactivated.

33. The integrated circuit of claim 29, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 3-level buck mode having four consecutive phases comprising: For duty cycles less than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; and For duty cycles greater than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch and the third switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated.

34. The integrated circuit of claim 29, further comprising a control circuit configured to operate the power converter in a forward 3-level buck mode with flying capacitor balancing having four consecutive phases comprising: For duty cycles less than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch, the fourth switch, and the seventh switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the third switch and the fourth switch are activated, and the first switch, the second switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; and For duty cycles greater than 0.5: a first phase in which the first switch, the third switch, and the fifth switch are activated, and the second switch, the fourth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a second phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated; a third phase in which the second switch, the fourth switch, and the seventh switch are activated, and the first switch, the third switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch are deactivated; as well as a fourth phase in which the first switch and the second switch are activated, and the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch are deactivated.

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