Method, system, and computer readable storage medium for estimating power converter current

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for estimating power converter current are provided. According to some embodiments, a method includes generating a predicted sense current signal for a sense current in an inductor of a power converter based on a power converter operating parameter; receiving a sensed current signal generated based on a current in the inductor; compensating the predicted sense current signal based on the sense current signal to generate a compensated sense current signal; generating a predicted instantaneous current signal for the instantaneous current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameter; compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal; and controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of regulated power conversion. Background Art

[0002] Various types of devices may utilize power converters that convert one form of electrical energy to another form of electrical energy, for example, by changing the voltage of the electrical energy.Some power converters are configured to regulate an output voltage and / or an output current at an output terminal. Summary of the invention

[0003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] According to some embodiments, a method includes: generating a predicted sensed current signal for a sensed current in an inductor of a power converter based on power converter operating parameters; receiving a sensed current signal generated based on the current in the inductor; compensating the predicted sensed current signal based on the sensed current signal to generate a compensated sensed current signal; generating a predicted instantaneous current signal for an instantaneous current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal; and controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a system includes: a device for generating a predicted sensed current signal for a sensed current in an inductor of a power converter based on power converter operating parameters; a device for receiving a sensed current signal generated based on the current in the inductor; a device for compensating the predicted sensed current signal based on the sensed current signal to generate a compensated sensed current signal; a device for generating a predicted instantaneous current signal for an instantaneous current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; a device for compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal; and a device for controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0006] According to some embodiments, a system includes: a power converter, which includes an inductor connected between an input terminal and an output terminal, and is configured to generate an output voltage at the output terminal based on power converter operating parameters; a first modeling unit, which is configured to generate a predicted sensed current signal for the current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; a current sensor, which is configured to measure the current in the inductor to generate the sensed current signal; a first controller, which is configured to compensate the predicted sensed current signal based on the sensed current signal to generate a compensated sensed current signal; a second modeling unit, which is configured to generate a predicted instantaneous current signal for an ideal current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; and a second controller, which is configured to compensate the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal, wherein: the power converter is configured to change the power converter operating parameters based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium includes computer-executable instructions, which, when executed via a processing unit on a computer, perform a method for controlling a power converter, the method comprising: generating a predicted sensed current signal for a sensed current in an inductor of the power converter based on power converter operating parameters; receiving a sensed current signal generated based on the current in the inductor; compensating the predicted sensed current signal based on the sensed current signal to generate a compensated sensed current signal; generating a predicted instantaneous current signal for an ideal current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal; and controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0008] To achieve the aforementioned and related purposes, the following description and accompanying drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These illustrative aspects and implementations merely indicate some of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a component block diagram of a power converter according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a current estimator according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 and Figure 5is a graph illustrating an example sensed current signal and a resulting estimated instantaneous current signal according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 6 is an illustration of an example method for estimating inductor current according to some implementations.

[0013] Figure 7 A computer readable medium according to some embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout to refer to like elements. In the following description, for purposes of illustration, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it may be apparent that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate description of the claimed subject matter.

[0015] It should be understood that the following description of the embodiments should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments or drawings described below, which are considered to be illustrative only. The drawings should be considered as schematic representations, and the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Instead, the various elements are represented so that their functions and general purposes become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0016] All numerical values ​​in the detailed description and claims herein are modified by the "about" or "approximately" indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0017] As used herein, the term "power converter" broadly refers to any type of power converter or voltage regulator (VR) that provides one or more regulated voltages to one or more electronic loads, such as an Ethernet switch, an Ethernet router, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), a storage device, a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator, an image processor, a network or packet processor, a coprocessor, a multi-core processor, a front-end processor, a baseband processor), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a lighting element, a power tool, a vehicle, a motor, or some other suitable load. For example, the power converter can be a buck converter, a boost converter, a buck-boost converter, a switched capacitor voltage regulator, a buck-type converter, a dual-inductor, dual-capacitor (CLLC) converter, a resonant converter, etc.

[0018] As used herein, the term "power converter" refers to a functional component, such as a packaged functional component, which includes a power stage with a switching circuit for converting a voltage from one level to another level, such as in power conversion and voltage regulation. The power converter may include a power controller for driving the power stage. The power controller is configured to control the power stage to reduce a voltage error of an output voltage, such as the difference between the output voltage and a target voltage, or to control a current error of an output current, such as the difference between the output current and a target current. Various embodiments of the power converter, methods of controlling the power converter, and electronic systems including the power converter are described in more detail below.

[0019] In some embodiments, the power converter estimates the inductor current and generates an alarm or modifies one or more power converter operating parameters based on the estimated inductor current. The power converter estimates the inductor current using the measured current and the modeled current. The control loop is used to compensate the modeled current based on the measured current. In some embodiments, the first modeling unit generates a first predicted current signal similar in shape to the measured current signal for the current in the inductor, and the second modeling unit generates a second predicted current signal for the ideal current in the inductor. The first predicted current signal is compensated based on the measured current signal to generate a first compensated current signal, and the second predicted current signal is compensated based on the first compensated current signal to generate a second compensated current signal. The power regulator is controlled based on the second compensated current signal.

[0020] Figure 1 1 shows a power converter 100 according to some embodiments. The power converter 100 includes a power controller 102, a power stage 104, and a filter 106. The power controller 102 receives a target voltage parameter V T , and controls the power stage 104 to convert power from the source 108 to generate an output signal OUT for the load 110. The output signal may be an output voltage V OUT , output current I OUT or both. The power stage 104 includes a switch 104S and an inductor 104L for storing energy. The filter 106 includes one or more filtering components for smoothing the output of the power stage 104 to generate an output signal. For example, the filter 106 includes a capacitor 106C.

[0021] Source 108 provides an input current I IN and input voltage V IN In some embodiments, the power controller 102 uses a buck topology, where the voltage of the source 108 is greater than the target voltage V T Other topologies may be used, such as boost or buck-boost. The power controller 102 uses a target voltage VT and a feedback signal representing the output signal OUT, and generates a control signal that is modulated (e.g., pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM)) to generate a switching signal for a switch 104S in the power stage 104, thereby storing energy in the inductor 104L. In some embodiments, the power controller 102 collects information from the power stage 104 and the output terminal, and monitors the status of the system. In some embodiments, the power controller 102 includes a current estimator 102E, which estimates the current in the inductor 104L to identify problems, modify power converter operating parameters, issue warnings, or shut down the power converter 100 in error conditions such as overcurrent. The power controller 102 can provide communication with the outside world, for example, for telemetry.

[0022] The power controller 102 includes a complex control system that uses different control schemes and sideband control structures to achieve the desired static / dynamic response, such as limiting output voltage overshoot and undershoot, maintaining phase current balance and proper interleaving, and / or ensuring proper startup / shutdown behavior. In order to provide this control, the power controller 102 needs to know the output voltage and phase current in a timely manner. The inductor current is measured to ensure that the current remains within the programmed constraints, thereby avoiding undesirable events such as inductor saturation. The measured inductor current is generally not suitable for effective inductor current control. To facilitate effective inductor current control, the current estimator 102E uses the modeled inductor current and the measured inductor current to generate an estimate of the ideal instantaneous inductor current.

[0023] In some embodiments, the switch 104S in the power stage 104 includes one or more switching transistors, such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). The power stage 104 may include a high-side switch and / or a low-side switch (collectively represented by the switch 104S) and an inductor 104L, through which the current is output to the filter 106. The controlled switching of the switch 104S generates an output voltage and / or an output current. The switch voltage of the power stage 104 is a voltage between ground and a node connected to the primary side of the inductor 104L, between the drain of the low-side MOSFET and the source of the high-side MOSFET. In some embodiments, the switch voltage is between 0V and the input voltage V IN A voltage oscillating at a high frequency in a substantially square form between the power stages 104. The power stage 104 may include multiple phases, typically switched out of phase with each other to reduce ripple.

[0024] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a current estimator 102E according to some embodiments. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the components and Figure 3The current estimator 102E includes an instantaneous current signal modeling unit 200 , a sensed current signal modeling unit 202 , a current sensor 204 , adders 206 , 208 , comparison units 210 , 212 , and compensation units 214 , 216 .

[0025] The current sensor 204 generates a sensed current signal by measuring the current in the inductor 104L. The sensed current signal sensed by the current sensor 204 is different from the actual current in the inductor 104L due to irregularities introduced by the sensing itself (e.g., delay, noise, filtering effect, bandwidth limitation, etc.). The sensed current signal modeling unit 202 models these irregularities based on power converter operating parameters (e.g., voltage, pulse width modulation (PWM) duty cycle, switching frequency, number of stages, stage interleaving timing, etc.), characteristics of the current sensor 204, and design characteristics of the power converter 100 (e.g., inductor inductance and / or some other design characteristics) to generate a predicted sensed current signal. The instantaneous current signal modeling unit 200 generates a predicted instantaneous current signal, which represents the expected current signal in the inductor 104L in the absence of the sensing irregularities, which is substantially an ideal current signal.

[0026] In some embodiments, the current estimator 102E compensates the predicted sense current signal based on the sense current signal. The compensation unit 214 generates an adjustment factor for the predicted sense current signal to reduce the difference between the sense current signal and the predicted sense current signal, thereby generating a compensated sense current signal. Initially, the compensated sense current signal matches the predicted sense current signal. The comparison unit 210 compares the sense current signal with the compensated sense current signal, for example, by generating a difference between the sense current signal and the compensated sense current signal. The output of the comparison unit 210 is provided to the compensation unit 214, which generates an adjustment factor for compensating the predicted sense current signal. The adjustment factor is provided to the adder 206 and combined with the predicted sense current signal to generate a compensated sense current signal.

[0027] In some embodiments, the current estimator 102E compensates the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal. The compensation unit 216 generates an adjustment factor for the predicted instantaneous current signal to reduce the difference between the predicted instantaneous current signal and the compensated sensed current signal, thereby generating an estimated instantaneous current signal. Initially, the estimated instantaneous current signal matches the predicted instantaneous current signal. The comparison unit 212 compares the compensated sensed current signal with the estimated instantaneous current signal, for example, by generating a difference between the compensated sensed current signal and the estimated instantaneous current signal. The output of the comparison unit 212 is provided to the compensation unit 216, which generates an adjustment factor for compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal. The adjustment factor is provided to 208 and combined with the predicted instantaneous current signal to generate the estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0028] Figure 3 A block diagram of a mixed signal implementation of the current estimator 102E according to some embodiments is shown. The instantaneous current signal modeling unit 200 may include a simulator 300, and the sensed current signal modeling unit 202 may include a simulator 302 and a delay unit 304. The simulators 300, 302 may include a lookup table indexed based on a power converter operating parameter. The delay unit 304 simulates a delay between when a change in the power conversion operating parameter occurs and when the change is apparent in the measurement signal.

[0029] The compensation unit 214 may include a proportional integral (PI) controller 306, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 308 that converts the analog output of the current sensor 204 into a digital signal, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 310 that converts the digital compensated sense current signal into an analog signal, and a down-sampling unit 312 that reduces the data frequency from the frequency used by the simulator 300, 302 (e.g., 100 MHz) to the frequency used by the DAC 308 (e.g., 25 MHz). In some embodiments, the comparison unit 210 is an analog device, such as an amplifier. The PI controller 306 implements a control loop that uses feedback from the sense current signal to adjust the predicted sense current signal to generate a compensated sense current signal. The compensation unit 216 may include a PI controller 314 that implements a control loop that uses feedback from the compensated sense current signal to adjust the predicted instantaneous current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0030] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a graph illustrating an example sensed current signal and a resulting estimated instantaneous current signal according to some embodiments. Figure 4Sensed current signal 402 and estimated instantaneous current signal 404 generated by current estimator 102E for a single-phase power converter based on PWM signal 406 (e.g., power converter operating parameters) are shown. Note that transitions in estimated instantaneous current signal 404 correspond in time to transitions in PWM signal 406, but sensed current signal 402 is delayed and also includes irregularities.

[0031] Figure 5 Sensed current signal 502 and estimated instantaneous current signal 504 generated by current estimator 102E for a six-phase trans-inductor voltage regulator (TLVR) based on PWM signal 506 (e.g., power converter operating parameter) are shown. Again, transitions in estimated instantaneous current signal 504 correspond in time to transitions in PWM signal 506, but sensed current signal 502 is delayed and also includes irregularities.

[0032] In some embodiments, the power controller 102 uses the estimated instantaneous current signal to control the power converter 100 and / or identify a fault condition. For example, in a control scheme that controls the inductor current, the power controller 102 can change a power converter operating parameter, such as a PWM duty cycle, to control the inductor current. In some embodiments, the power controller 102 can limit the inductor current and change the power converter operating parameter in response to the inductor current exceeding the limit. Such a limit can be temporary until the load and the resulting inductor current drop below the limit.

[0033] In some implementations, the power controller 102 may generate an alarm flag based on the estimated instantaneous current (EIC) signal exceeding a current threshold:

[0034] Alert1=EIC(T)>S T1

[0035] Alert2=EIC(T)>S T2 ,

[0036] Among them, the first alarm flag indicates a warning condition, and the second alarm flag indicates an action condition. The power controller 102 can set the alarm flag in a specific memory location and / or send a message indicating the current alarm condition to an external device. In some embodiments, the power controller 102 applies a dead time period to fault condition detection. For example, only after the threshold has been violated for a specific time period (e.g., 1 microsecond, 2 microseconds, 3 microseconds, or some other suitable time period), the power controller 102 can identify a first fault condition based on Alert1 and / or identify a second fault condition based on Alert2. In some embodiments, the dead time period for the Alert1 flag may be different from the dead time period for the Alert2 flag. The dead time interval avoids fault information or actions for a sharp single load jump that causes a rapid increase in load current or a load release that causes a rapid decrease in load current, which may cause a peak or drop in output voltage.

[0037] In some embodiments, in response to violating a first alarm threshold (Alert1), the power controller 102 generates a fault message identifying a first fault condition, such as an indicator light, a message on a user interface, a message transmitted through a communication interface, or some other form of alarm communication indicating that the EIC has exceeded the first alarm threshold.

[0038] In some embodiments, in response to violating the second alarm threshold (Alert2), the power controller 102 identifies a second fault condition and initiates a protection action to reduce the inductor current. In some embodiments, the power controller 102 can reduce the inductor current by changing one or more of the power converter operating parameters. In some embodiments, the power controller 102 disables the generation of a switching signal for the power stage 104, for example, by grounding the switching signal.

[0039] In some implementations, the power controller 102 clears the fault condition in response to the EIC being less than a reset threshold for a predetermined period of time.

[0040] Figure 6A method 600 for controlling a power converter 100 according to some embodiments is shown. At 602, a predicted sensed current signal is generated for a sensed current in an inductor 104L of a power converter based on a power converter operating parameter. At 604, a sensed current signal generated based on the current in the inductor 104L is received. At 606, the predicted sensed current signal is compensated based on the sensed current signal to generate a compensated sensed current signal. At 608, a predicted instantaneous current signal is generated for an instantaneous current in the inductor 104L based on the power converter operating parameter. At 610, the predicted instantaneous current signal is compensated based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal. At 612, the power converter 100 is controlled based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0041] Figure 7 An embodiment 700 of a computer-readable medium 702 according to some embodiments is shown. One or more embodiments relate to a computer-readable medium including processor-executable instructions configured to implement one or more of the techniques presented herein. Embodiment 700 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium 702 (e.g., a CD-R, DVD-R, flash drive, hard drive platter, etc.), on which computer-readable data 704 is encoded. The computer-readable data 704 in turn includes a set of processor-executable computer instructions 706, which are configured to facilitate operations according to one or more principles set forth herein when executed by a computing device 708 including a reader 710 for reading the processor-executable computer instructions 706 and a processor 712 for executing the processor-executable computer instructions 706. In some embodiments, the processor-executable computer instructions 706 are configured to facilitate execution of a method 714 when executed, such as at least some of the aforementioned methods. In some implementations, the processor executable computer instructions 706, when executed, are configured to facilitate implementation of a system, such as at least some of one or more of the aforementioned systems. Those of ordinary skill in the art may design many such computer readable media that are configured to operate according to the techniques presented herein.

[0042] The term "computer-readable medium" may include communication media. Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions or other data in a "modulated data signal" such as a carrier wafer or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" may include a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.

[0043] According to some embodiments, a method includes: generating a predicted sensed current signal for a sensed current in an inductor of a power converter based on power converter operating parameters; receiving a sensed current signal generated based on the current in the inductor; compensating the predicted sensed current signal based on the sensed current signal to generate a compensated sensed current signal; generating a predicted instantaneous current signal for an instantaneous current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal; and controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0044] According to some embodiments, compensating the predicted sensing current signal includes compensating the predicted sensing current signal to reduce a difference between the predicted sensing current signal and the sensing current signal.

[0045] According to some implementations, compensating the predicted sense current signal to reduce a difference between the predicted sense current signal and the sense current signal includes compensating the predicted sense current signal using a proportional-integral controller.

[0046] According to some embodiments, compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal includes compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal to reduce a difference between the predicted instantaneous current signal and a compensated sensed current signal sensed at a valley region of the predicted instantaneous current signal.

[0047] According to some embodiments, compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal to reduce a difference between the predicted instantaneous current signal and the compensated sensed current signal includes compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal using a proportional-integral controller.

[0048] According to some embodiments, generating a predicted sensed current signal includes: using a first lookup table indexed by a power converter operating parameter to generate the predicted sensed current signal, and generating a predicted instantaneous current signal includes: using a second lookup table indexed by a power converter operating parameter to generate the predicted instantaneous current signal.

[0049] According to some embodiments, generating the predicted sense current signal includes generating a delay in the predicted sense current signal relative to the predicted instantaneous current signal.

[0050] According to some embodiments, controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal includes controlling a current in the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0051] According to some embodiments, controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal includes disabling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0052] According to some embodiments, a system includes: a power converter, which includes an inductor connected between an input terminal and an output terminal, and is configured to generate an output voltage at the output terminal based on power converter operating parameters; a first modeling unit, which is configured to generate a predicted sensed current signal for the current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; a current sensor, which is configured to measure the current in the inductor to generate the sensed current signal; a first controller, which is configured to compensate the predicted sensed current signal based on the sensed current signal to generate a compensated sensed current signal; a second modeling unit, which is configured to generate a predicted instantaneous current signal for an ideal current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; and a second controller, which is configured to compensate the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal, wherein the power converter is configured to change the power converter operating parameters based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the first controller is configured to compensate the predicted sensing current signal to reduce the difference between the predicted sensing current signal and the sensing current signal, and the second controller is configured to compensate the predicted instantaneous current signal to reduce the difference between the predicted instantaneous current signal and the compensated sensing current signal at a valley region of the predicted instantaneous current signal.

[0054] According to some embodiments, at least one of the first controller or the second controller comprises a proportional-integral controller.

[0055] According to some embodiments, at least one of the first modeling unit or the second modeling unit comprises a look-up table indexed by the power converter operating parameter.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the power converter is configured to vary a power converter operating parameter to limit a current in the power converter.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the power converter is configured to change a power converter operating parameter to disable the power converter.

[0058] According to some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium includes computer-executable instructions, which, when executed via a processing unit on a computer, perform a method for controlling a power converter, the method comprising: generating a predicted sensed current signal for a sensed current in an inductor of the power converter based on power converter operating parameters; receiving a sensed current signal generated based on the current in the inductor; compensating the predicted sensed current signal based on the sensed current signal to generate a compensated sensed current signal; generating a predicted instantaneous current signal for an ideal current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal; and controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

[0059] According to some embodiments, compensating the predicted sensing current signal includes compensating the predicted sensing current signal to reduce a difference between the predicted sensing current signal and the sensing current signal.

[0060] According to some embodiments, compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal includes compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal to reduce a difference between the predicted instantaneous current signal and the compensated sensed current signal.

[0061] According to some embodiments, at least one of generating a predicted sensed current signal or generating a predicted instantaneous current signal includes accessing a lookup table indexed by a power converter operating parameter.

[0062] According to some embodiments, controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal comprises at least one of: controlling a current in the power converter, or disabling the power converter.

[0063] Various operations of the embodiments are provided herein. In one embodiment, one or more of the operations described may constitute computer-readable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable media, and if the computer-readable instructions are executed by a computing device, these computer-readable instructions will cause the computing device to perform the described operations. The order of describing some or all of the operations in the operation should not be interpreted as implying that these operations must rely on the order. Those skilled in the art who benefit from this specification will understand the alternative order. In addition, it will be understood that not all operations must be present in each embodiment provided herein.

[0064] Any aspect or design described herein as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the word "example" is intended to present one possible aspect and / or implementation that may be related to the technology presented herein. Such an example is not necessary or intended to be limiting for such technology. Various implementations of such technology may include such examples alone or in combination with other features, and / or the examples shown may be changed and / or omitted.

[0065] As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or", rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, "X adopts A or B" is intended to mean any natural inclusive arrangement. That is, if X adopts A, X adopts B, or X adopts both A and B, then "X adopts A or B" is satisfied in any of the foregoing cases. In addition, unless otherwise specified or clearly directed to a singular form from the context, the articles "one" and "an" used in this application and the appended claims can generally be interpreted as meaning "one or more". In addition, unless otherwise specified, "first", "second", etc. are not intended to imply time, space, order, etc. On the contrary, such terms are only used as identifiers, names, etc. of features, elements, items, etc. For example, the first element and the second element generally correspond to element A and element B or two different or two identical elements or the same element.

[0066] In addition, although the present disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, those skilled in the art will think of equivalent changes and modifications based on reading and understanding of this specification and the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure includes all such modifications and changes and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.) described above, unless otherwise indicated, the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond to any component (e.g., functionally equivalent) that performs the specified functions of the described components, even if the disclosed structure is not structurally equivalent to the functions in the example implementations shown herein that perform the present disclosure. In addition, although specific features of the present disclosure may be disclosed only for one implementation in several implementations, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or specific application. In addition, with respect to the terms "includes", "having", "has", "with" or variations thereof used in the specific embodiments or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising".

[0067] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent after reference to this description. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for estimating a power converter current, comprising: generating a predicted sense current signal for a sense current in an inductor of the power converter based on a power converter operating parameter; receiving a sensed current signal generated based on a current in the inductor; compensating the predicted sense current signal based on the sense current signal to generate a compensated sense current signal; generating a predicted instantaneous current signal for an instantaneous current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal; as well as The power converter is controlled based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Compensating the predicted sense current signal includes: The predicted sense current signal is compensated to reduce a difference between the predicted sense current signal and the sense current signal.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Compensating the predicted sensing current signal to reduce a difference between the predicted sensing current signal and the sensing current signal includes: The predicted sensed current signal is compensated using a proportional-integral controller.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal comprises: The predicted instantaneous current signal is compensated to reduce a difference between the predicted instantaneous current signal and the compensated sensed current signal sensed at a valley region of the predicted instantaneous current signal.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: Compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal to reduce a difference between the predicted instantaneous current signal and the compensated sensed current signal includes: A proportional-integral controller is used to compensate the predicted instantaneous current signal.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Generating the predicted sense current signal comprises: generating the predicted sensed current signal using a first lookup table indexed by the power converter operating parameter, and Generating the predicted instantaneous current signal comprises: The predicted instantaneous current signal is generated using a second lookup table indexed by the power converter operating parameter.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Generating the predicted sense current signal comprises: A delay is generated in the predicted sensed current signal relative to the predicted instantaneous current signal.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal comprises: Current in the power converter is controlled based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal comprises: The power converter is disabled based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

10. A system for estimating a power converter current, comprising: a power converter including an inductor connected between an input terminal and an output terminal, configured to generate an output voltage at the output terminal based on a power converter operating parameter; a first modeling unit configured to generate a predicted sensed current signal for a current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameter; a current sensor configured to measure a current in the inductor to generate a sense current signal; a first controller configured to compensate the predicted sense current signal based on the sense current signal to generate a compensated sense current signal; a second modeling unit configured to generate a predicted instantaneous current signal for an ideal current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; as well as a second controller configured to compensate the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal, wherein: The power converter is configured to change the power converter operating parameter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein: The first controller is configured to compensate the predicted sense current signal to reduce a difference between the predicted sense current signal and the sense current signal, and The second controller is configured to compensate the predicted instantaneous current signal to reduce a difference between the predicted instantaneous current signal and the compensated sensed current signal at a valley region of the predicted instantaneous current signal.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein: At least one of the first controller or the second controller includes a proportional-integral controller.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein: At least one of the first modeling unit or the second modeling unit comprises a lookup table indexed by the power converter operating parameter.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein: The power converter is configured to change the power converter operating parameter to limit current in the power converter.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein: The power converter is configured to change the power converter operating parameter to disable the power converter.

16. A computer readable storage medium comprising computer executable instructions which, when executed via a processing unit on a computer, perform a method for controlling a power converter, the method comprising: generating a predicted sense current signal for a sense current in an inductor of the power converter based on a power converter operating parameter; receiving a sensed current signal generated based on a current in the inductor; compensating the predicted sense current signal based on the sense current signal to generate a compensated sense current signal; generating a predicted instantaneous current signal for an ideal current in the inductor based on the power converter operating parameters; compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal based on the compensated sensed current signal to generate an estimated instantaneous current signal; as well as The power converter is controlled based on the estimated instantaneous current signal.

17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein: Compensating the predicted sense current signal includes: The predicted sense current signal is compensated to reduce a difference between the predicted sense current signal and the sense current signal.

18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein: Compensating the predicted instantaneous current signal comprises: The predicted instantaneous current signal is compensated to reduce a difference between the predicted instantaneous current signal and the compensated sensed current signal.

19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein: At least one of generating the predicted sensed current signal or generating the predicted instantaneous current signal comprises: A lookup table indexed by the power converter operating parameter is accessed.

20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein: Controlling the power converter based on the estimated instantaneous current signal comprises at least one of: A current flow in the power converter is controlled or the power converter is disabled.

Images