Electronic device for controlling DC / DC converter, and operation method thereof

Abstract

This electronic device comprises: a DC / DC converter comprising an inductor, and a first switch and a second switch which are connected to each other; and a control circuit operatively connected to the DC / DC converter, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the first switch and the second switch so that a peak value of a current conducted through the inductor is not greater than a first current value corresponding to a difference between an output voltage of the DC / DC converter and a first reference voltage, control the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a first duty cycle on the basis of identifying that the electronic device is in a first state including a steady state, and control the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a second duty cycle shorter than the first duty cycle on the basis of identifying that the electronic device is in a second state including a transient state.

Description

Electronic device for controlling a DC / DC converter and its operating method

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device for controlling a DC / DC converter and a method of operating the same.

[0002] A buck converter may include an inductor and multiple switches. Excessive current flowing through the inductor can cause heat generation or circuit damage. Accordingly, the electronic device can control the current flowing through the inductor included in the buck converter so that it does not exceed the current value corresponding to the difference between the output voltage and the reference voltage.

[0003] When a momentary load transient occurs in an electronic device, the output voltage of the buck converter can drop abruptly. Failure to supply the system with a normal voltage can result in system performance degradation.

[0004] When a momentary load transient occurs in an electronic device, for example, when the load's current draw increases, a method may be needed to quickly recover the suddenly reduced output voltage through the buck converter to minimize performance degradation of the system.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a DC / DC converter including an inductor and a first switch and a second switch connected to each other, and a control circuit operatively connected to the DC / DC converter. According to one embodiment, one terminal of the first switch may be connected to a power source, the other terminal of the first switch may be connected to one terminal of the second switch, and the other terminal of the second switch may be connected to ground. According to one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control the first switch and the second switch such that a peak value of a current conducted through the inductor is not greater than a first current value corresponding to a difference between an output voltage of the DC / DC converter and a first reference voltage. According to one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a first duty cycle based on determining that the electronic device is in a first state including a steady state. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a second duty cycle that is shorter than the first duty cycle, based on determining that the electronic device is in a second state including a transient state.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device including a DC / DC converter may include controlling a first switch and a second switch included in the DC / DC converter such that a peak value of a current flowing through an inductor included in the DC / DC converter is not greater than a first current value corresponding to a difference between an output voltage of the DC / DC converter and a first reference voltage. According to one embodiment, one end of the first switch may be connected to a power source, the other end of the first switch may be connected to one end of the second switch, and the other end of the second switch may be connected to ground. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include controlling the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a first duty cycle based on determining that the electronic device is in a first state including a steady state. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include controlling the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a second duty cycle that is shorter than the first duty cycle, based on determining that the electronic device is in a second state including a transient state.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 2a is a diagram showing a buck converter and a control circuit controlling the same according to a comparative example.

[0009] FIG. 2b is a graph showing the current flowing through an inductor included in a buck converter and the output voltage of the buck converter according to a comparative example.

[0010] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a buck converter and a control circuit controlling the same, according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3b is a diagram illustrating a method for sensing circuits according to one embodiment to determine peak and valley values ​​of current flowing through an inductor included in a DC / DC converter (or buck converter).

[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining an operation of a control circuit according to one embodiment to control a current flowing through an inductor included in a DC / DC converter (or buck converter).

[0013] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining an operation of a control circuit according to one embodiment to control current flowing through an inductor included in a buck converter.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a buck converter and a control circuit controlling the same according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a table for explaining the operation of a control circuit that controls a buck converter according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a graph showing a current and a clock signal conducted through an inductor in a first state (or steady state) of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 9A is a graph showing the current and clock signal conducted through the inductor in the second state (or transient state) of the electronic device according to the comparative example.

[0018] FIG. 9b is a graph showing a current and a clock signal conducted through an inductor in a second state (or transient state) of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10a is a graph illustrating the effect of increasing the output voltage by supplying more current when the output voltage of a buck converter according to a comparative example is reduced.

[0020] FIG. 10b is a graph illustrating the effect of increasing the output voltage by supplying more current when the output voltage of a buck converter according to one embodiment is reduced.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0022] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0023] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0024] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0025] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0026] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0027] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0028] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0029] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0030] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0031] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0032] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0033] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0034] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0035] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0036] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0037] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0038] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0039] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0040] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0041] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0042] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0043] FIG. 2a is a diagram showing a buck converter and a control circuit controlling the same according to a comparative example.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2A, according to a comparative example, an electronic device (201) may include an input power source (210), a control circuit (220), a buck converter (230), and a load (240).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the buck converter (230) may generate an output voltage (VOUT) based on an input voltage (VIN) applied from an input power source (210) under the control of the control circuit (220), and apply the output voltage (VOUT) to a load (240). For example, the buck converter (230) may include a first switch (S1), a second switch (S2), an inductor (L), and a capacitor (C). For example, the load (240) may refer to various types of elements that require power included in the electronic device (201).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (220) can check the peak value of the current conducted to the inductor (L) included in the buck converter (230). For example, the control circuit (220) can check the peak value of the current conducted to the inductor (L) through the sensing circuit (235) included in the buck converter (230). For example, the sensing circuit (235) can be placed at a position corresponding to the drain of the first switch (S1) included in the buck converter (230). For example, the sensing circuit (235) can sense the current according to various methods (e.g., current mirror method, r-sensing method, or DCR (DC resistance) current sensing method).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (220) may control the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) (e.g., control the on / off of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2)) so that the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor (L) is not greater than an output signal, an output value, or a current value (e.g., a designated value (Error) related to a current setting for limiting a peak value of the inductor current (IL)) corresponding to a difference between the output voltage (VOUT) and a reference voltage (e.g., the first reference voltage (VREF1) of FIG. 6). For example, the designated value (Error) related to a current setting for limiting a peak value of the inductor current (IL) may not mean a value representing an actual error situation, but may represent a designated value (or a limited value) for the stability of the electronic device (201) (or the system).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (220) may control the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) to restore the magnitude of the output voltage (VOUT) to a value greater than the threshold voltage when the output voltage (VOUT) falls below a threshold voltage (e.g., the threshold voltage of FIG. 2b). To this end, the control circuit (220) may conduct more current to the inductor (L). For example, when the output voltage falls below the threshold voltage, the difference between the output voltage (VOUT) and a reference voltage (e.g., the first reference voltage (VREF1) of FIG. 6) may increase. As the difference between the output voltage (VOUT) and the reference voltage increases, the current value (Error) corresponding to the difference may also increase. The control circuit (220) may conduct more current to the inductor (L) as the current value (Error) corresponding to the difference increases. For example, the control circuit (220) can conduct a higher peak current through the inductor (L) based on the increasing current value (Error). The control circuit (220) can restore the magnitude of the output voltage (VOUT) to a value greater than the threshold voltage based on conducting more current through the inductor (L).

[0049] FIG. 2b is a graph showing the current flowing through an inductor included in a buck converter and the output voltage of the buck converter according to a comparative example.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2b, according to a comparative embodiment, a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit (220) of FIG. 2a) can control a first switch (S1) and a second switch (S2) included in a buck converter (e.g., a buck converter (230) of FIG. 2a) so that a peak value of a current (IL) conducted to an inductor (L) is not greater than a current value corresponding to a difference between an output voltage (VOUT) and a reference voltage (e.g., a specified value (Error) related to a current setting for limiting a peak value of the inductor current (IL)).

[0051] According to a comparative example, when a momentary load transient occurs in the electronic device (201), the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter may decrease rapidly. At this time, the output voltage (VOUT) may decrease below a threshold voltage. If the electronic device (201) cannot supply a normal voltage to the load (240) through the buck converter (230), a performance degradation may occur.

[0052] However, the peak value of the current (IL) conducted to the inductor (L) may be limited by the control circuit (220), and the magnitude of the current supplied to the load (240) through the buck converter (230) may be limited. That is, the control circuit (220) may not be able to quickly increase the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (230) in a section (T) where the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter is rapidly reduced below the threshold voltage due to the operation of limiting the peak value of the current (IL) conducted to the inductor (L). As a result, the performance of the electronic device (201) may be degraded. For example, the threshold voltage may be a voltage value set for current control so that the electronic device of the electronic device (201) operates stably.

[0053] An electronic device (e.g., electronic device (301) of FIG. 3) according to various embodiments of the present invention described below can adjust a duty cycle at which the inductor is magnetized and demagnetized when the output voltage of the buck converter is suddenly lowered while controlling a peak value of a current flowing through an inductor included in the buck converter to be below a specified value (e.g., when the electronic device (301) is in a transient state). For example, when the output voltage of the buck converter suddenly drops (e.g., when the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3) is controlling the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor included in the buck converter to be below a specified value (e.g., when the electronic device (301) is in a transient state), the electronic device can adjust the duty cycles of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) so that the inductor (L) is magnetized and demagnetized according to a duty cycle shorter than the duty cycle when the electronic device (301) is in a steady state (e.g., the duty cycle at which the inductor (L) is magnetized and demagnetized). For example, the duty cycle at which the inductor (L) is magnetized and demagnetized may be proportional to the duty cycles of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2).

[0054] Through this, the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention can rapidly increase the output voltage of the buck converter by providing more current to the inductor when the output voltage of the buck converter drops sharply. In addition, the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention can minimize the occurrence of performance degradation even when the output voltage of the buck converter drops sharply.

[0055] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a buck converter and a control circuit controlling the same, according to one embodiment.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3A, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (301) may include an input power source (310), a control circuit (320), a buck converter (330), and a load (340).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the buck converter (330) can generate an output voltage (VOUT) based on an input voltage (VIN) applied from an input power source (310) under the control of the control circuit (320) and apply the output voltage (VOUT) to a load (340).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the input power source (310) may apply an input voltage (VIN) to the buck converter (330). For example, the input power source (310) may be implemented as a battery (not shown) included in the electronic device (301) or a power source external to the electronic device (301).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the load (340) may refer to various types of elements (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) that require power included in the electronic device (301). When a transient of the load (340) occurs, the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (340) may decrease momentarily. For example, the transient of the load (340) may occur in a state where a large amount of power or current is momentarily required for the load (340). For example, the transient of the load (340) may occur when a specific application (e.g., a game application, a video application, or an audio application) that momentarily requires a large amount of power or current is executed.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (320) may increase the magnitude of the current conducted to the inductor (L) when a transient of the load (340) is confirmed. The control circuit (320) may control the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) (e.g., control the on / off of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2)) so that the peak value of the current conducted to the inductor (L) is not greater than a current value (Error) (hereinafter, a first current value) corresponding to the difference between the output voltage of the buck converter (330) and a predetermined reference voltage (hereinafter, a first reference voltage).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the buck converter (330) may include a first switch (S1), a second switch (S2), an inductor (L), and a capacitor (C). The buck converter (330) may further include a first sensing circuit (335) and a second sensing circuit (337).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first switch (S1) may be implemented as a P-type field effect transistor (FET), and the second switch (S2) may be implemented as an N-type FET. The first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) may be connected to each other. For example, the drain of the first switch (S1) may be connected to an input power source (310). The source of the first switch (S1) may be connected to a drain of the second switch (S2). The source of the second switch (S2) may be connected to ground. The source of the first switch (S1) and the drain of the second switch (S2) may each be connected to an inductor (L). The first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) may be alternately turned on / off under the control of the control circuit (320). Accordingly, an inductor current (IL) may be conducted through the inductor (L). For example, the inductor current (IL) may refer to a current provided to the inductor (L) through the first switch (S1) and / or the second switch (S2). As the inductor current (IL) is supplied to the capacitor (C), an output voltage (VOUT) may be generated. The output voltage (VOUT) may be provided or supplied to the load (340).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first sensing circuit (335) can identify or sense a peak value of the inductor current (IL) at a point corresponding to the drain of the first switch (S1). For example, the peak value of the inductor current (IL) may mean the highest current value of the inductor current (IL) that is conducted to the inductor (L) in one switching cycle of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2). For example, the first sensing circuit (335) can identify or sense the peak value of the inductor current (IL) according to various methods (e.g., current mirror method, r-sensing method, or DCR (DC resistance) current sensing method). For example, the first sensing circuit (335) may be disposed at a point corresponding to the drain of the first switch (S1). The first sensing circuit (335) can provide information about the peak value of the confirmed or sensed inductor current (IL) to the control circuit (320).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the second sensing circuit (337) can check or sense a valley value of the inductor current (IL) at a point corresponding to the source of the second switch (S2). For example, the valley value of the inductor current (IL) may mean the lowest current value of the inductor current (IL) that is conducted to the inductor (L) in one switching cycle of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2). For example, the second sensing circuit (337) can check or sense the valley value of the inductor current (IL) according to various methods (e.g., current mirror method, r-sensing method, or DCR (DC resistance) current sensing method). For example, the second sensing circuit (337) may be arranged at a point corresponding to the source of the second switch (S2). The second sensing circuit (337) can provide information about the valley value of the confirmed or sensed inductor current (IL) to the control circuit (320).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the buck converter (330) may include a sensing circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the inductor (L) to detect or sense peak or valley values ​​of the current flowing through the inductor (L). Depending on the implementation, the first sensing circuit (335) and the second sensing circuit (337) may be replaced with the sensing circuit (not shown).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (320) can check the peak value and valley value of the inductor current (IL). The control circuit (320) can also check the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (330). The control circuit (320) can control the on / off of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) based on the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (330), the peak value of the inductor current (IL), and the valley value of the inductor current (IL). For example, the control circuit (320) can adjust the duty cycle (or duty ratio) of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2). For example, the control circuit (320) can be implemented as an analog circuit or a digital circuit (e.g., an MCU (micro controller unit).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (320) may control the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) so that the peak value of the inductor current (IL) is not greater than a designated current value (e.g., a current value corresponding to Erorr) when the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (330) is not lower than a threshold voltage (e.g., a first state of the electronic device (301) or a steady state of the electronic device (301). For example, the threshold voltage may represent a predetermined voltage value. For example, the threshold voltage may be determined as a voltage value at which performance degradation of the electronic device (301) may occur. For example, the designated current value may be a current value corresponding to a difference between the output voltage (VOUT) and a reference voltage. The designated current value may change as the magnitude of the output voltage (VOUT) changes. For example, the designated current value may change for each switching cycle of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (320) may control the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor (L) according to a first duty cycle when the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (330) is not lower than a threshold voltage (e.g., a first state of the electronic device (301) or a steady state of the electronic device (301). For example, as the magnitude of the inductor current (IL) in the inductor (L) increases and decreases according to the first duty cycle, the inductor (L) may be magnetized and demagnetized according to the first duty cycle. For example, the first duty cycle may represent a duty cycle (or duty ratio) at which the inductor (L) is magnetized and demagnetized when the electronic device (301) is in the first state (or steady state). At this time, the control circuit (320) can control the on / off of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) alternately according to the first duty cycle.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (320) may control the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor (L) according to a second duty cycle when the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (330) is lower than a threshold voltage (e.g., in a second state of the electronic device (301) or a transient state of the electronic device (301). For example, as the magnitude of the inductor current (IL) in the inductor (L) increases and decreases according to the second duty cycle, the inductor (L) may be magnetized and demagnetized according to the second duty cycle. For example, the second duty cycle may represent a duty cycle (or duty ratio) at which the inductor (L) is magnetized and demagnetized when the electronic device (301) is in the second state (or transient state). For example, the second duty cycle may be shorter than the first duty cycle. In this case, the control circuit (320) may alternately control the on / off of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) according to the second duty cycle.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (320) may turn on the first switch (S1) and turn off the second switch (S2) until the peak value of the inductor current (IL) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches a first current value (Error) corresponding to the difference between the output voltage of the buck converter (330) and a predetermined reference voltage (hereinafter, the first reference voltage). The control circuit (320) may turn off the first switch (S1) and turn on the second switch (S2) when the peak value of the inductor current (IL) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (320) may turn the first switch (S1) back on and turn the second switch (S2) back off until the peak value of the inductor current (IL) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value based on a clock signal corresponding to the first duty cycle when the electronic device (301) is in the first state (or steady state).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (320) may turn the first switch (S1) back on and turn the second switch back off based on determining that the difference between the valley value of the inductor current (IL) conducted through the inductor (L) and the first current value (Error) is greater than or equal to a specified value when the electronic device (301) is in the second state (or transient state). For example, the second duty cycle for the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) may be determined based on determining that the difference between the valley value of the inductor current (IL) conducted through the inductor (L) and the first current value (Error) is greater than or equal to a specified value.

[0073] According to the above-described method, the control circuit (320) can adjust the period in which the inductor current (IL) is magnetized and demagnetized to be shorter than before when the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (330) suddenly drops below the threshold voltage while limiting the peak value of the inductor current (IL) conducted to the inductor (L) included in the buck converter (330) to a specified value or less. Through this, the control circuit (220) can supply more current to the buck converter (330) to quickly increase the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (330) when the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (330) suddenly drops below the threshold voltage. The control circuit (320) can improve the performance of the electronic device (301) by rapidly increasing the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (330) when the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (330) drops sharply.

[0074] Meanwhile, the above-described control operation can be applied to various types of DC / DC converters other than the buck converter (330). For example, the above-described control operation can be applied to other types of converters or boosters other than the buck converter (330).

[0075] FIG. 3b is a diagram illustrating a method for sensing circuits according to one embodiment to determine peak and valley values ​​of current flowing through an inductor included in a buck converter.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3b, according to one embodiment, a control circuit (e.g., control circuit (320) of FIG. 3) may alternately turn on / off the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) in one switching cycle of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2). For example, when the first switch (S1) is turned on and the second switch (S2) is turned off, the inductor current (IL) may increase. When the first switch (S1) is turned off and the second switch (S2) is turned on, the inductor current (IL) may decrease.

[0077] In one embodiment, the inductor (L) can be magnetized based on turning on the first switch (S1) and turning off the second switch (S2). Additionally, the inductor (L) can be demagnetized based on turning off the first switch (S1) and turning on the second switch (S2).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the inductor (L) can be magnetized based on an increase in the inductor current (IL). The first sensing circuit (335) can sense a first current (I1) corresponding to an increasing portion of the inductor current (IL). The first sensing circuit (335) can identify a peak value of the inductor current (IL) in one switching cycle based on the first current (I1). For example, the first sensing circuit (335) can sense or identify a current conducted to a point corresponding to a drain of the first switch (S1) to sense an increasing portion of the inductor current (IL). Alternatively, the first sensing circuit (335) can be disposed at a point corresponding to the drain of the first switch (S1) to sense an increasing portion of the inductor current (IL).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the inductor (L) can be demagnetized based on a decrease in the inductor current (IL). The second sensing circuit (337) can sense a second current (I2) corresponding to a decreasing portion of the inductor current (IL). The second sensing circuit (337) can identify a valley value of the inductor current (IL) in one switching cycle based on the second current (I2). For example, the second sensing circuit (337) can sense or identify a current conducted at a point corresponding to a source of the second switch (S2) to sense a decreasing portion of the inductor current (IL). Alternatively, the second sensing circuit (337) can be disposed at a point corresponding to the source of the second switch (S2) to sense a decreasing portion of the inductor current (IL).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the buck converter (330) may include a sensing circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the inductor (L) to detect or sense the peak or valley value of the current flowing through the inductor (L).

[0081] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining an operation of a control circuit according to one embodiment to control a current flowing through an inductor included in a DC / DC converter (or buck converter).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, in operation 401, a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit (320) of FIG. 3A) may control a first switch (S1) and a second switch (S2) such that a peak value of a current flowing through an inductor (L) included in a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter (330) of FIG. 3A) is not greater than a first current value (Error) corresponding to a difference between an output voltage of the DC / DC converter and a first reference voltage.

[0083] According to one embodiment, in operation 403, the control circuit (320) may determine whether the electronic device (301) is in a transient state (or the load (340) included in the electronic device (301) is in a transient state). For example, the control circuit (320) may determine the output voltage (VOUT) of a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter (330) of FIG. 3A). For example, if the control circuit (320) determines that the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330) momentarily drops below a threshold voltage, the control circuit (320) may determine that the electronic device (301) is in a transient state.

[0084] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the electronic device (301) is not in a transient state (NO in operation 403) (i.e., if it is determined that the electronic device (301) is in a steady state), then in operation 405, the control circuit (320) may control the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor (L) included in the DC / DC converter (330) according to the first duty cycle. For example, the control circuit (320) may alternately turn on / off the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) according to the first duty cycle. For example, the control circuit (320) can alternately turn on / off the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) so that the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor (L) is not greater than the first current value (Error) when the electronic device (301) is in a steady state.

[0085] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (301) is determined to be in a transient state (e.g., operation 403), in operation 407, the control circuit (320) may control the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor (L) included in the DC / DC converter (330) according to a second duty cycle. For example, the second duty cycle may be shorter than the first duty cycle. For example, the control circuit (320) may alternately turn on / off the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) according to the second duty cycle. For example, the control circuit (320) can alternately turn on / off the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) so that the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor (L) is not greater than the first current value (Error) when the electronic device (301) is in a transient state.

[0086] According to the above-described method, the control circuit (320) can supply more current to the inductor (L) of the DC / DC converter (330) to quickly increase the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330) when the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330) momentarily falls below a threshold voltage (i.e., when the electronic device is in a transient state). The control circuit (320) can minimize the performance degradation of the electronic device (301) by quickly increasing the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330) when the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330) momentarily falls below a threshold voltage.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining an operation of a control circuit according to one embodiment to control a current flowing through an inductor included in a DC / DC converter (or buck converter).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 5, according to one embodiment, in operation 501, a control circuit (e.g., control circuit (320) of FIG. 3A) may determine that the electronic device (301) is in a transient state (or that the load (340) included in the electronic device (301) is in a transient state). For example, the control circuit (320) may determine that the electronic device (301) is in a transient state if it determines that the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330) momentarily drops below a threshold voltage.

[0089] According to one embodiment, in operation 503, the control circuit (320) may turn on the first switch (S1) and turn off the second switch (S2) to increase the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330) in a transient state of the electronic device (301). As the first switch (S1) is turned on and the second switch (S2) is turned off, the magnitude of a current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) conducted through an inductor (L) included in the DC / DC converter (330) may increase. As the magnitude of the current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) increases, the inductor (L) may be magnetized.

[0090] According to one embodiment, in operation 505, the control circuit (320) may determine whether a current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) conducted through an inductor (L) included in a DC / DC converter (330) has reached a first current value (Error). For example, the control circuit (320) may turn on the first switch (S1) and turn off the second switch (S2) until the current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error).

[0091] According to one embodiment, when it is determined that the current (e.g., the inductor current (IL)) flowing through the inductor (L) has reached the first current value (Error) (e.g., the example of operation 505), in operation 507, the control circuit (320) may turn off the first switch (S1) and turn on the second switch (S2). As the first switch (S1) is turned off and the second switch (S2) is turned on, the magnitude of the current (e.g., the inductor current (IL)) flowing through the inductor (L) included in the DC / DC converter (330) may be reduced. As the magnitude of the current (e.g., the inductor current (IL)) flowing through the inductor (L) is reduced, the inductor (L) may be demagnetized.

[0092] According to one embodiment, in operation 509, the control circuit (320) may determine whether a trigger condition is satisfied. For example, the trigger condition may include a condition for turning the first switch (S1) back on and turning the second switch (S2) back off, regardless of the clock signal. For example, the trigger condition may be determined based on a difference between a first current value (e.g., an Error value) and a valley value of a current (e.g., an inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) being greater than a specified value and the first current value (or a voltage corresponding to the first current value) being greater than the specified current (or a specified voltage). For example, even if the clock signal is at a low level, the trigger condition may be satisfied when the difference between the first current value (e.g., an Error value) and a valley value of a current (e.g., an inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) being greater than a specified value and the first current value (or a voltage corresponding to the first current value) is greater than the specified current (or a specified voltage).

[0093] In one embodiment, if the trigger condition is determined to be satisfied (e.g., operation 509), the control circuit (320) may turn the first switch (S1) back on and turn the second switch (S2) back off. For example, the second duty cycle may be determined by the period of controlling the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) from operation 503 to operation 509.

[0094] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the trigger condition is not satisfied (NO in operation 509), the control circuit (320) may determine whether the clock signal is at a high level. For example, the control circuit (320) may turn off the first switch (S1) and turn on the second switch (S2) until the clock signal changes to a high level. When the clock signal changes to a high level, the control circuit (320) may turn on the first switch (S1) again and turn off the second switch (S2) again. For example, the first duty cycle may be determined by the clock signal.

[0095] According to the above-described method, the control circuit (320) can turn on / off the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) according to a second duty cycle that is shorter than the first duty cycle corresponding to the clock signal when the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330) momentarily falls below a threshold voltage (i.e., when the electronic device is in a transient state). Accordingly, the control circuit (320) can supply more current to the inductor (L) of the DC / DC converter (330) to quickly increase or recover the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330).

[0096] Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a buck converter and a control circuit controlling the same according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a table for explaining the operation of a control circuit (e.g., a flip-flop) controlling the buck converter according to one embodiment.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 6, according to one embodiment, the control circuit (620) may perform the same or similar function as the control circuit (320) of FIG. 3. Meanwhile, the configurations of the control circuit (620) described in FIG. 6 are an example for performing the above-described control operation, and the technical idea of ​​the present invention may not be limited thereto.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (620) may include a first comparator (611), a second comparator (612), a third comparator (613), a fourth comparator (614), a fifth comparator (615), an AND gate (616), an OR gate (617), and a flip-flop (618). Depending on the implementation, the control circuit (620) may include at least some of the above-described components. In addition, the control circuit (620) may further include other components in addition to the above-described components.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the first comparator (611) can output a first voltage corresponding to a first current value (Error) based on the output voltage (VOUT) of the buck converter (330) and the first reference voltage (VREF1).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the second comparator (612) can output a first signal based on a first voltage corresponding to a first current value (Error) and a second voltage corresponding to a peak value of a current (e.g., an inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L). For example, the first signal can include information related to a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. For example, the second comparator (612) can output a high-level first signal (e.g., "1") when the first voltage and the second voltage are equal. Alternatively, the second comparator (612) can output a low-level first signal (e.g., "0") when the first voltage and the second voltage are not equal. Depending on the implementation, the second comparator (612) can output a high-level first signal when the first voltage is greater than the second voltage, even if the first voltage and the second voltage are not equal. Additionally, the second comparator (612) can output a low-level first signal when the first voltage is lower than the second voltage, even if the first voltage and the second voltage are not the same.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the third comparator (613) may output a third voltage corresponding to the difference between a first voltage corresponding to a first current value (Error) and a third voltage corresponding to a valley value of a current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) flowing through the inductor (L).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the fourth comparator (614) may compare a third voltage with a designated value (VREF2) and output a second signal indicating whether the third voltage is greater than the designated value (VREF2) (e.g., a pre-designated voltage value). For example, the fourth comparator (614) may output a high-level second signal if the third voltage is greater than the designated value (VREF2). Alternatively, the fourth comparator (614) may output a low-level second signal if the third voltage is not greater than the designated value (VREF2).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the fifth comparator (615) may compare a first voltage corresponding to a first current value (Error) with a designated voltage (VREF3) (e.g., 0V or a voltage close to 0V) and output a third signal indicating whether the first voltage is greater than the designated voltage (VREF3). For example, the fifth comparator (615) may output a high-level third signal if the first voltage is greater than the designated voltage (VREF3). Alternatively, the fifth comparator (615) may output a low-level third signal if the first voltage is not greater than the designated voltage (VREF3).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the AND gate (616) may output a fourth signal based on the second signal and the third signal. For example, the AND gate (616) may output a fourth signal at a high level when both the second signal and the third signal are at a high level. Alternatively, the AND gate (616) may output a fourth signal at a low level when at least one of the second signal and the third signal is at a low level.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the OR gate (617) may output a fifth signal based on the fourth signal and the clock signal (CLK). For example, the OR gate (617) may output a high-level fifth signal (e.g., "1") when either the fourth signal or the clock signal (CLK) is at a high level. Alternatively, the OR gate (617) may output a low-level fifth signal (e.g., "0") when both the fourth signal and the clock signal are at a low level or a high level. For example, the clock signal (CLK) may be output from a clock generator. For example, the first duty cycle may be based on the clock signal (CLK).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the OR gate (617) can output a fifth signal having a high level based on the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage being greater than a specified value (VREF2) and the first voltage being greater than a specified voltage (VREF3), even if the clock signal (CLK) is at a low level. For example, the OR gate (617) can receive a fourth signal having a high level when both the second signal and the third signal are at a high level, even if the clock signal (CLK) is at a low level. At this time, the OR gate (617) can output a fifth signal having a high level.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the flip-flop (618) may output control signals (Q, Q') for controlling the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) based on the first signal and the fifth signal. For example, the first signal may be input to the first input terminal (R) of the flip-flop (618). The fifth signal may be input to the second input terminal (S) of the flip-flop (618). For example, the Q signal may be output to the first switch (S1) and the Q' signal (a signal inverted by the Q signal) may be output to the second switch (S2). For example, the first control signal may be a signal for controlling on / off of the first switch (S1). The second control signal may be a signal for controlling on / off of the second switch (S2).

[0108] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 7, the flip-flop (618) may turn off the first switch (S1) and turn on the second switch (S2) based on a first signal of a high level (e.g., "1") and a fifth signal of a low level (e.g., "0"). At this time, the flip-flop (618) may output a first control signal of a low level (e.g., "0") to the first switch (S1) and a second control signal of a high level (e.g., "1") to the second switch (S2). For example, the first control signal of a low level and the second control signal of a high level may be output to reduce the magnitude of a current (e.g., an inductor current (IL)) flowing through the inductor (L). In addition, the first control signal of a low level and the second control signal of a high level may be output to demagnetize the inductor (L).

[0109] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 7, the flip-flop (618) may turn on the first switch (S1) and turn off the second switch (S2) based on a first signal of a low level (e.g., "0") and a fifth signal of a high level (e.g., "1"). At this time, the flip-flop (618) may output the first control signal of a high level (e.g., "1") to the first switch (S1) and output the second control signal of a low level (e.g., "0") to the second switch (S2). For example, the first control signal of a high level and the second control signal of a low level may be output to increase the magnitude of a current (e.g., an inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L). In addition, the first control signal of a high level and the second control signal of a low level may be output to magnetize the inductor (L).

[0110] According to the above-described method, the control circuit (620) can increase the amount of current conducted through the inductor (L) when the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage is greater than a specified value (VREF2) and the first voltage is greater than a specified voltage (VREF3), even if the clock signal (CLK) is at a low level. Through this, the control circuit (620) can quickly increase the amount of the output voltage (VOUT) when the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330) momentarily drops below a threshold voltage. That is, the control circuit (620) can quickly increase or recover the amount of the output voltage (VOUT) by briefly adjusting the duty cycles of the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) when the electronic device (301) is in a transient state.

[0111] FIG. 8 is a graph showing a current and a clock signal conducted through an inductor in a first state (or steady state) of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 8, a control circuit (e.g., control circuit (320) of FIG. 3A) can limit a peak value of a current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) conducted through an inductor (L) to a specified first current value (Error) or less in a first state (or steady state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (301) of FIG. 3A). At this time, the control circuit (320) can turn on the first switch (S1) and turn off the second switch (S2) until the peak value of the current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error). That is, the control circuit (320) can increase the current conducted through the inductor (L) until the peak value of the current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error). The control circuit (320) can turn off the first switch (S1) and turn on the second switch (S2) when the peak value of the current (e.g., the inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error). That is, the control circuit (320) can reduce the current conducted through the inductor (L) when the peak value of the current (e.g., the inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error). For example, when the inductor current (IL) reaches the first current value (Error), even if the clock signal (CLK) is at a high level, the inductor current (IL) may no longer increase but may decrease. Thereafter, the control circuit (320) can turn on the first switch (S1) again and turn off the second switch (S2) again in response to the rising edge of the clock signal (CLK).

[0113] According to the above-described method, the control circuit (320) can alternately turn on / off the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) according to the first duty cycle (D1) corresponding to the clock signal (CLK) in the first state (or steady state) of the electronic device. Through this, the control circuit (320) can magnetize and demagnetize the inductor (L) according to the first duty cycle (D1) corresponding to the clock signal (CLK) in the first state (or steady state) of the electronic device.

[0114] FIG. 9A is a graph showing the current and clock signal conducted through the inductor in the second state (or transient state) of the electronic device according to the comparative example.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 9A, according to a comparative embodiment, a control circuit (e.g., control circuit (220) of FIG. 2A) can turn on a first switch (S1) and turn off a second switch (S2) until a peak value of a current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) conducted through an inductor (L) reaches a first current value (Error) in a second state (or transient state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A). That is, the control circuit (220) can increase a current conducted through an inductor (L) until a peak value of a current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) conducted through an inductor (L) reaches a first current value (Error). The control circuit (220) can turn off the first switch (S1) and turn on the second switch (S2) when the peak value of the current (e.g., the inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error). That is, the control circuit (220) can reduce the current conducted through the inductor (L) when the peak value of the current (e.g., the inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error). Thereafter, the control circuit (220) can turn on the first switch (S1) again and turn off the second switch (S2) again in response to the rising edge of the clock signal (CLK).

[0116] According to the above-described method, the control circuit (220) can alternately turn on / off the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) according to the first duty cycle (D1) corresponding to the clock signal (CLK) in the second state (or transient state) of the electronic device (201).

[0117] FIG. 9b is a graph showing a current and a clock signal conducted through an inductor in a second state (or transient state) of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 9B, according to one embodiment, the control circuit (e.g., the control circuit (320) of FIG. 3A) may turn on the first switch (S1) and turn off the second switch (S2) until the peak value of the current (e.g., the inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error) in the second state (or transient state) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3A). That is, the control circuit (320) may increase the current conducted through the inductor (L) until the peak value of the current (e.g., the inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error). The control circuit (320) can turn off the first switch (S1) and turn on the second switch (S2) when the peak value of the current (e.g., the inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error). That is, the control circuit (320) can reduce the current conducted through the inductor (L) when the peak value of the current (e.g., the inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) reaches the first current value (Error). Thereafter, the control circuit (320) can turn on the first switch (S1) again and turn off the second switch (S2) again before the rising edge of the clock signal (CLK) is confirmed. For example, the control circuit (320) can increase the inductor current (IL) even if the clock signal (CLK) is at a low level when the trigger condition is satisfied at the first time point (T). For example, a trigger condition may be satisfied when the difference between a first current value (e.g., Error value) and a valley value of a current flowing through an inductor (L) (e.g., inductor current (IL)) is greater than a specified value and the first current value (or voltage corresponding to the first current value) is greater than a specified current (or specified voltage).

[0119] According to the above-described method, the control circuit (320) can alternately turn on / off the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) according to a second duty cycle (D2) based on a trigger condition in the second state (or transient state) of the electronic device (301). For example, the second duty cycle (D2) may be shorter than the first duty cycle (D1). Accordingly, the control circuit (320) can supply more current to the inductor than the existing control circuit (220) in the transient state of the electronic device (301). Through this, the control circuit (320) can increase or recover the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330) more quickly than the existing control circuit (220) in the transient state of the electronic device (301).

[0120] FIG. 10a is a graph illustrating the effect of increasing the output voltage by supplying more current when the output voltage of a buck converter according to a comparative example is reduced. FIG. 10b is a graph illustrating the effect of increasing the output voltage by supplying more current when the output voltage of a buck converter according to an embodiment is reduced.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 10A, according to a comparative embodiment, a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit (220) of FIG. 2A) can alternately turn on / off a first switch (S1) and a second switch (S2) according to a first duty cycle in a first state (or transient state) of an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A). Accordingly, the control circuit (320) can conduct a current (e.g., an inductor current (IL)) to an inductor (L) according to the first duty cycle. An output voltage (VOUT) of a DC / DC converter (a buck converter (230) of FIG. 2A) can momentarily drop to a first voltage (V1) and then gradually increase and recover.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 10B, according to one embodiment, a control circuit (e.g., control circuit (320) of FIG. 3A) may alternately turn on / off a first switch (S1) and a second switch (S2) according to a second duty cycle that is shorter than a first duty cycle in a first state in a second state (or transient state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (301) of FIG. 3A). Accordingly, the control circuit (320) may conduct more current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) through an inductor (L) according to the second duty cycle than in the first duty cycle. An output voltage (VOUT) of a DC / DC converter (buck converter (330) of FIG. 3A) may momentarily drop to a first voltage (V2) and then increase and recover. For example, the second duty cycle can be determined based on determining that the difference between the valley value of the current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) conducted through the inductor (L) included in the DC / DC converter (buck converter (330) of FIG. 3A) and the first current value (Error) is greater than or equal to a specified value when the voltage corresponding to the second current is greater than a specified voltage (e.g., about 0 V).

[0123] According to the above-described method, the control circuit (320) can supply more current (e.g., inductor current (IL)) to the inductor (L) than the existing control circuit (220) in the transient state of the electronic device (301). Through this, the control circuit (320) can increase or recover the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (330) faster than the existing control circuit (220) in the transient state of the electronic device (301). For example, in the transient state of the electronic device (301), the lowest value (V2) of the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter of FIG. 10b (the buck converter (330) of FIG. 3a) can be higher than the lowest value (V1) of the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter of FIG. 10a (the buck converter (230) of FIG. 2a)). That is, the control circuit (320) according to one embodiment can increase and recover the output voltage (VOUT) of the DC / DC converter (buck converter (330) of FIG. 3A) more quickly in a transient state of the electronic device (301).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a DC / DC converter (330) including an inductor and a first switch and a second switch connected to each other, and a control circuit (320) operatively connected to the DC / DC converter. According to one embodiment, one end of the first switch may be connected to a power source, the other end of the first switch may be connected to one end of the second switch, and the other end of the second switch may be connected to ground. According to one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control the first switch and the second switch such that a peak value of a current flowing through the inductor is not greater than a first current value corresponding to a difference between an output voltage of the DC / DC converter and a first reference voltage. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a first duty cycle based on determining that the electronic device is in a first state comprising a steady state. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to control the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a second duty cycle shorter than the first duty cycle based on determining that the electronic device is in a second state comprising a transient state.

[0125] In one embodiment, the inductor can be magnetized based on turning the first switch on and turning the second switch off. In one embodiment, the inductor can be demagnetized based on turning the first switch off and turning the second switch on.

[0126] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to turn on the first switch and turn off the second switch so that the magnitude of the current flowing through the inductor increases until the peak value of the current reaches the first current value. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to turn off the first switch and turn on the second switch so that the magnitude of the current decreases when the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor reaches the first current value. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to turn on the first switch again and turn off the second switch again based on a clock signal corresponding to the first duty cycle when the electronic device is in the first state so that the magnitude of the current increases until the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor reaches the first current value.

[0127] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to turn on the first switch and turn off the second switch so that the magnitude of the current increases until the peak value of the current conducted through the inductor reaches the first current value. In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to turn off the first switch and turn on the second switch so that the magnitude of the current decreases when the peak value of the current conducted through the inductor reaches the first current value (Error). In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to turn on the first switch again and turn off the second switch again so that the magnitude of the current increases based on determining that a difference between a valley value of the current conducted through the inductor and the first current value is greater than or equal to a specified value when the electronic device is in the second state.

[0128] In one embodiment, the second duty cycle may be determined based on determining that a difference between a valley value of the current flowing through the inductor and the first current value is greater than or equal to a specified value.

[0129] In one embodiment, the control circuit may include a first comparator configured to output a first voltage corresponding to the first current value based on the output voltage and the first reference voltage. In one embodiment, the control circuit may include a second comparator configured to output a first signal based on the first voltage and a second voltage corresponding to the peak value of the current. In one embodiment, the control circuit may include a third comparator configured to output a third voltage corresponding to a difference between the first voltage and a third voltage corresponding to the valley value of the current. In one embodiment, the control circuit may include a fourth comparator configured to compare the third voltage with the designated value and output a second signal indicating whether the third voltage is greater than the designated value. In one embodiment, the control circuit may include a fifth comparator configured to compare the first voltage with the designated voltage and output a third signal indicating whether the first voltage is greater than the designated voltage. In one embodiment, the control circuit may include an AND gate configured to output the fourth signal based on the second signal and the third signal. In one embodiment, the control circuit may include an OR gate configured to output a fifth signal based on the fourth signal and a clock signal. In one embodiment, the control circuit may include a flip-flop configured to output control signals for controlling the first switch and the second switch based on the first signal and the fifth signal.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the flip-flop may be configured to output a first control signal to turn off the first switch and a second control signal to turn on the second switch based on the first signal at a high level and the fifth signal at a low level.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the flip-flop may be configured to output a first control signal for turning on the first switch and a second control signal for turning off the second switch, based on the first signal at a low level and the fifth signal at a high level.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the OR gate may be configured to output the fifth signal at the high level based on the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage being greater than the specified value and the first voltage being greater than the specified voltage, even if the clock signal is at a low level.

[0133] In one embodiment, the first switch may include a P-type field effect transistor (FET), the second switch may include an N-type FET, and the DC / DC converter may include a buck converter.

[0134] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device (301) including a DC / DC converter (330) may include controlling a first switch and a second switch included in the DC / DC converter such that a peak value of a current flowing through an inductor included in the DC / DC converter is not greater than a first current value corresponding to a difference between an output voltage of the DC / DC converter and a first reference voltage. According to one embodiment, one end of the first switch may be connected to a power source, the other end of the first switch may be connected to one end of the second switch, and the other end of the second switch may be connected to ground. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include controlling the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a first duty cycle based on determining that the electronic device is in a first state including a steady state. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include controlling the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a second duty cycle that is shorter than the first duty cycle, based on determining that the electronic device is in a second state including a transient state.

[0135] In one embodiment, the inductor can be magnetized based on turning the first switch on and turning the second switch off. In one embodiment, the inductor can be demagnetized based on turning the first switch off and turning the second switch on.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may further include turning on the first switch and turning off the second switch so that the magnitude of the current is increased until the peak value of the current conducted through the inductor reaches the first current value. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may further include turning off the first switch and turning on the second switch so that the magnitude of the current is decreased when the peak value of the current conducted through the inductor reaches the first current value. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may further include turning on the first switch again and turning off the second switch again so that the magnitude of the current is increased until the peak value of the current conducted through the inductor reaches the first current value, based on a clock signal corresponding to the first duty cycle, when the electronic device is in the first state.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include turning on the first switch and turning off the second switch so that the magnitude of the current increases until the peak value of the current conducted through the inductor reaches the first current value. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include turning off the first switch and turning on the second switch so that the magnitude of the current decreases when the peak value of the current conducted through the inductor reaches the first current value (Error). According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include turning on the first switch again and turning off the second switch again so that the magnitude of the current increases based on determining that a difference between a valley value of the current conducted through the inductor and the first current value is greater than or equal to a specified value when the electronic device is in the second state.

[0138] In one embodiment, the second duty cycle may be determined based on determining that a difference between a valley value of the current flowing through the inductor and the first current value is greater than or equal to a specified value.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include an operation of outputting, through a first comparator, a first voltage corresponding to the first current value based on the output voltage and the first reference voltage. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include an operation of outputting, through a second comparator, a first signal based on the first voltage and a second voltage corresponding to the peak value of the current. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include an operation of outputting, through a third comparator, a third voltage corresponding to a difference between the first voltage and a third voltage corresponding to the valley value of the current. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include an operation of comparing, through a fourth comparator, the third voltage with the specified value and outputting a second signal indicating whether the third voltage is greater than the specified value. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include an operation of comparing the first voltage with a designated voltage through a fifth comparator and outputting a third signal indicating whether the first voltage is greater than the designated voltage. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include an operation of outputting the fourth signal based on the second signal and the third signal through an AND gate. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may further include an operation of outputting the fifth signal based on the fourth signal and a clock signal through an OR gate. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device may include an operation of outputting control signals for controlling the first switch and the second switch based on the first signal and the fifth signal through a flip-flop.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may further include outputting a first control signal for turning off the first switch and a second control signal for turning on the second switch based on the first signal at a high level and the fifth signal at a low level.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may further include outputting a first control signal for turning on the first switch and a second control signal for turning off the second switch based on the first signal at a low level and the fifth signal at a high level.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may further include an operation of outputting the fifth signal at the high level based on the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage being greater than the specified value and the first voltage being greater than the specified voltage, through the OR gate, even if the clock signal is at a low level.

[0143] In one embodiment, the first switch may include a P-type field effect transistor (FET), the second switch may include an N-type FET, and the DC / DC converter may include a buck converter.

[0144] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0145] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0146] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0147] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (1440)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (1436) or an external memory (1438)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (1401)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (1420)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (1401)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0149] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In the electronic device (301), A DC / DC converter (330) comprising an inductor and a first switch and a second switch connected to each other, wherein one end of the first switch is connected to a power source, the other end of the first switch is connected to one end of the second switch, and the other end of the second switch is connected to ground; and A control circuit (320) operatively connected to the DC / DC converter, the control circuit comprising: Control the first switch and the second switch so that the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor is not greater than the first current value corresponding to the difference between the output voltage of the DC / DC converter and the first reference voltage, Based on determining that the electronic device is in a first state including a steady state, controlling the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a first duty cycle, An electronic device configured to control the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a second duty cycle shorter than the first duty cycle, based on determining that the electronic device is in a second state including a transient state.

2. In paragraph 1, The above inductor is magnetized based on turning on the first switch and turning off the second switch, An electronic device wherein the inductor is demagnetized based on turning off the first switch and turning on the second switch.

3. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 2, the control circuit, Turning on the first switch and turning off the second switch so that the magnitude of the current increases until the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor reaches the first current value, When the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor reaches the first current value, the first switch is turned off and the second switch is turned on so that the magnitude of the current is reduced. An electronic device configured to turn the first switch back on and turn the second switch back off so that the magnitude of the current increases until the peak value of the current conducted through the inductor reaches the first current value based on a clock signal corresponding to the first duty cycle when the electronic device is in the first state.

4. In any one of the first to third paragraphs, the control circuit, Turning on the first switch and turning off the second switch so that the magnitude of the current increases until the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor reaches the first current value, When the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor reaches the first current value (Error), the first switch is turned off and the second switch is turned on so that the magnitude of the current is reduced. An electronic device configured to turn the first switch back on and turn the second switch back off so that the magnitude of the current increases based on determining that the difference between the valley value of the current conducted through the inductor and the first current value is greater than or equal to a specified value when the electronic device is in the second state.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, An electronic device wherein the second duty cycle is determined based on determining that the difference between the valley value of the current flowing through the inductor and the first current value is greater than or equal to a specified value.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, the control circuit, A first comparator configured to output a first voltage corresponding to the first current value based on the output voltage and the first reference voltage; A second comparator configured to output a first signal based on the first voltage and the second voltage corresponding to the peak value of the current; A third comparator configured to output a third voltage corresponding to the difference between the first voltage and a third voltage corresponding to the valley value of the current; A fourth comparator configured to compare the third voltage with the specified value and output a second signal indicating whether the third voltage is greater than the specified value; A fifth comparator configured to compare the first voltage with a specified voltage and output a third signal indicating whether the first voltage is greater than the specified voltage; An AND gate set to output the fourth signal based on the second signal and the third signal; An OR gate set to output a fifth signal based on the fourth signal and the clock signal; and An electronic device comprising a flip-flop configured to output control signals for controlling the first switch and the second switch based on the first signal and the fifth signal.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, the flip-flop, An electronic device configured to output a first control signal for turning off the first switch and a second control signal for turning on the second switch based on the first signal at a high level and the fifth signal at a low level.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, the flip-flop, An electronic device configured to output a first control signal for turning on the first switch and a second control signal for turning off the second switch based on the first signal at a low level and the fifth signal at a high level.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, An electronic device in which the OR gate is set to output the fifth signal at the high level based on the difference between the first voltage and the third voltage being greater than the specified value and the first voltage being greater than the specified voltage, even if the clock signal is at a low level.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The first switch includes a P-type field effect transistor (FET), and the second switch includes an N-type FET. The above DC / DC converter is an electronic device including a buck converter.

11. In a method of operating an electronic device (301) including a DC / DC converter (330), An operation of controlling a first switch and a second switch included in the C / DC converter so that a peak value of a current flowing through an inductor included in the DC / DC converter is not greater than a first current value corresponding to a difference between an output voltage of the DC / DC converter and a first reference voltage, wherein one end of the first switch is connected to a power source, the other end of the first switch is connected to one end of the second switch, and the other end of the second switch is connected to ground; An operation of controlling the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a first duty cycle based on determining that the electronic device is in a first state including a steady state; and A method of operating an electronic device, comprising: controlling the first switch and the second switch to magnetize and demagnetize the inductor according to a second duty cycle shorter than the first duty cycle, based on determining that the electronic device is in a second state including a transient state.

12. In paragraph 11, The above inductor is magnetized based on turning on the first switch and turning off the second switch, A method of operating an electronic device in which the inductor is demagnetized based on turning off the first switch and turning on the second switch.

13. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 12, An operation of turning on the first switch and turning off the second switch so that the magnitude of the current increases until the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor reaches the first current value; An operation of turning off the first switch and turning on the second switch so that the magnitude of the current is reduced when the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor reaches the first current value; and An operating method of an electronic device, further comprising, when the electronic device is in the first state, turning the first switch back on and turning the second switch back off so that the magnitude of the current increases until the peak value of the current conducted through the inductor reaches the first current value based on a clock signal corresponding to the first duty cycle.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, An operation of turning on the first switch and turning off the second switch so that the magnitude of the current increases until the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor reaches the first current value; An operation of turning off the first switch and turning on the second switch so that the magnitude of the current is reduced when the peak value of the current flowing through the inductor reaches the first current value (Error); and An operating method of an electronic device further comprising an operation of turning the first switch on again and turning the second switch off again so that the magnitude of the current increases based on determining that the difference between the valley value of the current conducted through the inductor and the first current value is greater than or equal to a specified value when the electronic device is in the second state.

15. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, A method of operating an electronic device, wherein the second duty cycle is determined based on determining that the difference between the valley value of the current flowing through the inductor and the first current value is greater than or equal to a specified value.

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