Control system and control method for voltage converter

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a control system (104) and a control method for a voltage convertor (102). The control system (104) includes a switching regulator (106) including a power Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET). The control system (104) includes a voltage convertor control circuit (108) that includes a linear regulator (110) electrically connected to the power MOSFET and configured to regulate an output voltage of the power MOSFET, and a shunt regulator (112) electrically connected to the linear regulator (110) and configured to regulate the output voltage by shunting excess current to a ground. A control logic (114) is electrically connected to the linear regulator (110) and the shunt regulator (112), and configured to measure current output from the linear regulator (110) and the shunt regulator (112), and dynamically control a charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106) based on the measured current.

Description

CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR VOLTAGE CONVERTERTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC). In particular, the present disclosure relates to a control system and a control method for controlling ripples in a voltage converter of the PMIC.BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Voltage mode converters and current mode converters are two common control techniques used in Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) and other power electronic circuits. In a voltage mode control, an output voltage of the power supply is directly compared to a reference voltage. This comparison generates an error signal, which is then used to adjust a duty cycle of a switching transistor in the voltage mode converters. Voltage mode control is simpler and often used in lower-power applications. In current mode control, an output current (or a derived current signal) is sensed and used as feedback. A control circuitry adjusts the duty cycle of the switching transistor based on the current feedback. The current mode control provides better dynamic response and stability, particularly in applications with wide load variations.

[0004] However, operational amplifiers (op-amps) used in an error amplifier of these control circuits have a limited bandwidth. The bandwidth of the op-amp determines how quickly it can respond to changes in the error signal. In high-frequency switching converters, the bandwidth requirement for the error amplifier can be significant. Because of this limited bandwidth, designers often need to use high-gain, high-bandwidth op-amps or compensation networks to ensure stability and adequate performance of a control loop. This requirement for specialized components can result in a larger bill of materials (BOM) and increased complexity in the design of voltage and current mode converters.

[0005] Moreover, the voltage and current mode converters may exhibit variations or fluctuations in the output voltage or current, which are commonly known as ripples. These ripples are typically undesirable and can be caused by several factors, including a switchingaction of the converter, parasitic elements in the circuit, and the control loop dynamics. These ripples in the voltage or the current may result in reduced efficiency, increased electromagnetic interference (EMI), and degraded performance of electronic devices.

[0006] Therefore, there is, a need for an improved system for controlling ripples in the voltage or the current in the converters and improving the performance and the efficiency of the converters by overcoming the deficiencies of the prior art(s).OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are listed herein below.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system and a control method for controlling ripples in a voltage converter of a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC).

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system that includes a linear regulator to regulate an output voltage of a power Metal-Oxide- Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET).

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system that includes a shunt regulator to regulate an output voltage by shunting excess current to a ground.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system that includes a control logic to dynamically control a charging and discharging duty cycle of a switching regulator.

[0012] The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.SUMMARY

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC). In particular, the present disclosure relates to a control system and a control method for controlling ripples in a voltage converter of the PMIC.

[0014] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a control system for a voltage converter. The control system includes a switching regulator including a power Metal-Oxide- Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET). The control system includes a voltageconverter control circuit including a linear regulator electrically connected to the power MOSFET and configured to regulate an output voltage of the power MOSFET, and a shunt regulator electrically connected to the linear regulator and configured to regulate the output voltage by shunting excess current to a ground. The control system includes a control logic electrically connected to the linear regulator and the shunt regulator, and configured to measure current output from the linear regulator and the shunt regulator, and dynamically control a charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator based on the measured current.

[0015] In an embodiment, the control logic may be configured to dynamically control the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator by being configured to determine if current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of the linear regulator. If the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator, the control logic may increase the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator. If the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator, the control logic may determine if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator. If the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator, the control logic may decrease the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator. If the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator, the control logic may regulate the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator based on a requirement.

[0016] In an embodiment, the control logic may be configured to dynamically control the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator to minimize the current passing through the linear regulator and the shunt regulator and reduce generation of ripples in an output voltage of the voltage convertor.

[0017] In an embodiment, the linear regulator may be configured to restrict high- frequency ripple in the switching regulator.

[0018] In an embodiment, the shunt regulator may be configured to minimize low- frequency ripple in the switching regulator.

[0019] In an embodiment, the linear regulator may be a Low Dropout (LDO) regulator configured to regulate the output voltage with a minimum dropout voltage.

[0020] In an embodiment, the shunt regulator may be arranged in parallel with the linear regulator to simultaneously regulate the output voltage.

[0021] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a control method for controlling a voltage converter. The method includes providing a switching regulator comprising a power MOSFET. The method includes regulating an output voltage of the power MOSFET using a linear regulator and a shunt regulator. Upon regulation of the output voltage, the method includes measuring current output from the linear regulator and the shunt regulator. Further, the method includes dynamically controlling a charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator based on the measured current.

[0022] In an embodiment, dynamically controlling the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator may include determining if current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of the linear regulator. If the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator, the method may include increasing the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator. If the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator, the method may include determining if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator. If the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator, the method may include decreasing the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator. If the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator, the method may include regulating the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator based on a requirement.

[0023] In an embodiment, the method may include dynamically controlling the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator to minimize the current passing through the linear regulator and the shunt regulator.

[0024] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of the present disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead beingplaced upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent an internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure of such drawings includes the present disclosure of electrical components, electronic components, or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0026] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[0027] FIG. 1A illustrates an example block diagram of a control system for a voltage converter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. IB illustrates a circuit diagram of a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) including a voltage converter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 1C illustrates a circuit diagram of a switching regulator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. ID illustrates a circuit diagram of a linear regulator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. IE illustrates a circuit diagram of a control logic, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. IF illustrates a circuit diagram of a control logic, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 1G illustrates a circuit diagram of a control logic, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates an example flow chart for implementing a method for controlling a voltage converter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates an example flow chart for implementing a method for controlling a voltage converter, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address onlysome of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.

[0037] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth.

[0038] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in a block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0039] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[0040] The word “exemplary” and / or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and / or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0041] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] The present disclosure relates to a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC). In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for controlling ripples in a voltage converter of the PMIC. The control system disclosed in the present disclosure overcomes the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with a conventional voltage converter by including a linear regulator and a shunt regulator. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] The description of terms and features related to the present disclosure shall be clear from the embodiments that are illustrated and described; however, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the present disclosure can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims but are not described in detail with respect to the following description.

[0045] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a control system for a voltage converter. The control system includes a switching regulator including a power Metal-Oxide- Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET). The control system includes a voltageconverter control circuit including a linear regulator electrically connected to the power MOSFET and configured to regulate an output voltage of the power MOSFET, and a shunt regulator electrically connected to the linear regulator and configured to regulate the output voltage by shunting excess current to a ground. The control system includes a control logic electrically connected to the linear regulator and the shunt regulator, and configured to measure current output from the linear regulator and the shunt regulator, and dynamically control a charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator based on the measured current.

[0046] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a control method for controlling a voltage converter. The method includes providing a switching regulator comprising a power MOSFET. The method includes regulating an output voltage of the power MOSFET using a linear regulator and a shunt regulator. Upon regulation of the output voltage, the method includes measuring current output from the linear regulator and the shunt regulator. Further, the method includes dynamically controlling a charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator based on the measured current.

[0047] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to FIGs. 1A-3.

[0048] A Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) is an integrated circuit that may be utilized for managing power requirements in electronic devices. The PMICs are designed to efficiently regulate and control a power supply to various components within the electronic device, such as, for example, processors, memory, sensors, and interfaces. The PMICs may include a variety of features to ensure efficient power management, including voltage regulation, power sequencing, power monitoring, and battery charging. The PMICs are commonly used in portable electronic devices for example, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices, where power efficiency and management are crucial for optimizing battery life and ensuring reliable operation. The PMICs may vary in complexity and functionality depending on specific requirements of the electronic device. Some PMICs are highly integrated and include multiple power management functions in a single chip, while others may be more specialized for specific applications or functionalities.

[0049] The PMICs may include a voltage converter for converting one voltage level to another. This conversion may be crucial in managing the power supply to various components within the electronic devices, ensuring that the electronic devices receive appropriate voltage levels for their operation. Therefore, the present disclosure discloses a control system 104 for controlling variations or fluctuations, which are commonly known asripples, in the voltage levels output by the voltage converter 102 to ensure that the electronic devices receive appropriate voltage levels fortheir operation.

[0050] With reference to FIGs. 1A to 1G, in an embodiment, the control system 104 may include a switching regulator 106. The switching regulator 106 may be utilized for efficiently converting one voltage level to another by rapidly switching an input voltage on and off. This switching action may allow the switching regulator 106 to control an output voltage by varying a duty cycle of a switching signal. The switching regulator 106 may include, for example, but not limited to, a power Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET). The power MOSFETs may be used in the switching regulator 106 for their high efficiency, fast-switching speed, and low on-state resistance. The fast-switching speed of the power MOSFETs may allow the switching regulator 106 to quickly turn on and off, enabling the switching regulator 106 to respond rapidly to changes in load or input voltage. The low on-state resistance of the power MOSFETs may minimize power losses and improve efficiency of the switching regulator 106. Further, the power MOSFETs may include built-in protection features such as overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, and thermal shutdown, which help improve a reliability and a safety of the switching regulator 106.

[0051] In an embodiment, the control system 104 may include a voltage converter control circuit 108. The voltage converter control circuit 108 may regulate the output voltage of the voltage converter 102, compensating the variations in the input voltage, a load, and other factors to maintain a stable output voltage. In an embodiment, the voltage converter control circuit 108 may include a linear regulator 110 electrically connected to the power MOSFET. The linear regulator 110 may be, for example, a Low Dropout (LDO) regulator configured to regulate the output voltage with a minimum dropout voltage. The linear regulator 110 may be configured to regulate the output voltage of the power MOSFET. The linear regulator 110 may use a linear control element such as, for example, a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field-effect transistor (FET), to regulate the output voltage of the power MOSFET. The linear regulator 110 may be configured to restrict high-frequency ripple in the switching regulator 106. In an embodiment, the linear regulator 110 may maintain the output voltage stable even when the input voltage or load conditions change, by continuously adjusting its resistance.

[0052] In an embodiment, the control system 104 may include a shunt regulator 112 electrically connected to the linear regulator 110. The shunt regulator 112 may include a shunt element (e.g., a Zener diode) to regulate the output voltage. The shunt regulator 112may be configured to maintain a constant output voltage by shunting excess current to a ground. When the output voltage rises above a desired level, the Zener diode may start conducting, shunting the excess current to the ground, and preventing the output voltage from rising further. Conversely, when the output voltage drops below the desired level, the Zener diode may stop conducting, allowing more current to flow through a load, and raising the output voltage. In an embodiment, the shunt regulator 112 may be arranged in parallel with the linear regulator 110 to simultaneously regulate the output voltage. In an embodiment, the shunt regulator 112 may be configured to minimize low-frequency ripple in the switching regulator 106.

[0053] In an embodiment, the control system 104 may include a control logic 114 electrically connected to the linear regulator 110 and the shunt regulator 112. In an embodiment, the control logic 114 may monitor the output voltage of the voltage converter 102. If the output voltage deviates from the desired level, the control logic 114 may send signals to both the linear regulator 110 and the shunt regulator 112 to adjust their operations. In an embodiment, the control logic 114 may communicate with the linear regulator 110 to adjust its output voltage. In an embodiment, the control logic 114 may communicate with the shunt regulator 112. The shunt regulator 112 may be used to shunt excess current to the ground when the output voltage exceeds the desired level. This may prevent overvoltage conditions. In an embodiment, the control logic 114 may also optimize the operation of both the linear regulator 110 and the shunt regulator 112 based on requirements, such as load conditions, input voltage variations, and temperature changes.

[0054] In an embodiment, the control logic 114 may be configured to measure current output from the linear regulator 110 and the shunt regulator 112. Further, the control logic 114 may be configured to dynamically control a charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106 based on the measured current. The control logic 114 may be configured to dynamically control the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106 by determining if current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of the linear regulator 110. If the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator 110, the control logic 114 may increase the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106.

[0055] If the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator 110, the control logic 114 may determine if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of the shuntregulator 112. If the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator 112, the control logic 114 may decrease the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106. If the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator 112, the control logic 114 may regulate the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106 based on the requirement. The control logic 114 may dynamically control the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106 to minimize the current passing through the linear regulator 110 and the shunt regulator 112 and reduce generation of ripples in the output voltage of the voltage convertor 102.

[0056] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1G, the control logic 114 may be configured to achieve voltage regulation by adjusting duty cycle of a gate control signal of the power MOSFET based on the output voltage of the voltage convertor 102. The output voltage may be directly proportional to the duty cycle of the power MOSFET. That is, the output voltage may be controlled by varying the duty cycle of the power MOSFET.

[0057] In an embodiment, the duty cycle of the power MOSFET may be controlled by a control signal (IDC_CTRL). This signal may be generated based on an output of an operational amplifier. The operational amplifier may compare the actual output voltage with a reference voltage, and an output of the comparison may be the control signal (IDC_CTRL) that determines the duty cycle of the power MOSFET gate control signal. The control logic 114 may dynamically control charging and discharging duty cycle of the power MOSFET using the linear regulator 110 and the shunt regulator 112, thereby limiting the generation of ripples in the output voltage of the voltage convertor 102. The linear regulator 110 and the shunt regulator 112 may stabilize the output voltage of the voltage convertor 102 by providing additional regulation and smoothing out fluctuations.

[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates an example flow chart for implementing a method 200 for controlling a voltage converter 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 2, in the voltage converter 102, an input voltage (Vin) may be converted to an output voltage (Vout). During the conversion, ripples may occur due to several factors including, but not limited to a switching action of the voltage converter 102, parasitic elements in the voltage converter 102, and the control loop dynamics. These ripples in the voltage or the current may result in reduced efficiency, increased electromagnetic interference (EMI), and degraded performance of electronic devices. Therefore, the proposed method 200 may be implemented for controlling the ripples in the voltage converter 102. Themethod 200 may include following steps to reduce or control the ripples in the voltage converter 102.

[0060] At 202, the method 200 may include setting a charging and discharging duty cycle of a switching regulator (for example, a switching regulator 106 as illustrated in FIG. 1A) to 50%, to limit a phase of an output voltage of a power MOSFET and a phase of an output voltage of a shunt regulator.

[0061] At 204, the method 200 may include measuring current output from a linear regulator 110 and a shunt regulator 112 upon regulating the output voltage of the power MOSFET using the linear regulator 110 and the shunt regulator 112. The method may include determining if current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of a linear regulator 110.

[0062] At 206, if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator 110, the method 200 may include increasing the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106.

[0063] At 208, if the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator 110, the method 200 may include determining if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator 112.

[0064] At 210, if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator 112, the method 200 may include decreasing the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106.

[0065] At 212, if the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator 112, the method 200 may include regulating the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106 based on a requirement. The charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106 may be dynamically controlled to minimize the current passing through the linear regulator 110 and the shunt regulator 112.

[0066] FIG. 3 illustrates an example flow chart for implementing a method 300 for controlling a voltage converter 102, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] With reference to FIG. 3, the method 300 may be implemented for controlling ripples in the voltage converter 102. The method 300 may include following steps to reduce or control the ripples in the voltage converter 102.

[0068] At 302, the method 300 may include setting a charging and discharging duty cycle of a switching regulator (for example, a switching regulator 106 as illustrated in FIG. 1A) to 50%, to regulate an output voltage of the voltage converter 102. This setting may limit a phase of an output voltage of a power MOSFET and a phase of an output voltage of a shunt regulator.

[0069] At 304, the method 300 may include determining whether the output voltage of the voltage converter 102 is greater than a predetermined target voltage.

[0070] At 306, the method 300 may include decreasing the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106, if the output voltage of the voltage converter 102 is greater than the predetermined target voltage.

[0071] At 308, the method 300 may include increasing the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106, if the output voltage of the voltage converter 102 is less than the predetermined target voltage.

[0072] Therefore, the method 300 may dynamically control the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator 106 to control generation of the ripples in the voltage converter 102.

[0073] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the structure of the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0074] The present disclosure provides a control system and a control method for controlling ripples in a voltage converter of a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) in a more efficient manner.

[0075] The present disclosure provides a control system that includes a linear regulator to regulate an output voltage of a power Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) efficiently.

[0076] The present disclosure provides a control system that includes a shunt regulator to regulate an output voltage by shunting excess current to a ground.

[0077] The present disclosure provides a control system that includes a control logic to dynamically control a charging and discharging duty cycle of a switching regulator to minimize the current passing through a linear regulator and a shunt regulator.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A control system (104) for a voltage convertor (102), comprising: a switching regulator (106) comprising a power Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET); a voltage convertor control circuit (108) comprising: a linear regulator (110) electrically connected to the power MOSFET and configured to regulate an output voltage of the power MOSFET; and a shunt regulator (112) electrically connected to the linear regulator (110) and configured to regulate the output voltage by shunting excess current to a ground; and a control logic (114) electrically connected to the linear regulator (110) and the shunt regulator (112), and configured to measure current output from the linear regulator (110) and the shunt regulator (112), and dynamically control a charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106) based on the measured current.

2. The control system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control logic (114) is configured to dynamically control the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106) by being configured to: determine if current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of the linear regulator (110); if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator (110), increase the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106); if the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator (110), determine if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator (112); if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator (112), decrease the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106); and if the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator (112), regulate the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106) based on a requirement.

3. The control system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control logic (114) is configured to dynamically control the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106) to minimize the current passing through the linear regulator (110) and the shunt regulator (112) and reduce generation of ripples in an output voltage of the voltage convertor (102).

4. The control system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linear regulator (110) is configured to restrict high-frequency ripple in the switching regulator (106).

5. The control system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shunt regulator (112) is configured to minimize low-frequency ripple in the switching regulator (106).

6. The control system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linear regulator (110) is a Low Dropout (LDO) regulator configured to regulate the output voltage with a minimum dropout voltage.

7. The control system (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shunt regulator (112) is arranged in parallel with the linear regulator (110) to simultaneously regulate the output voltage.

8. A method (200) for controlling a voltage convertor (102), the method comprising: providing a switching regulator (106) comprising a power Metal-Oxide- Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET); regulating an output voltage of the power MOSFET using a linear regulator (110) and a shunt regulator (112); upon regulation of the output voltage, measuring current output from the linear regulator (110) and the shunt regulator (112); and dynamically controlling a charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106) based on the measured current.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein dynamically controlling the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106) comprises: determining (204) if current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of the linear regulator (110);if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator (110), increasing (206) the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106); if the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the linear regulator (110), determining (208) if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than a predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator (112); if the current output from the power MOSFET is greater than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator (112), decreasing (210) the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106); and if the current output from the power MOSFET is lesser than the predetermined threshold of the shunt regulator (112), regulating (212) the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106) based on a requirement.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein dynamically controlling the charging and discharging duty cycle of the switching regulator (106) to minimize the current passing through the linear regulator (110) and the shunt regulator (112).

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