Apple Inc.

Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation

Adrian K Ong

Yang Li

Rendon A Holloway

Howard Hou

A zero static loadline switching regulator can include a controller having an integrating outer control loop that receives a first feedback signal corresponding regulator load and a reference signal and generates an intermediate feedback signal therefrom. The control circuit can also include an inner control loop that receives the intermediate feedback signal and a second feedback signal corresponding to a load on the regulator and generates an error signal used to control switching devices of the regulator. The control circuit can also include a transient response circuit configured to boost the error signal, for a predetermined time period after and responsive to a load transient. The error signal may be boosted to an intermediate value between its saturation level and its full scale level. The intermediate value may be predetermined or may be determined responsive to the magnitude of the load transient.

Transient booster for zero static loadline switching regulator

A boost power converter system according to one embodiment includes an input voltage high-side node; an inductor coupled to the input voltage high-side node at a first terminal of the inductor; a power switch coupled to the inductor at a second terminal of the inductor; a drive circuit configured to control the power switch such that the boost power converter system operates in a discontinuous conduction mode when a load current drops below a critical conduction threshold; and a damping switch configured to enable current flow from the power switch at the second terminal of the inductor to the input voltage high-side node, wherein the damping switch is closed when the power switch is open and the damping switch is opened when the power switch is closed.

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Adrian K Ong