Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

Graeme Docherty

Cary L Delano

Feng Yu

Doug Heineman

A first system includes first and second buck-boost amplifiers. The first amplifier is connected to a battery, includes a first inductor and a first plurality of switches connected to the first inductor, and drives first and second loads. The second amplifier is connected to the battery, includes a second inductor and a second plurality of switches connected to the second inductor, and drives the first and second loads. A controller drives the first and second plurality of switches to operate each of the first and second amplifiers in a single inductor multiple output mode. A second system includes multiple buck-boost amplifiers connected to a battery and driving respective loads. Each amplifier includes inductors and switches connected to the inductors. A controller drives the switches to utilize one or more inductors based on an amount of power used by each amplifier to drive the respective loads.

Multiphase buck-boost amplifier

A first module is configured to, based on an input sample, determine a first duty cycle. A second module is configured to, based on a battery voltage and the first duty cycle, determine a second duty cycle. A third module is configured to: set a scalar value based on at least one of a battery current, an amplitude of the input sample, the second duty cycle, and an output voltage; and generate a start signal at a rate equal to a predetermined rate multiplied by the scalar value. A fourth module is configured to set a third duty cycle based on the second duty cycle and the scalar value. A fifth module is configured to generate a PWM output based on the start signal and the third duty cycle. A sixth module is configured to apply power to gates of FETs of a voltage converter based on the PWM output.

Amplifier switching control systems and methods

Various buck-boost amplifier architectures are disclosed. In some architectures, a plurality of amplifiers use one or more inductors from a shared bank of inductors as needed to deliver variable amounts of power to respective loads. In some architectures, each amplifier includes multiple inductors and switches that are controlled to vary the number of inductors used in an amplifier based on a power requirement of the amplifier to drive its load. In some architectures, the switches include well switching devices. In some architectures, each amplifier drives multiple loads and is operated in a single inductor multiple output (SIMO) mode. In all architectures, the loads include speakers, piezo elements, and motors.

Growing community of inventors

Austin, TX, United States of America

Graeme Docherty