Dual-mode converter with linear and comparative feedback modes

• Main Authors: TRAVAGLINI DOMINICK F, MUSKA MICHAEL J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 08.08.2006
• Subjects: APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC,OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWERSUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUTPOWER; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER; ELECTRICITY; GENERATION

A dual-mode converter for converting power from an input voltage level to an output voltage level, the dual-mode converter including an inductor section having an input side and an output side, the input side receiving an input signal and the output side outputting at least one output signal based on a power value of the input signal, a feedback loop section which receives a feedback signal from one or more of the at least one output signals, the feedback loop section including a first transistor, a second transistor and a comparator unit which outputs a comparator output signal based on a comparison of the feedback signal to a comparator reference signal, wherein the respective states of the first and second transistors configure the feedback loop section to function as either a linear mode or a comparator mode, a current mode controller unit which receives the input signal, the feedback signal, and a current sense signal representing a sensed current flowing through the input side of the inductor section, the current mode controller unit outputting an output control signal based on the received input signal, the feedback signal, and the current sense signal, and a control gate that enables the current flow through the input side of the inductor section when either the output control signal or the comparator output signal is greater than a predetermined threshold.