System and method for detection of zero current condition
View Patent ↗A method for converting power includes charging an inductor by coupling the inductor to a voltage source for a predetermined amount of time. Thereafter, the inductor is discharged by coupling the inductor to a ground until the current flowing through the inductor equals zero. A method for detecting a zero current flowing through the inductor includes coupling the inductor to a transistor and comparing the output of that transistor to a transistor coupled to ground.
1. A method of regulating power comprising:
charging an inductor with a source voltage for a first time period by coupling said inductor to said source voltage;
discharging an inductor for a second time period by coupling said inductor to a ground;
disconnecting said inductor from both said source voltage and said ground for a third time period; wherein
said disconnecting step is commenced when a current flowing through said inductor equals zero amperes.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said charging step comprises:
turning on a first switch coupling the inductor to the source voltage; and
turning off a second switch coupling the inductor to ground.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said discharging step comprises:
turning off a first switch coupling the inductor to the source voltage; and
turning on a second switch coupling the inductor to ground.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said disconnecting step comprises:
turning off a first switch coupling the inductor to the source voltage; and
turning off a second switch coupling the inductor to ground.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said disconnecting step is commenced by a signal transmitted by a zero current detection circuit.
6. A method of regulating power comprising:
charging an inductor with a source voltage for a first time period by coupling said inductor to said source voltage:
discharging an inductor for a second time period by coupling said inductor to a ground;
disconnecting said inductor from both said source voltage and said ground for a third time period; wherein
said disconnecting step is commenced when a current flowing through said inductor equals zero amperes;
wherein said disconnecting step comprises:
coupling an input of a first device to said inductor; connecting an input of a second device to a ground;
supplying said first device and said second device with substantially equal currents;
comparing the output voltage of said first device with the output voltage of said second device; and
transmitting a signal to commence said disconnecting step.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein:
said first device comprises transistor comprising a gate, source, and a drain; and
said second device comprises a transistor comprising a gate, source, and a drain.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein:
said comparing step utilizes a low-offset, high-speed comparator coupled to said first device and said second device.