Converter circuit with forward and backward control
View Patent ↗The present invention relates to a converter circuit and a conversion method for converting an input signal of a first value to an output signal of a second value based on a switched operating mode, wherein an output feedback loop ( 40 ) and an additional input forward control loop ( 60 ) are provided. The additional input forward control loop ( 60 ) serves to correctly control a switching parameter not only with respect to the output load but also over a wide input voltage range. This leads to an improved power efficiency and reliability of the converter circuit.
1. A converter circuit for converting an input signal of a first value to an output signal of a second value based on a switched operating mode, said converter circuit comprising:
a first control loop for comparing said first value of said input signal with a first reference value and for controlling a switching parameter of said switched operating mode in response to the comparison result; and
a second control loop for comparing said second value of said output signal with a second reference value and for controlling said switching parameter of said switched operating mode in response to the comparison result; and
a sequencer for allowing change of said switching parameter only after completion of an operating cycle such that said first and said second control loop work without interference with said sequencer adapted to give priority to said second control loop.
2. A converter circuit according to claim 1 , wherein said first value is a voltage value of said input signal and said second value is a voltage value of said output signal.
3. A converter circuit according to claim 1 , wherein said switching parameter is an operating frequency of said switched operating mode.
4. A converter circuit according to claim 1 , wherein said first control loop is adapted to reduce said operating frequency when said first value drops below a first reference value.
5. A converter circuit according to claim 1 , wherein said conversion is based on at least one switched inductance.
6. An integrated circuit for generating a power supply of an electronic device, said integrated circuit comprising a converter circuit according to claim 1 , wherein said first control loop comprises a monitoring means for monitoring a supply voltage of said integrated circuit.
7. An integrated circuit according to claim 1 , wherein said electronic device is a smart card device.
8. an input signal of a first value into an output signal of a second value based on a switched operating mode, said method comprising:
a first comparison step for comparing said first value of said input signal with a first reference value;
a first control step for initiating control of a switching parameter of said switched operating mode in response to the result of said first comparison step;
a second comparison step for comparing said second value of said output signal with a second reference value; and
a second control step for initiating control of said switching parameter in response to the result of said second comparison step,
wherein changing of said switching parameter is allowed only after completion of an operating cycle such that said first and said second control loop work without interference and priority is given to said second control loop.