Multiple voltage output buck converter with a single inductor

Details Multiple voltage output buck converter with a single inductor Multiple voltage output buck converter with a single inductor

2000-02-23

2001-04-24

Berhane, Adolf Deneke (Department: 2838)

Electricity: power supply or regulation systems

Output level responsive

Using a three or more terminal semiconductive device as the...

C323S282000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06222352

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to buck converters and more particularly to DC—DC converters for desktop and portable computers.
BACKGROUND ART
In the past, non-isolated, step-down, direct current converters using buck topology were used because they included only a single inductor for their magnetics and no transformer. Using the simplest possible magnetics is important because the cost of the magnetics rises rapidly as additional windings are added. The cost not only increases due to manufacturing cost but also due to testing cost. Further, more complex magnetics increase the chances of errors in construction, which may lead to failures of the converter. However, these buck converters were capable of producing only a single output voltage. If more than one output voltage was required, either a linear regulator at the output of the buck converter, a second buck converter at the output of the first converter, or a parallel buck converter was required. Using a linear regulator, although low cost, involves very poor efficiency and concomitant heat problems. Use of a second buck converter or a parallel buck converter both involve adding one or more additional complete converters, with all of their additional magnetics, controller integrated circuits, etc. Further, the series connection of two frequency converters may halve the efficiency of the system.
Many systems require multiple low voltage power buses for operation. In particular, computer motherboards need large currents at, for example, both 3.3 volts and 2.0 volts. A conventional approach for generating these two voltages is to have a separate buck converter for each output. Each converter involves a control integrated circuit, two MOSFETs (for synchronous conversion), an inductor, one or more output capacitors, and a variety of small signal components. These numerous parts, and inductors in particular, make power conversion very expensive. A simpler and less costly solution has long been sought.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a low-cost, multiple output buck converter using a single inductor, a single pulse width modulator integrated circuit, two MOSFETs plus one additional MOSFET, and one or more capacitors for each voltage output.
The present invention further provides a low-cost, multiple output buck converter which eliminates the need for an inductor, a pulse width modulator integrated circuit and two MOSFETs, plus one MOSFET for each output.
The present invention further provides a multiple output buck converter which may be used wherever multiple output voltage outputs are required to be derived from a single higher voltage input.
The present invention further provides a single, single winding inductor to generate multiple buck outputs, forming a single, multi-output buck converter with each output regulator.
The above and additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4801859 (1989-01-01), Dishner
patent: 5444356 (1995-08-01), Reynolds et al.
patent: 5479089 (1995-12-01), Lee
patent: 5552695 (1996-09-01), Schwartz
patent: 5617015 (1997-04-01), Goder et al.
patent: 5654881 (1997-08-01), Albrecht et al.
patent: 5886508 (1999-03-01), Jutras
patent: 5920475 (1999-07-01), Boylan et al.
patent: 6031743 (2000-02-01), Carpenter et al.
patent: 6037755 (2000-03-01), Mao et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Multiple voltage output buck converter with a single inductor does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Multiple voltage output buck converter with a single inductor, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multiple voltage output buck converter with a single inductor will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2549661