Patent ID: 6594308
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: G06F,H02M

Abstract:
A method for driving a load in a pulse width modulation (PWM) mode as a function of numeric command values having an N number of bits, the method comprising the steps of:incrementing by a plurality of additional bits the number of N-bits on which a selected numeric command value is mapped, the selected numeric command value being in a PWM signal having a fixed frequency and a duty cycle proportional to the selected numeric command value; converting the N-bits of the selected command value by comparing the N-bits of the selected numeric command value with N-bits from an up/down counter functioning in a continuous mode at a frequency of a system clock signal, the N-bits being the most significant bits; decoding the plurality of additional bits by generating a corresponding plurality of intermediate levels of variation in the duty cycle by using at least one cascade of flip-flops having an input receiving the PWM signal, each intermediate level having a duration of half a clock period for producing a plurality of signals out of phase among each other by half a clock period, the plurality of additional bits being the least significant bits; and generating at least one driving PWM signal by multiplexing the signals out of phase among each other, and carrying out logic combinations of these signals as a function of a most significant bit of the selected numeric command value and as a function of the plurality of additional bits.