Patent ID: 7940596
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: H02M,Y02B

Abstract:
1. An adaptive zero-current sense method for a switching regulator including a low-side switch connected to a phase node and switched to control an inductor current, the low-side switch having a body diode, the method comprising the steps of: A. monitoring the inductor current during the low-side switch is on; B. triggering a first signal to turn off the low-side switch if the inductor current falls down to a zero-current threshold during the low-side switch is on; C. monitoring a turn-on time of the body diode after the low-side switch is turned off in response to the first signal; D. determining a second signal to adjust the zero-current threshold according to the turn-on time of the body diode; and E. adjusting the zero-current threshold if the turn-on time of the body diode is shorter than a given value.