# Patent

## Title
Switching power supply and related control method

## Abstract

A switching power supply includes a power switch, an adjusting circuit and a limit signal generator. The power switch operates according to a switch control signal. The adjusting circuit adjusts the turn-on time of the switch control signal according to a limit signal and a detecting signal which corresponds to the current passing the power switch. When the detecting signal exceeds or is equal to the limit signal, the limit signal generator samples a reference signal and updates the limit signal according to the sampled reference signal.

## Background
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to a switching power supply, and more particularly, to a switching power supply which updates the limit signal of the present period according to the sampled value of the reference signal during the previous period.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A well-designed power converting circuit aims at providing a stable output voltage and a wide range of output current. Therefore, when a sudden variation in the load occurs, efficient conversion can still be achieved by keeping the output voltage at its original voltage level and swiftly providing various load currents accordingly. Common power converting circuits include switching regulators and linear regulators.
Reference is made to FIG. 1 for a diagram illustrating a prior art switching power supply 100. Switching power supply 100, including a transformer 102, a power switch 104, an adjusting circuit 106, a detecting circuit 108, and a limit signal generator 110, can converts input voltage VIN into output voltage VOUT. Power switch 104 operates according to a switch control signal VSW: when power switch 104 is turned on, the current passing the primary coil of transformer 102 increases since transformer 102 is charged by input voltage VIN; when power switch 104 is turned off, the energy stored in the primary coil of transformer 102 is released by charging output capacitor Co through the secondary coil of transformer 102. Detecting circuit 108, including a resistor RCS coupled in series with power switch 104, can monitor the current passing power switch 104, thereby providing a corresponding detecting signal VCS. Limit signal generator 110 can provide a limit signal VLIMIT for approximately defining the maximum current IP-MAX which is allowed to pass the primary coil of transformer 102. Adjusting circuit 106 includes a comparator 114 and a driving circuit 116. When detecting signal VCS exceeds limit signal VLIMIT, driving circuit 116 generates switch control signal VSW according to a compare signal VCOMP so as to turn off power switch 104. At the moment when power switch 104 is turned off, the current passing power switch 104 is equal to IP-MAX.
Since the maximum output power of switching power supply 100 is determined by the maximum current IP-MAX, the value of IP-MAX should remain constant regardless of input voltage VIN. However, signal propagation delay inevitably exists from that detecting signal VCS exceeds limit signal VLIMIT to that power switch 104 is actually turned off. Therefore, if limit signal VLIMIT is fixed, the maximum current IP-MAX will increase with input voltage VIN. One common solution is to make limit signal VLIMIT increase with the turn-on time of power switch 104. In other words, a higher input voltage VIN, resulting in a shorter turn-on time of power switch 104, corresponds to a smaller value of limit signal VLIMIT. With proper design, signal propagation delay can be compensated and a stable maximum current IP-MAX can thus be provided.
Another common problem found in switching power supplies is sub-harmonic oscillation. Sub-harmonic oscillation occurs when the duty cycle is over 50% and the switching power supply may oscillate with half the frequency with which the power switch is turned on/off. Slope compensation is a solution to solving sub-harmonic oscillation. One simple approach is to make limit signal VLIMIT decrease with the turn-on time of power switch 104. In other words, a larger duty cycle, resulting in a longer turn-on time of power switch 104, corresponds to a smaller value of limit signal VLIMIT.
As mentioned above, the approach aimed at improving sub-harmonic oscillation worsens the variation in the maximum current IP-MAX caused by signal propagation delay, and vice versa.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a switching power supply comprising a power switch which operates according to a switch control signal having an adjustable turn-on time; an adjusting circuit for providing the switch control signal and adjusting the turn-on time of the switch control signal according to a limit signal and a detecting signal which corresponding to a current passing the power switch; and a limit signal generator for sampling a reference signal and updating the limit signal according to the sampled reference signal when the detecting signal exceeds or equal to the limit signal.
The present invention further provides an integrated circuit which generates a switch control signal with an adjustable turn-on time for driving a power switch comprising an adjusting circuit for providing the switch control signal and adjusting the turn-on time of the switch control signal according to a limit signal and a detecting signal which corresponds to a current passing the power switch; and a limit signal generator for sampling a reference signal and updating the limit signal according to the sampled reference signal when the detecting signal exceeds or equal to the limit signal.
The present invention further provides a method for controlling a switching power supply comprising turning on or turning off a power switch according to a switch control signal; providing a detecting signal according to a current passing the power switch; adjusting a turn-on time of the switch control signal according to the detecting signal and a limit signal; sampling a reference signal when the detecting signal exceeds or is equal to the limit signal; and updating the limit signal according to the sampled reference signal.
These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a prior art switching power supply.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a switching power supply according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a sample/hold circuit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a sample/hold circuit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the waveforms of the reference signal according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a clamping circuit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the switching power supply according to the embodiment of the present invention.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference is made to FIG. 2 for a diagram illustrating a switching power supply 600 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Switching power supply 600, including a transformer 602, a power switch 604, an adjusting circuit 606, a detecting circuit 608, and a limit signal generator 610, can convert input voltage VIN into output voltage VOUT. Power switch 604 operates according to a switch control signal VSW: when power switch 604 is turned on, the current passing the primary coil of transformer 602 increases since transformer 602 is charged by input voltage VIN; when power switch 604 is turned off, the energy stored in the primary coil of transformer 602 is released by charging output capacitor Co through the secondary coil of transformer 602. Detecting circuit 608, including a resistor RCS coupled in series with power switch 604, can monitor the current passing power switch 604, thereby providing a corresponding detecting signal VCS. Limit signal generator 610, including a reference signal generator 618, a sample/hold circuit 700 and a clamping circuit 612, can provide a limit signal VLIMIT. Reference signal generator 618 provides a reference signal VREF(t) which varies with time t. Sample/hold circuit 700 samples reference signal VREF(t) according to the voltage level of switch control signal VSW and outputs the sampled reference signal as the new limit signal V′LIMIT for the next period. Clamping circuit 612 can maintain the maximum value of limit signal V′LIMIT at a predetermined value to avoid system overload. Therefore, if limit signal V′LIMIT does not exceed the predetermined value, limit signal VLIMIT outputted by clamping circuit 612 is equal to the limit signal V′LIMIT outputted by sample/hold circuit 700; if limit signal V′LIMIT exceeds the predetermined value, limit signal VLIMIT is kept at the predetermined value. Adjusting circuit 606 includes a comparator 614 and a driving circuit 616: comparator 614 includes a positive input end for receiving limit signal VLIMIT, a negative input end for receiving detecting signal VCS, and an output end for outputting a corresponding compare signal VCOMP according to the relationship between limit signal VLIMIT and detecting signal VCS; driving circuit 616 can generate the duty cycle of switch control signal VSW according to compare signal VCOMP, thereby controlling power switch 604.
Reference is made to FIG. 3 for a diagram illustrating sample/hold circuit 700 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Sample/hold circuit 700 includes two switches SW1 and SW2, two capacitors C1 and C2, and an inverter 70. With inverter 70, switches SW1 and SW2 can operate in a complimentary manner according to the voltage level of switch control signal VSW: when switch control signal VSW is at high level, switch SW1 is turned on (short circuit) and switch SW2 is turned off (open circuit); when switch control signal VSW is at low level, switch SW1 is turned off and switch SW2 is turned on.
In the present embodiment, limit signal VLIMIT corresponding to each period has a specific value. For example, the values of limit signal VLIMIT corresponding to the periods T1-Tn are respectively represented by V1-Vn, while the time points when the detecting signal VCS reaches limit signal V1-Vn during periods T1-Tn are represented by t1-tn. Two continuous periods T1 and T2 are used for illustration. After entering period T1, switch control signal VSW maintains at high voltage level when detecting signal VCS does not exceed limit signal VLIMIT. Since switch SW1 is turned on and switch SW2 is turned off during this period, reference signal VREF(t) charges capacitor C1 so that the voltage level of reference signal VREF(t) is retained at memory terminal N1 of capacitor C1. After detecting signal VCS exceeds or is equal to limit signal VLIMIT at the time point t1, switch control signal VSW switches to low voltage level. Since switch SW1 is turned off and switch SW2 is turned on during this period, the charges stored in capacitor C1 is transmitted to capacitor C2. Based on charge distribution, the voltage level at memory terminal N2 of capacitor C2 can thus be updated to be the basis for determining the next limit signal V2 of the next period T2.
In other words, for a specific period, when the detecting signal VCS reaches the limit signal VLIMIT of this specific period at a specific time, the present embodiment samples the reference signal VREF(t) at this specific time and update the limit signal VLIMIT of this specific period according to the sampled reference signal VREF(t). The updated limit signal VLIMIT can further be outputted by the clamping circuit as the limit signal VLIMIT of the next period.
Reference is made to FIG. 4 for a diagram illustrating sample/hold circuit 700 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, sample/hold circuit 700 includes a switch SW2 and a pulse generator 60. Switch SW2 operates according to the pulse signal outputted by the pulse generator 60. In this embodiment, the voltage level of reference signal VREF(t) is retained at memory terminal N2 of capacitor C2. When switch SW2 is turned on, the voltage level at memory terminal N2 of capacitor C2 can thus be updated to be the basis for determining the limit signal of the next period.
Reference is made to FIG. 5 for a diagram illustrating the waveforms of the reference signal VREF(t) according to the embodiment of the present invention. Reference signal VREF(t) is a periodically time-varying signal which includes at least one rising section during the turn-on time of switch control signal VSW. The triangular and ramp signals depicted in FIG. 5 are merely for illustrative purpose and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Also, reference signal generator 618 can also be a built-in oscillator of driving circuit 616.
Reference is made to FIG. 6 for a diagram illustrating clamping circuit 612 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Clamping circuit 612 includes two diodes D1 and D2. The diodes D1 and D2 are coupled in series between bias voltages Vmax and Vmin. Clamping circuit 612 can maintain the value of the limit signal within a predetermined range to avoid system overload. Clamping circuit 612 depicted in FIG. 6 is merely for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the present invention.
According to the embodiments of the present invention, limit signals VLIMIT with different values are provided during different periods, and the limit signal VLIMIT of present period is determined and updated by switch control signal VSW of a previous period. In other words, when the detecting signal VCS reaches limit signal VLIMIT of each period, the present embodiment samples the reference signal VREF(t) and updates the limit signal VLIMIT of the next period according to the sampled reference signal VREF(t), as illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 illustrates a timing diagram when driving the switching power supply according to the present invention.
For example, the values of limit signal VLIMIT corresponding to the periods T1-T5 are respectively represented by V1-V5, while the time points when the detecting signal VLIMIT reaches limit signal V1-V5 during the periods T1-T5 are represented by t1-t5. In this embodiment, the reference signal VREF(t) is a ramp signal whose sampled value increases with the turn-on time of power switch 604. In other words, a higher input voltage VIN resulting in a shorter turn-on time of power switch 604 corresponds to a smaller value of limit signal VLIMIT. As a result, signal propagation delay can be compensated and a stable maximum current IP-MAX can thus be provided.
After entering period T1, power switch 604 is turned on. When the detecting signal VCS reaches reference signal VREF(t1) at t1, power switch 604 is turned off. Limit signal generator 610 then samples reference signal VREF(t), thereby setting the value V1 of limit signal VLIMIT to VREF(t1). Meanwhile, the primary coil stops to charge, while the secondary coil starts to discharge, as indicated by the dot line in FIG. 7. After entering period T2, power switch 604 is again turned on. Since period T1 has a short discharge time, some energy is still stored in the primary coil. Detecting signal VCS does not rise from zero after power switch 604 is again turned on, as shown in FIG. 7. When detecting signal VCS reaches the updated limit signal V1 at t2, power switch 604 is turned off. Limit signal generator 610 then samples reference signal VREF(t), thereby determining value V2 of limit signal VLIMIT to be VREF(t2), and so on and so forth. The present invention can regulate limit signal VLIMIT during each period so that limit signal VLIMIT gradually converges into a constant value (for example, V4=V5). With this approach, limit signal VLIMIT can remain in a stable state by swiftly updating its value in response to change in input voltage VIN.
On the other hand, the present invention can also improve sub-harmonic oscillation effectively. As shown in FIG. 7, when the duty cycle is over 50%, limit signal VLIMIT sampled at t2 is much smaller than that sampled at t1. Therefore, the duty cycle can be reduced to a reasonable range during the next period T3 to prevent sub-harmonic oscillation and provide stable output.
Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention.

## Claims

1. A switching power supply comprising:
a power switch which operates according to a switch control signal having an adjustable turn-on time;
an adjusting circuit for providing the switch control signal and adjusting the turn-on time of the switch control signal according to a limit signal and a detecting signal corresponding to a current passing the power switch; and
a limit signal generator configured for sampling a reference signal and updating the limit signal according to the sampled reference signal when the detecting signal exceeds or is equal to the limit signal.

2. The switching power supply of claim 1, wherein the limit signal generator further comprises:
a sample/hold circuit for providing the limit signal; and
a reference signal generator for providing the reference signal to the sample/hold circuit.

3. The switching power supply of claim 2, wherein the sample/hold circuit comprises:
a first switch which operates according to the switch control signal; and
a first capacitor having a first memory terminal for retaining the reference signal via the first switch.

4. The switching power supply of claim 3, wherein the sample/hold circuit further comprises:
a second switch which operates according to the switch control signal, wherein the first and second switches operate in a complimentary manner; and
a second capacitor having a second memory terminal for retaining the reference signal via the second switch.

5. The switching power supply of claim 1, wherein the reference signal includes at least a rising section during the turn-on time of the switch control signal.

6. The switching power supply of claim 1, further comprising:
a detecting circuit for generating the detecting signal by monitoring the current passing the power switch.

7. The switching power supply of claim 1, wherein the adjusting circuit comprises:
a comparator for generating a corresponding compare signal by comparing the limit signal with the detecting signal; and
a driving circuit for adjusting a duty cycle of the switch control signal according to the compare signal.

8. An integrated circuit which generates a switch control signal with an adjustable turn-on time for driving a power switch comprising:
an adjusting circuit for providing the switch control signal and adjusting the turn-on time of the switch control signal according to a limit signal and a detecting signal which corresponds to a current passing the power switch; and
a limit signal generator configured for sampling a reference signal and updating the limit signal according to the sampled reference signal when the detecting signal exceeds or is equal to the limit signal.

9. The integrated circuit of claim 8, wherein the limit signal generator further comprises:
a sample/hold circuit for providing the limit signal; and
a reference signal generator for providing the reference signal to the sample/hold circuit.

10. The integrated circuit of claim 9, wherein the sample/hold circuit comprises:
a first switch which operates according to the switch control signal; and
a first capacitor having a first memory terminal for retaining the reference signal via the first switch.

11. The integrated circuit of claim 10, wherein the sample/hold circuit further comprises:
a second switch which operates according to the switch control signal, wherein the first and second switches operate in a complimentary manner; and
a second capacitor having a second memory terminal for retaining the reference signal via the second switch.

12. The integrated circuit of claim 8, wherein the limit signal generator further comprises:
a clamping circuit for limiting the limit signal within a predetermined range.

13. The integrated circuit of claim 8 wherein the reference signal includes at least a rising section during the turn-on time of the switch control signal.

14. The integrated circuit of claim 13 wherein the reference signal is a ramp signal.

15. The integrated circuit of claim 8 further comprising:
a detecting circuit for generating the detecting signal by monitoring the current passing the power switch.

16. The integrated circuit of claim 8 wherein the adjusting circuit comprises:
a comparator for generating a corresponding compare signal by comparing the limit signal with the detecting signal; and
a driving circuit for adjusting a duty cycle of the switch control signal according to the compare signal.

17. A method for controlling a switching power supply comprising:
turning on or turning off a power switch according to a switch control signal;
providing a detecting signal according to a current passing the power switch;
adjusting a turn-on time of the switch control signal according to the detecting signal and a limit signal;
sampling a reference signal when the detecting signal exceeds or is equal to the limit signal; and
updating the limit signal according to the sampled reference signal.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:
limiting the limit signal within a predetermined range.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising:
providing the reference signal which includes at least a rising section during the turn-on time of the switch control signal.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising:
providing a ramp signal as the reference signal.