Patent ID: 10594217

Abstract:
An asymmetric two-stage DC-DC switching converter, using multi-stage phases, in parallel to single-stage phases, to supply an output voltage, is described. An intermediate voltage supply is used to provide supply to some second-stage phases. Several different silicon dies are used to implement a multi-phase DC-DC switching converter, where different phases are located on different dies, and different silicon processes are used to implement the different dies. The silicon die containing the faster phases, and the fast-response control circuitry, is placed closer to the load, than the silicon die containing the slower phases, and the larger value inductors. A single control signal is used to control all the single-stage and second-stage phases. A way of implementing a control scheme for the second-stage phases that allows them to operate independently from the first-stage phases, but still regulate correctly in the DC-DC switching converter system, is described. Specifically details are provided how offsets between the first-stage and second-stage systems can be reduced or eliminated, with an optional auto-calibration routine.