Patent ID: 8410769

Claim:
A controller for use with a circuit having first and second switches and configured to select a mode of operation, comprising: a pulse-width modulation mode of operation wherein said controller is configured to alternately enable conduction of said first and second switches with primary and complementary duty cycles, respectively, in response to an output characteristic of said circuit during a switching cycle; a light current mode of operation wherein said controller is configured to: alternately enable conduction of said first and second switches with said primary and complementary duty cycles, respectively, in response to said output characteristic of said circuit during said switching cycle, and control a level of current of said first switch when said alternately enabling conduction of said first and second switched is disabled; a recharge mode of operation wherein said controller is configured to: alternately enable conduction of said first and second switches with said primary and complementary duty cycles, respectively, in response to said output characteristic of said circuit during said switching cycle, enable conduction of said first switch with said primary duty cycle of said switching cycle up to an upper current threshold level and thereafter control said level of current of said first switch, enable conduction of said second switch with said complementary duty cycle of said switching cycle, and disable conduction of said second switch when a current associated with said second switch reaches a lower current threshold level; and a hybrid mode of operation wherein said controller is configured to: alternately enable conduction of said first and second switches with said primary and complementary duty cycles, respectively, in response to said output characteristic of said circuit during said switching cycle, enable conduction of said first switch with said primary duty cycle of said switching cycle until said output characteristic of said circuit exceeds an upper output characteristic threshold level and thereafter control said level of current of said first switch, enable conduction of said second switch with said complementary duty cycle of said switching cycle, and disable conduction of said second switch and terminate said switching cycle when said output characteristic crosses a lower output characteristic threshold level.