Patent ID: 8487604

Claim:
A multi-phase DC-to-DC converter, comprising: an asymmetrical coupled inductor, including: a first and a second winding each having a respective first end and a respective second end, each first end electrically coupled to a common first node; and a core formed of a magnetic material and magnetically coupling together the windings; the core configured such that a leakage inductance value of the first winding is greater than a leakage inductance value of the second winding; a first switching circuit electrically coupled to the second end of the first winding and configured to switch the second end between at least two different voltages; a second switching circuit electrically coupled to the second end of the second winding and configured to switch the second end between at least two different voltages; and at least one controller for controlling operation of the first and second switching circuits, the controller configured to shut down the second switching circuit while the first switching circuit remains operational during a light load operating condition.