A buck converter is a step down DC/DC converter used in
portable electronic devices to convert higher DC voltages to small voltages
necessary to function. Lossless load current sensing ability is one of the most
desirable features of contemporary current or voltage mode controlled DC/DC
converters. Recently, current sensing techniques in DC/DC converters that use
the existing inductor series DC resistance (DCR) are gaining attention due to
their reduced complexity and minimized loss. This is important for critical
monitoring of output within the device. The increase in the use of DCR sensing
techniques creates a need for a built in self test to monitor DCR.
Researchers at Arizona State University have invented a
DC/DC buck regulator with a built-in self-test (BIST) and a digital lossless
current sensing method. The Technology presented has a digitally controlled buck
regulator with an inductor BIST and a digital lossless load current sensing
scheme and is digitally controlled. In addition, the proposed technology can
sense load (filter) the inductance value and potential shorts or faults in its
load.
Potential Applications
- Any device that uses DC/DC converter
- Laptops
- Cell phones
- Portable Electronic Devices
Best suited where monitoring output is critical
- Industrial
- Military
- Medical
- Aerospace
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