Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Method and apparatus for multi-phase DC-DC converters using coupled inductors in discontinuous conduction mode

Abstract:

A multiphase DC-DC converter includes a coupled inductor, N phases of the multiphase DC-DC converter, and a controller, where N is an integer greater than 2. The coupled inductor includes a plurality of inductors. Each inductor is coupled to two neighboring inductors or to rest of the inductors. The N phases of the multiphase DC-DC converter are respectively connected to the plurality of inductors. The controller operates the multiphase DC-DC converter in continuous conduction mode and in discontinuous conduction mode. Body diodes of switches in the N phases do not conduct when the multiphase DC-DC converter operates in discontinuous conduction mode.